Tom Selleck's TV Debut from Six Decades Ago Revealed

The iconic actor's early appearances on "The Dating Game" show a different side of the star.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:23pm

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In honor of Tom Selleck's 81st birthday, a look back at the actor's very first TV appearances from six decades ago, including his debut on the popular game show "The Dating Game" in 1965 and 1967 when he was just a college student. The young, clean-shaven Selleck showcased a different side of himself compared to his later rugged, mustachioed roles in shows like "Magnum P.I." and "Blue Bloods". Selleck reflected on those early career moments, including a failed audition and a memorable Dubonnet commercial with Farrah Fawcett, as he rose to stardom in the 1980s.

Why it matters

Revisiting Selleck's humble TV beginnings provides insight into the evolution of the iconic actor's career, from his early days as an unknown college student to becoming a household name. It also highlights how an actor's on-screen persona can shift dramatically over the course of their career.

The details

In 1965, the then-20-year-old Selleck, a college senior at the University of Southern California, made his first appearance on the popular game show "The Dating Game". He returned to the show again in 1967, by which point he had dropped out of college to study acting at the Beverly Hills Playhouse. In those early appearances, Selleck was clean-shaven, showcasing a more youthful, boy-next-door look compared to the rugged, mustachioed persona he would become known for in later roles. Selleck reflected on those early career moments, including a failed audition for a Fox talent program and a memorable Dubonnet commercial with Farrah Fawcett, as he rose to stardom in the 1980s with his breakout role in "Magnum P.I."

  • In 1965, Selleck made his first appearance on "The Dating Game".
  • In 1967, Selleck appeared on "The Dating Game" again.
  • In a 2024 interview, Selleck looked back on his early career and "The Dating Game" appearances.

The players

Tom Selleck

An iconic American actor best known for his roles in TV shows like "Magnum P.I." and "Blue Bloods", as well as films like "Three Men and a Baby". Selleck made his TV debut in the 1960s on "The Dating Game".

Jim Lange

The host of "The Dating Game" who introduced the young Tom Selleck on the show.

Farrah Fawcett

The famous actress who appeared with Selleck in a Dubonnet commercial early in his career.

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What they’re saying

“Somebody saw me on The Dating Game and said, 'There's a talent program on Fox.'”

— Tom Selleck (Entertainment Tonight)

“I was always kind of a work in progress and had a lot of time to study. By age 32, I was getting better roles and gaining a lot of experience.”

— Tom Selleck (Hour Detroit)

“When I burst on the scene not as a young leading man but as a grown-up leading man, it turned out to be a huge advantage because I was relatively unknown at the time.”

— Tom Selleck (Hour Detroit)

The takeaway

Tom Selleck's early TV appearances on "The Dating Game" showcase the evolution of the iconic actor's career, from a clean-shaven college student to the rugged, mustachioed leading man he became known for. His reflections on those humble beginnings provide insight into how an actor's on-screen persona can dramatically shift over time as they gain experience and find their breakout roles.