Tom Selleck, the former star of Magnum P.I., found himself in a surprising twist of events when a private investigator caught him in the act of stealing water for his avocado farm. This landed him in hot water with the city.
To uncover the truth, Selleck had to shell out a hefty sum of $22,000 to cover the costs of the private investigator. Despite being caught taking water during a severe drought, he managed to avoid fines, although the city did not take this lightly.
Known for his ruggedly handsome appearance and beloved mustache, Selleck rose to fame through his portrayal of Thomas Magnum, a Navy SEAL turned private investigator, earning him a Primetime Emmy. However, his commitment to the show prevented him from taking on other roles, such as the iconic Indiana Jones character in Raiders of the Lost Ark, played by Harrison Ford.
Following the conclusion of Magnum P.I. after its eight-year run in 1988, Selleck appeared in various films, including the Three Men and a Baby franchise alongside Steve Guttenberg and Ted Danson, Quigley Down Under (1990), and In & Out (1997).
His popularity soared when he took on the recurring role of Dr. Richard Burke in Friends, where he portrayed the much older love interest of Monica, played by Courtney Cox.
In 2007 to 2008, Selleck played the role of a former marine and owner of a hotel and casino in the TV series Las Vegas. Since 2010, he has been starring in the TV series Blue Bloods, where he plays the lead role of NYC Commissioner Frank Reagan, who also served in the marines.
Alongside his acting career, Selleck led a busy life. He served as a Sergeant with the National Guard from 1967 to 1973 and eventually sought refuge from Hollywood’s demands by moving to an isolated avocado farm with his family in 1988, after leaving Magnum P.I.
The sprawling Hidden Valley property, spanning 65 acres, was previously owned by Den Martin. It features a 1926 ranch house, a horse corral, and a 20-acre working avocado farm, which Selleck harvests in late spring. The farm provides the family with privacy and an abundance of avocados but also became the center of controversy.
During California’s four-year drought, which prompted mandatory water cutbacks, it was revealed that water from a hydrant within the Calleguas Municipal Water District was tapped and delivered to Selleck’s ranch. The district filed a complaint against him, alleging water theft.
Selleck’s attorney, Marty Singer, stated that while the actor paid for the water he used, the Calleguas Municipal Water District acknowledged that it was not stolen.
Despite his iconic roles and financial success, Selleck values privacy and cherishes the balance between work and time with his family. The ranch and avocado farm have played a significant role in achieving that balance.
