Tom Selleck's Non-famous First Wife Is Called 'Much Prettier' than Jillie Mack – Her Rare Photos
Tom Selleck has been married to his second wife for over 30 years, while his first marriage lasted just over a decade. Many have pointed out the striking similarities in the facial features of both women. Curious about how they compare? Let's take a closer look at the striking resemblances between these two women.
Tom Selleck's first wife is being compared to Jillie Mack, with many calling her "much prettier." Apart from the two women, the veteran star's personal life, relationships, and choices have shaped who he is today.
Tom Selleck and Jillie Mack on October 4, 2017, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Selleck first rose to fame through his iconic role in the hit television 1980 series, "Magnum P.I." At the height of his career, the actor and film producer chose to leave the show to focus on his family, having realized how stifling fame could be.
Tom Selleck on the set of "Magnum, P.I.," 1982 | Source: Getty Images
He admitted that, while he understood what public life entailed, he didn't feel suited for it. Selleck explained that he left not because he disliked the series but because he was exhausted and craved a more well-rounded life.
His brief hiatus turned into years when he found the roles being offered weren't appealing. During this period, he faced rumors of his career being over but used the time to gain perspective.
Tom Selleck on May 23, 1985, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
In the 1990s, Selleck returned to acting, taking roles on "Friends" and "The Closer," as well as starring in the "Jesse Stone" TV movies, before landing the role of Frank Reagan on "Blue Bloods," alongside Donnie Wahlberg.
It was through his acting career that Selleck met actress and "Magnum P.I." co-star Jillie Mack in 1983 while she was performing in the musical "Cats" in London. The two married in August 1987 and welcomed their daughter, Hannah Selleck, the following year.
Jillie Mack and Tom Selleck on September 20, 1987, in Pasadena, California | Source: Getty Images
Selleck has often expressed his appreciation for the deep friendship he shares with his wife, noting that Mack's sense of humor is one of the things he loves most about her.
Jillie Mack and Tom Selleck on December 9, 2008, in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
The actor, a self-described private person who values balance, stated, "I've always treasured the balance between work and time with my family. It's always about them."
Tom Selleck, Jillie Mack, Hannah Selleck, and guest attend the Los Angeles premiere of "Meet The Robinsons," 2007 | Source: Getty Images
When he's not filming "Blue Bloods" in New York City, Selleck spends his time at home with his wife, Mack, on their ranch in Ventura, California. Reflecting on what grounds him, the TV star shared, "My relationships and my ranch keep me sane."
Tom Selleck on August 27, 2006, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Selleck is the epitome of a devoted family man. His wife, Mack, their daughter, Hannah, and his adult son, Kevin — whom he shares with his ex-wife — are always his top priority.
Tom Selleck and Jillie Mack during 8th Anniversary of the Grand Havana Room and the Premiere of James Orr's Documentaries on the Fuente Family on July 25, 2003, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Selleck's second marriage to Mack followed after his first marriage landed on the rocks. He married former actress and model Jacqueline Ray in May 1971, with whom he co-starred in "Magnum P.I." However, their relationship started to unravel after several years.
Tom Selleck and Jacquelyn Ray pictured on December 1, 1974, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
In a March 1982 interview, Selleck opened up about their separation, which began in 1979 after ten years of marriage. "It's one of the great sorrows of my life that we can't be together—I'd always planned to be married for the rest of my life," he shared.
Tom Selleck and Jacqueline Ray on September 19, 1982, in Pasadena, California | Source: Getty Images
Despite living apart, he emphasized that they remained close and had not pursued a divorce. He also expressed sadness about being away from Kevin, Ray's son from a previous marriage, whom Selleck called "the only child I have."
Tom Selleck and Jacqueline Ray on January 28, 1978, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
Selleck strongly rejected rumors that their separation coincided with his rise to fame. "That's the cliché, that's the meaty story: Spouse Dumps Spouse After She Gives Him the Best Years of Her Life. But it's not true, and it's not nice, or fair, or kind," he said, clarifying that their separation occurred "a full six months before I even shot the pilot of Magnum."
Tom Selleck and Jacqueline Ray on May 1, 1980, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Selleck revealed that his personal struggles influenced his role in "Divorce Wars," where he played a lawyer going through a difficult separation. He acknowledged that while the role drew from his own experiences, it didn't offer him any emotional release.
Tom Selleck and Jacquelyn Ray at Robert Colbert's birthday party on October 4, 1975, in Malibu, California. | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, Selleck admitted that his uncertainty about his life kept him from pursuing serious relationships. He explained that he was cautious about getting deeply involved while still figuring things out, even warning some women he dated that if he didn't call for days, it wasn't due to lack of interest but because he was "a flake."
Tom Selleck during a brunch on July 1, 1981, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
The Emmy Award winner and Ray finalized their divorce in August 1982 after 11 years of marriage. Now, decades later, some AmoMama users are drawing comparisons between Ray and his current wife, noting similarities in their appearance.
Kevin Shepard, Tom Selleck, and Jacqueline Ray on September 19, 1982, in Pasadena, California | Source: Getty Images
A side-by-side image captures Selleck with both women at different points in his life. Ray is seen with blonde hair, while Mack sports brown locks with bangs. Despite the time and differences in hairstyle, both women flash radiant smiles in the photos.
Regarding who looks more beautiful, AmoMama readers have shared their thoughts and weighed in on the comparison. "The first wife," said one person. Another echoed, "First wife is much prettier. No offense. Just the truth." One individual observed, "I think the first wife is the prettiest."
Jacqueline Ray and Tom Selleck attend the 35th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 28, 1978, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Someone else admitted, "I didn't know he had a first wife," adding, "I'll have to say his first wife is prettier." "First wife is beautiful. His current wife is pixie cute," noted one user. Although some people believe Selleck's first spouse is more visually appealing, others noted their resemblance. "They look very similar to each other so does it really matter?" penned one user.
Jillie Mack and Tom Selleck at the Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Awards on January 17, 2018, in Miami Beach, Florida. | Source: Getty Images
Another added, "They look alike, but the first one is cute." Someone else assumed, "He has [a] type. They both look similar." "He has a type because they look the same, to me!" echoed another.
Tom Selleck and Jillie Mack at the Los Angeles screening of "Killers" on June 1, 2010, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
In the end, while Tom Selleck's love life has seen its ups and downs, he has found lasting happiness with Jillie Mack. Despite the comparisons between his former and current wife, Selleck's focus remains on his family and the cherished bond he shares with them. Readers may debate appearances but for Selleck, the deep connection and friendship matter most.