Tom Selleck Discusses the “Danger” Of Doing A Show For So Many Years And How He Avoided That With Frank Reagan After Blue Bloods’ Series Finale
Tom Selleck, the iconic actor best known for his role as Frank Reagan on Blue Bloods, recently opened up about the challenges and rewards of being part of a long-running TV series. As the show wraps up its run, Selleck reflects on the “danger” of being attached to a single character for so many years and how he navigated this delicate balance during his time on the show.
The “Danger” of Staying in One Role for Too Long
For many actors, the idea of portraying the same character over an extended period can be daunting. Selleck acknowledges that while playing Frank Reagan on Blue Bloods for over a decade was a rewarding experience, it did come with its own set of challenges. “There’s a danger in doing a show for that long,” Selleck admitted. “You can get trapped in that character, and it can start to define you in ways that aren’t helpful. It can be hard to separate yourself from that role.”
Selleck’s concerns aren’t unique. Many actors who star in long-running series face the risk of being typecast, limiting their opportunities for other kinds of roles. Over time, this can take a toll on their personal identity and career, especially as the character becomes more synonymous with their public persona.
However, Selleck’s approach to playing Frank Reagan allowed him to avoid these pitfalls. By making deliberate efforts to distinguish himself from the character, he was able to retain a sense of individuality throughout the show’s run.
Navigating the Role of Frank Reagan
Selleck spoke about the importance of keeping Frank Reagan grounded in reality, and how he worked to ensure the character remained dynamic and evolving. “Frank’s a man who’s always trying to do the right thing, but that doesn’t mean he’s perfect,” he explained. “The key is to give him depth, make him relatable, and let him grow over the years.”
Throughout the series, viewers watched Frank navigate complex family dynamics, tough decisions, and the challenges of being a police commissioner in New York City. Selleck’s portrayal of Frank was marked by a calm, commanding presence that resonated with fans, but it also showcased the vulnerability and emotional weight the character carried.
One of the ways Selleck kept his portrayal of Frank fresh was by making sure the character was never static. “I didn’t want Frank to become a caricature,” he said. “As long as I felt like I was still being challenged, still discovering things about the character, I knew I was on the right track.”
Moving Beyond Frank Reagan
As Blue Bloods heads toward its series finale, Selleck is looking forward to what’s next. While the role of Frank Reagan will always be one of his most memorable, Selleck is eager to explore new opportunities. “I’ve had a long career with many different roles, and I’m grateful for each of them,” he shared. “But I’m ready to move on and see what else is out there. I’m not Frank Reagan, and I don’t want to be defined by him for the rest of my life.”
For Selleck, the key to avoiding the “danger” of being tied too closely to a single character is to embrace change and continue to challenge himself as an actor. As he transitions away from Blue Bloods, fans can be assured that Selleck’s career will continue to evolve in exciting and unexpected ways.
