02/27/2025
Tom Selleckās life changed forever when he attended Cats in London and found himself entranced by a young, talented performer named Jillie Mack. It was 1983, and Jillie was captivating audiences as the mischievous and energetic Rumpleteazer in Andrew Lloyd Webberās wildly popular musical. For Tom, who was in London during a break from filming Magnum, P.I., the decision to see the show came almost by chance. However, from the moment Jillie took the stage, he couldnāt take his eyes off her. There was something about her the graceful movements, the infectious energy, and the undeniable spark she brought to her performance that left Tom completely mesmerized.
Despite being a global star at the time, Tom was not one to use his fame recklessly. After the show, rather than sending an assistant or relying on his celebrity status to arrange a meeting, he approached Jillie in person. Their first conversation was casual yet memorable. Tom was immediately drawn to Jillieās warmth and wit, and she, in turn, was charmed by his genuine interest and down-to-earth demeanor. What began as a shared appreciation for theater soon blossomed into something deeper.
Jillie, a native of Devizes, England, had grown up far from the world of Hollywood glitz and glamour. Before Cats, she had danced her way through various productions, earning a reputation as a dedicated and talented performer. Tom, on the other hand, was navigating the heights of fame in America, where his portrayal of Thomas Magnum had made him a television icon. Their worlds couldnāt have been more different, yet their connection was instant and undeniable.
After their initial meeting, Tom began finding excuses to stay longer in London. He was captivated not only by Jillieās talent but also by her down-to-earth personality and quick humor. The two started spending more time together, exploring the city and enjoying quiet dinners away from the public eye. For Tom, who had always valued privacy, Jillieās grounded nature was a refreshing contrast to the often superficial world of show business.
When Tom eventually returned to the United States, the couple continued their relationship long-distance. Jillie would visit him in Hawaii, where Magnum, P.I. was being filmed, and the two worked hard to maintain their connection despite their demanding schedules. Over time, their bond only grew stronger, and it became clear to both that they had found something rare and worth holding onto.
By 1987, after four years of dating, Tom and Jillie made the decision to marryābut in true Selleck fashion, they wanted their wedding to remain as private as possible. The couple arranged a secret ceremony in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and took great care to keep the details out of the public eye. They even hired an alias for Tom to ensure their special day wouldnāt be disrupted by paparazzi. On August 7, 1987, with only a handful of close friends and family in attendance, Tom and Jillie exchanged vows in an intimate and heartfelt ceremony.
Following their wedding, the couple chose to settle down away from the spotlight, prioritizing family life over the demands of Hollywood. They purchased a sprawling ranch in Ventura County, California, where they raised their daughter, Hannah, and embraced a quieter lifestyle. Tom famously scaled back his career commitments to focus on being present for his family, often saying that his greatest joy came from being a husband and father.
Now in their 70s, Tom and Jillie have been married for over 37 years a rarity in the world of Hollywood. Their relationship, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to privacy, remains one of the most heartwarming love stories in the industry. At 79 years old, Tom continues to act but always prioritizes his family above all else.
