At 80, Tom Selleck

Tom Selleck, now 80, recently reflected on the strong influence James Garner had on both his career and personal life.

He described Garner not only as a friend, but also as an important mentor during the early years of his television success.

When Selleck was starring in Magnum, P.I., he often turned to Garner for advice, knowing he was already a respected television legend.

Garner had built his reputation through major roles in Maverick and The Rockford Files, becoming someone many actors looked up to.

Selleck said Garner taught him more about leading a successful series through his actions than any formal acting lesson ever could.

He admired Garner’s professionalism, humility, and easygoing personality, calling him the standard by which he measured others in the industry.

According to Selleck, Garner was one of Hollywood’s kindest and most generous people, always willing to support younger actors without expecting anything in return. He says he still follows that example both as an actor and as a person.