Kevin Selleck has no idea who his biological father is, but he got a dad after his mother, Jacqueline Ray, walked down the aisle with “Blue Bloods” star Tom Selleck. After their marriage, Tom officially became Kevin’s father by adopting him in August 1987.
Ever since Tom has remained active as a father in Kevin’s life and has played his part very well. Kevin lucked out by getting adopted by someone like Tom, who is very big on family life. The two share a tight bond that may have influenced Kevin’s dallying in writing and music.
He delved briefly into the world of showbiz. However, Kevin lives mainly under the radar, choosing to live a life uncomplicated by the trappings of fame.
Kevin Selleck’s Father Was Devastated About Ending Things With His Mother
Kevin Selleck’s parents were married for ten years before they both decided to go their separate way in 1982. Around that time, the talented actor confessed he was troubled about their union ending.
He had formed a tight bond with his adoptive son, and being away from him was doubly painful for Tom. The actor, who once called Kevin “the only child I ever had,” was separated from Ray in 1979, and before they finally divorced, they were lost on what to do after they stopped living together.
Tom stated about his split from Ray: “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. We’re still very close, still on good terms.”
Sadly, even though Ray and Tom did not immediately plan to divorce, they eventually did, and in March 1992, Ray married Clarence Barry Witmer for the third time.
Kevin Selleck Tried His Hands at Showbiz
Kevin Selleck launched his acting career by appearing in “Scream 2” in 1997. Three years later, he bagged a role in “Magnum, P.I.”; however, he had developed some interest in making music by then.
Before acting, Ken was involved in music, and Kevin Selleck formed a band. The band, formed in 1993, was called Tonic, and its other members included vocalist and guitarist Emerson Hart, guitarist Jeff Ruso, and bassist Dan Rothchild.
They had different performances all over Los Angeles and then got signed to A&M Records. After that, they released their debut album, “Lemon Parade,” in 1996. The album was produced by Jack Joseph Puig, who reportedly added a “rootsy feel” to the body of work.
While with the group, Kevin performed as a drummer under his birth name, Kevin Sheppard. He also appeared in their music videos, including “Tonic: Open Up Your Eyes, Version 1” in 1996, “Tonic: Soldier’s Daughter” in 1997, and “Tonic: Open Up Your Eyes, Version 2” in 1998.
Kevin and the ban wrote soundtracks for projects like “Scream 2,” “The X Files,” and “Clay Pigeons.” Kevin parted ways with the band in the late 1990s, handing his drumsticks to a new and enthusiastic drummer.
The new drummer revealed that Kevin embraced him as a new band member, so his leaving was amicable. According to reports, he cited personal and family issues as the reasons for his exit. However, there are rumors it was due to bad blood between Kevin and another band member.
Kevin Selleck Now Lives a Completely Private Life
Again, Kevin was active in showbiz for some time, first as an actor and then as a singer. However, when he made headlines in the past, it was not usually because of his work or success.
It had more to do with his struggle with addiction. He was allegedly enrolled at the Betty Ford Rehabilitation Center at his adoptive father’s request. There he received treatment and got clean.
Despite being instrumental in helping Kevin get better, Tom has never publicly commented on his alleged drug struggles. However, fans know he remains a father figure to Kevin.
Tom once said: “You never stop being a dad, even though your kids are grown,”
After Kevin got clean, he married a costume designer named Annabel Selleck. They went on to welcome six kids. Now, Kevin is grateful for his second chance at life and is living well with his wife and kids.
Kevin has come a long way since he left rehab, the place stars like him, who got hung up on drugs, go to get straight. He lives quietly now and never talks about his experience in public, just like Tom.