Magnum PI Cast: Then and Now

The Magnum PI cast was featured in an action-packed detective drama that captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on popular culture. From its picturesque Hawaiian setting to its charismatic lead character, the show continues to be beloved by fans worldwide. And central to its success was the talented ensemble cast, each member bringing their own unique charm to the screen.

Magnum PI was a television series that aired from 1980 to 1988, spanning eight successful seasons. Created by Donald P. Bellisario and Glen A. Larson, the show followed the adventures of Thomas Magnum, a private investigator living in the luxurious estate of Robin’s Nest in Hawaii. Played by the charismatic Tom Selleck, Magnum navigated the sun-soaked shores of Oahu, solving cases, and often finding himself in thrilling predicaments. Alongside him were his trusted allies, including fellow Vietnam veterans and friends, as well as the lovable but mischievous Higgins, the estate’s caretaker.

The show was such a hit, that a Magnum PI reboot launched in 2018 and ran until 2022.

Here, we look at the original Magnum PI cast and where they are now.

Tom Selleck as Thomas Magnum

Born on January 29, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan, Tom Selleck plays the character of Thomas Magnum, a laid-back, yet resourceful, private investigator with a penchant for Hawaiian shirts and fast cars.

Prior to leading the Magnum PI cast, Selleck was a regular on the TV show Bracken’s World (1969-70) and he also had bit parts in several other popular series, including The Rockford Files, Taxi and and Charlie’s Angels.

Getting cast in Magnum PI was career defining for Selleck, whose movie credits during those years include High Road to China (1983), Lassiter (1984), Runway (1984) and Three Men and a Baby, which was the highest grossing movies of 1987 (and would lead, three years later, to the sequel Three Man and a Little Lady).

Audiences will also remember him as Monica’s older boyfriend, Dr. Richard Burke, on 10 episodes of Friends. Between 2007 and 2008 he starred as A.J. Cooper in 19 episodes of the Las Vegas series, and then there were over a dozen made-for-TV movies, including eight Jessse Stone adventures based on the novels by Robert B. Parker. In 2010 he began portraying NYPD Police Commissioner Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods.

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John Hillerman as Jonathan Quayle Higgins III: Magnum PI Cast

Born on December 20, 1932, in Denison, Texas, John Hillerman played the role of Jonathan Quayle Higgins III, the stern but endearing British caretaker of Robin’s Nest, who often clashed with Magnum, but ultimately formed a strong bond with him.

Prior to that role, he appeared in several movies and TV shows such as The Last Picture Show (1971), Blazing Saddles (1974), Chinatown (1974) and Ellery Queen (1975). Then he got his career defining role playing Higgins.

After being part of the Magnum PI cast, Hillerman continued to act and had appearances in The Love Boat and Murder, She Wrote, as well as bit parts in movies, including A Very Brady Sequel (1996).

He died in 2017 of heart disease.

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Roger E. Mosley as Theodore “T.C.” Calvin

Born on December 18, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, Roger E. Mosley played the role of Theodore “T.C.” Calvin, a former Marine helicopter pilot who operated a helicopter charter service called “Island Hoppers” and frequently assisted Magnum in his investigations.

Prior to the Magnum PI cast, Mosley appeared in several shows, including Sanford and Son, Kojak and Baretta. He also appeared in several movies, among them Terminal Island (1973) and The Greatest (1977).

After Magnum, Mosley appeared in such movies and TV shows as A Thin Line Between Love and Hate (1996), Walker Texas Ranger, Rude Awakening and the Magnum PI reboot.

He died in 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

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Larry Manetti as Rick Wright: Magnum PI Cast

Born on July 23, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, Larry Manetti played the role of Rick Wright, a smooth-talking playboy who owned the King Kamehameha Club, a popular hangout for the island’s elite, and often assisted Magnum with his cases.

Prior to the Magnum PI cast, Manetti appeared in various television series and films, including Black Sheep Squadron (1976) and Battlestar Galactica (1978). He is also the author of the book, Aloha Magnum, chronicling the behind-the-scenes action on set at Magnum PI.

After Magnum fame, he continued to act and was a regular on JAG, with parts on Hawaii Five-O (the reboot), Blue Bloods, and Magnum PI (the reboot).

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Jeff MacKay as Lieutenant “Mac” MacReynolds

Born on October 20, 1948, in Dallas, Texas, Jeff MacKay played the role of Lieutenant “Mac” MacReynolds. Prior to joining the Magnum PI cast, he was in such movies as All the President’s Men (1976) and Black Sheep Squadron (1976). He is cousins with Robert Redford, and it was Redford that got him interested in acting and helped him get his Screen Actors Guild card with the role in All the President’s Men.

After Magnum, he continued to act and appeared in The Greatest American Hero, JAG, Diagnosis Murder and Kung Fu: The Legend Continues.

Tragically, he died of liver failure in 2008. He was only 59.

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Gillian Dobb as Agatha Chumley: Magnum PI Cast

Gillian Dobb was born Gillian Doreen Wells on May 8, 1929 in London, England. She married an American serviceman in 1959 and together they moved to Hawaii where he was stationed. She started doing work with the Honolulu Community Theatre and the Hawaii Performing Arts Company, where she began acting in plays. Dobb got her big break as Agatha Chumley in Magnum PI. She also appeared in Hawaii Five-O and Gidget’s Summer Reunion.

She died in 2001 in Lancaster, New York. She was 79.