Hollywood is the place where dreams are made, but the number of people who get there and manage to stay is limited to those most talented and most fortunate.

Having a successful career in the film industry isn’t something many can brag about, but luckily for us, Tom Selleck is one of those celebs who has been on TV for many years.

This actor’s big break came when he was cast in the lead role as Thomas Magnum in Magnum, P.I., which brough him five Emmy Award nominations, winning one in 1985.

Shutterstock/Kathy Hutchins

Before reaching stardom, however, he landed minor roles in films and series, played in a number of commercials, and made a pair of appearances on The Dating Game. Speaking of the game show, he recalled, “Humiliating and embarrassing. I lost. Twice. I wasn’t particularly funny or glib.” Selleck was then offered a spot on 20th Century Fox’s talent program, where he spent around two years before taking leave to do six months of active duty. Once he returned, he was dropped, but that didn’t break his spirit.

“The luckiest thing that happened was that I didn’t get a real job until I was 35,” Selleck shared with AARP. “When I was 25, I looked 35 but sounded 15. There are a lot of very good actors who make it as younger leading men but don’t graduate — because the audience won’t accept them as grown up.”

Magnum P.I. came at the time when he was almost ready to give up chasing a career as an actor. “I think if Magnum hadn’t worked out, I’d never have worked again in this business,” he shared in an interview with Closer Weekly.