In his latest memoir, "You Never Know," Tom Selleck shares personal stories and reflects on his journey to becoming a Hollywood star. The 339-page book delves into his time on the set of "Magnum, P.I.," where he gained widespread fame playing Thomas Magnum, the laid-back detective known for his Hawaiian shirts. Despite his success, Selleck stays grounded, prioritizing personal growth over seeking revenge or discussing politics.

Hollywood Struggles and Fascinating Insider Stories

One standout aspect of the memoir is Selleck's early struggles in Hollywood. He recalls a challenging start on "The Dating Game," where he faced embarrassment. However, these setbacks led to significant career opportunities.

Selleck shares about times when he said no to chances, like when he turned down being Indiana Jones in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" because he had already promised to do other things. Even though he felt let down, he stayed hopeful and thankful for the chances he had gotten in his career.

Another captivating element of the memoir involves Selleck's insider stories. Selleck shares his encounters with iconic personalities like Frank Sinatra. Sinatra's notable guest spot on "Magnum, P.I." during Season 7 is remembered for his insistence on participating in a fight scene despite his weakened state. Although a mishap with a camera flash initially jeopardized the scene, it ultimately resulted in the highest-rated episode in two years. Sinatra's expenses for the appearance were hefty but worth it.

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Dancing With Princess Diana

During an interview, Selleck discussed being invited, alongside Clint Eastwood and John Travolta, to a special event in Washington, D.C., involving Princess Diana. Although he was busy filming in Hawaii, Selleck felt honored by the invitation.

Travolta became the center of attention at the event as he danced with Princess Diana. Selleck and Eastwood stayed on the sidelines, not wanting to overshadow the moment. Despite pressure from a British woman to intervene, Selleck firmly declined, refusing to cut in on Travolta's dance. Eventually, Selleck did join Princess Diana for a third dance, describing her as lovely and shy despite her polished conversational skills. 

He vividly remembered the nervousness he and Eastwood felt, anticipating they might be asked to dance. Selleck eventually danced with Princess Diana, apologizing for his lack of dancing skills, to which she graciously responded. He observed Princess Diana genuinely enjoying herself at the event. Furthermore, Selleck's wife, Jillie, had the chance to dance with Prince Charles, creating a memorable moment for her.

During their dance, Selleck apologized to Princess Diana for his lack of dancing skills, explaining that he had skipped cotillion classes as a child. He expressed reluctance to attempt complicated dance moves, opting to engage in conversation instead. Even though he was anxious, Selleck discovered that Princess Diana was gracious and skilled at conversing with others, leaving a lasting impression on him.

Selleck's charming and lively narrative style throughout the memoir captivates readers, providing insight into the life of a celebrated Hollywood figure. "You Never Know" is essential reading for both Selleck fans and those curious about the intricacies of show business.

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