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.

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.

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.

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, the following year.

Selleck has often expressed his appreciation for the deep friendship he shares with his wife, noting that Jillie’s sense of humor is one of the things he loves most about her.

The actor, a self-described private person, values the balance between his career and family life, stating, “I’ve always treasured the balance between work and time with my family. It’s always about them.”

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.” 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.

While Selleck’s second marriage to Mack has been successful, his first marriage did not have the same outcome. 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.

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.

Despite living apart, he emphasized that they remained close and had not pursued 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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

When it comes to 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.”

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 stated the two women look alike. “They look very similar to each other so does it really matter?” penned one user.

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.

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, it’s the deep connection and friendship that matter most.