Magnum PI: Have Stache And Hawaiian Shirt, Will Investigate

By | June 22, 2021

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The unforgettable Ferrari that was almost a porsche. (cnet)

Magnum P.I. became one of the highest-ranking and most beloved television shows, thanks to Tom Selleck, Hawaii, and a great car. For eight years starting in 1980, Selleck and his iconic red Ferrari 308 GTS delivered the picturesque views of Hawaii to the delight of millions. Besides the tropical paradise, the strapping 6’4’’ Selleck with his majestic mustache also enraptured viewers of all genders. As with many classic television shows, the production owed much of its success not only to the Selleck eye-candy factor but also his input on the character. Without him, Magnum would have more closely resembled James Bond. Here are all things Magnum P.I.

James Magnum?

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The iconic Magnum P.I. uniform was all Selleck. (Getty)

Prior to Selleck coming onto Magnum P.I., executive producer Donald P. Bellisario recalled, “it was not the best script I’d ever read. It was a rip on 007. It was about a guy, a private eye named Magnum who was ex-CIA who lived in a house on a cliff, and he had this ferocious killer dog… and he would fly hang-gliders with machine guns on the wings.” Selleck candidly told Bellisario, “I’ll pound roofing nails before I shoot this.”

His threat held weight since the towering actor infamously turned down Indiana Jones due to scheduling conflicts with Magnum P.I. Selleck reflected on the portentous decision, "I did the right thing. I kept my word. I lived up to the contract. I think I have a hyperactive sense of responsibility. Some actors, that kind of thing might’ve killed them."