Thomas Magnum is the protagonist of Magnum, P.I., an American crime drama television series originally created by Donald P. Bellisario and Glen A. Larson. The titular private investigator was portrayed by actor Tom Selleck in the original series from 1980 to 1988, and later by Jay Hernandez in the 2018 reboot developed by Peter M. Lenkov.
Magnum, P.I. (1980–1988)
Biography
Early life
The character Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV is around forty years old during the original series, although a variety of birthdates have been indicated (see below). Both his father and grandfather were naval officers. He was born in Detroit, but raised in the Tidewater region of Virginia. In high school, his football team won a Virginia State football championship. Some members of his family, including his mother, still reside there (as seen and referenced in various episodes). In addition to English, Magnum speaks Vietnamese and French.
Personality
Magnum is endowed with a rich assortment of personality traits, quirks, and preferences. He is an avid sports fan, not only of baseball (he is a lifelong Detroit Tigers baseball fan), but of American football (having been a former quarterback for the U.S. Naval Academy, he evinced an intense fondness for the annual Army–Navy Game that often works its way into plotlines), during varied episodes he tries out for a professional football team, coaches and plays both basketball and softball, and participates in the Ironman Triathlon. Magnum regularly works out on a surf ski, participates in local competitions, and enjoys daily swims in the tidal pool off Robin's Nest.
Magnum was originally envisioned as a Bond type but at Selleck's request was made into more of an average "everyman" with numerous character flaws including immaturity, talking in a whiny voice when stressed, overconfidence, being manipulative towards his friends, and often losing many smaller character conflicts in sometimes humiliating ways before solving the case. In his inner monologue, he often refers to the "Little voice" within his mind which appears to be a highly advanced form of intuition and has a passing belief in the supernatural after several mysterious experiences.
It becomes apparent during Season 1 that Magnum is a fan of the bands Styx, Jefferson Starship and Blondie, but also admits to owning cassettes of Bach and Beethoven, mainly to appease Higgins.
His "stuff" Magnum's drink of choice was "Old Dusseldorf" in a long-neck bottle, as well as Scotch on the rocks; also he enjoys sneaking fine wines out of Robin Masters's wine cellar when he believes Higgins is not looking. Among his trademarks is his "stuff", souvenir possessions collected over the years such as baseball bats and gloves, a disturbing looking gorilla mask, and a yellow rubber chicken. He also owns a Beta tape of Stalag 17, his favorite movie. His personal weapon, seemingly carried only when deemed necessary, is a Colt Government Model .45 ACP handgun (as stated in several episodes), Colt Commercial version of the standard military-issue M1911A1 pistol (in actuality, a similar-looking 9mm Star Model BM, as .45 ACP 1911s of the time could not reliably cycle blanks). A genuine Gauguin hangs on the wall of the guest house he occupies (in actuality, a composite of two real Gauguin paintings). He has free use of Masters' Ferrari 308 GTS, and he often barters with Higgins for the use of expensive cameras, the tennis courts, and other accoutrements of wealthy living.
Perhaps his most valued possession is his late father's Rolex GMT Master aviator's wristwatch (as depicted in episode 4.01 "Home from the Sea"). Magnum's father was a Naval Aviator killed in the Korean War when Magnum was only five (something that is an anachronism, as the GMT Master was introduced in 1954, too late for both active combat missions and Magnum to have been five when his father died). In early seasons, Magnum also wore a Chronosport Sea Quartz 30. He, along with Rick and T.C., wears a team ring with a Croix de Lorraine on it from their time in Vietnam. On a sideboard in his living room he has a picture showing him, T.C., Rick and others in Vietnam.