Tom Selleck's Adopted Son Kevin Followed His Footsteps until Drug Addiction Affected His Career
Tom Selleck is a veteran actor who has stuck with Hollywood over the decades and shows no signs of retiring any time soon. His son Kevin, however, left the spotlight after enjoying fame for a few years.
Tom Selleck is a renowned actor best-known in modern times for playing the role of Frank Reagan in the hit CBS show, "Blue Bloods," but before that, he rose to fame for his iconic role in "Magnum P.I."
His on-screen work was steady since he started in the industry and appeared on "Friends," "The Closer," and "Jesse Stone" TV movies.
Tom Selleck poses for the series "Blue Bloods." | Source: Getty Images
Unfortunately, none of Tom's kids followed in his footsteps and stayed in the industry. His daughter, Hannah, whom he shares with his wife, actress Jillie Mack, completely shut down the idea and became an award-winning equestrian.
Meanwhile, his adopted son, Kevin Shepard, whom he shares with his first wife Jacqueline Ray, tried an acting career for a short while. Although it didn't turn out well, Kevin is still a name known to some people.
Hannah Selleck participates in the Longines Masters of Los Angeles in California on October 3, 2015 | Photo: Getty Images
KEVIN'S ON-SCREEN CAREER
Kevin nearly rose to fame on the small screen in the 80s, appearing in one of his dad's most notable roles on "Magnum, P.I." in 1980. In 1997, he helped with the soundtrack for the classic horror, "Scream 2."
Unfortunately, that was the end of Kevin's short-lived Hollywood career. However, despite stepping out from the limelight, Kevin still faced the press snooping to know about his personal life.
It was no secret that Kevin struggled with drug addiction that would end with him going to the Betty Ford Rehabilitation Center. Safe to say, his road to recovery went well.
KEVIN'S RUN IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
After his stint in Hollywood, Kevin joined a band called Tonic, which saw Emerson Hart as lead vocalist, Jeff Russo as backup vocals and lead guitarist, and Dan Lavery and Dan Rothchild on bass guitar.
Kevin, on the other hand, was the man on the drums. In 1996, the band released their first album, "Lemon Parade," enjoyed three hit singles, and saw the album go Platinum.
Unfortunately, Tonic disbanded after the band members faced heavy tension. When they could no longer work together, Kevin left and attempted to jumpstart his music career to no avail.
KEVIN'S LIFE TODAY
Since then, Kevin has opted to remain away from the spotlight. Aside from marrying Annabelle Selleck, there's not much reported about him, and his current career path remains unknown.
As for his dad Tom, everyone knows where the actor is these days and where he'll be in the future. Previously, Tom said that he didn't think "Blue Blood's" was going anywhere for a while. Speaking to People, the "Three Men and a Baby" actor said:
"I don't think there is an endpoint," regarding the family drama series about procedural law set in New York City."
The former "Magnum P.I." star is delighted with the cast of the CBS series, pointing out how their interactions are drama-free compared to previous roles he's taken up.
The actor's ranch boasts of over 1,500 native trees and an avocado farm.
There's Bridget Moynahan, Donnie Wahlberg, and Will Estes. "I love them all," Selleck said of his co-stars. He added that dinner party scenes in the show "are like a reunion of friends."
Sometimes, he says, the actors play around so much that the director struggles to get them to concentrate. Selleck called the group's relationship a blessing.
Tom Selleck as Thomas Magnum in "Magnum P.I." circa 1981 | Source: Getty Images
However, there have been rumors of the 76-year-old actor exiting the long-running "Blue Bloods" to focus more on his family. This news came a few months after the beloved police drama was renewed for its 12th season in April.
With Tom playing the head of the Raegan family, New York police commissioner Frank, many wonder what the show will be like without him.
On the show, Frank was offered a new role that would take him away from the NYPD. Regardless of his acceptance or not, it is no guarantee that Tom will be taken out of the show.
A FAMILY MAN
Although Tom chose to become a celebrity, he never chose fame and glory over his family, nor did he compromise their privacy for his job. Tom said:
"I'm a fairly private person, and I've always treasured the balance between work and time with my family. It's always about them."
When the cameras stop rolling, Tom goes home to his wife and daughter in their Ventura, California, ranch, which he deeply treasures. The actor's ranch boasts of over 1,500 native trees and an avocado farm.
Tom Selleck at The Paley Center for Media on October 16, 2017 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images
"I do grunt work, and I make the rounds," Tom shared. "I like watching things grow. It's a retreat." Meanwhile, the other home associated with Tom is the one featured in the "Jesse Stone" series, which was recently put up for sale.
Tom certainly balanced his life between work and family for decades and perhaps inspired other celebrities to lead the same life and career.