See a Young Tom Selleck in 1976’s ‘Midway’—His Blink-and-You’ll-Miss-It Early Role
The future 'Magnum, P.I.' star had a brief part in this WWII film—sans his iconic mustache
Key Takeaways
- Tom Selleck made a brief appearance in the 1976 war film 'Midway.'
- Though a minor role, Selleck showed off his mustache-free face in it.
- Having served in the military himself, Selleck has a great admiration for veterans.
Before he was Thomas Magnum, Frank Reagan or Jesse Stone, Tom Selleck was an aspiring actor with his sights set on the big screen—and in order to make it there, he had to prove he had what it takes. Tom Selleck’s early career was filled with guest roles on a variety of series, ranging from Bracken’s World to The Young and the Restless, and along the way, he made a stop on the 1976 war film Midway. In the WWII-set movie, Selleck had a minimal role where he shined without his signature ‘stache, and it’s one that fans love to look back on to see how far he’s come. Here, remembering Tom Selleck in Midway.
‘Midway’ had a star-studded cast
Though folks might not think of Midway when reflecting on their favorite war films, it’s one to remember for its cast alone. Henry Fonda took the lead as Navy Admiral Chester Nimitz, whose team discovers an attack is planned on Midway Island in the wake of the attack on Pearl Harbor. With their knowledge, they must do what they can to prevent this deadly ambush, going up against Japanese forces in a grisly battle. Starring alongside Fonda was Charlton Heston as Captain Matt Garth, with his son played by Edward Albert. Pat Morita, Robert Wagner, James Coburn and Glenn Ford also appeared in this film, but next time you catch this flick, keep your eyes peeled for a young Tom Selleck—You might miss him!
Tom Selleck in ‘Midway’
Tom Selleck’s role in Midway was minimal, credited as an aide to Captain Cyril Simard, but seeing the young, pre-Magnum actor on screen sans mustache is a treat! Plus, being a veteran himself, serving in the National Guard not long before this film came out, there’s something even more special about this role.
“I was a sergeant in the U.S. Army infantry, National Guard, Vietnam era. We’re all brothers and sisters in that sense,” the actor told Military.com. “And then I was going to be drafted, and I got into an infantry National Guard unit and did six months active duty in the middle of my time at Fox. I had my job when I came back, and then they fired me,” he revealed.
Luckily, Selleck eventually would land his role in Magnum, P.I., which would change the trajectory of his life and career, and since then, he often shines in roles where he serves and protects others—and that’s something we can get behind!
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