Tom Selleck, who is 80 years old, recently talked about his long-admired friend and mentor James Garner as he considers the individuals who influenced his life and work. Selleck disclosed that in the early days of Magnum, P.I., he frequently sought advice from Garner, who was already a television icon from Maverick and The Rockford Files. He acknowledged that no acting lesson could have taught him more about running a series than Garner’s professionalism, modesty, and laid-back charm.

Additionally, Selleck revealed the straightforward fact he has upheld for decades: James Garner was the gold standard. He hailed Garner as one of Hollywood’s most giving and nicest people, helping up-and-coming actors without asking anything in return. Selleck said he still tries to live by Garner’s example, both on set and in life, and credits him with shaping the man and actor he eventually became.