Long before Tom Selleck became a household name with his iconic mustache and the hit series Magnum, P.I., his personal life was anchored by his marriage to actress and model Jacqueline Ray. While archival portraits and historic photographs occasionally resurface to spark public curiosity about Hollywood's golden era, the actual history of Jacqueline Ray extends far beyond vintage glamour shots. She built her own career in the entertainment industry during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s before her personal life took turbulent turns decades later.
Understanding the real history behind Tom Selleck's first wife requires looking past clickbait headlines and examining her actual career milestones, her marriage to the actor, and how their lives evolved after they parted ways.
Who Is Jacqueline Ray?
Jacqueline Mary Ray was born on July 17, 1952, in Burbank, California. She entered the entertainment world as a fashion model during her teenage years, gracing the pages of various magazines and working within the commercial modeling spaces of Southern California.
Transitioning from modeling to acting, Ray landed her first notable film credit in the 1967 spy comedy In Like Flint, starring James Coburn. Credited as Jacki Ray, she played a character named Denise. Over the next two decades, she balanced occasional television and film appearances. Her filmography includes roles in movies like The Killings at Outpost Zeta (1980) and Beyond the Universe (1981), alongside guest spots on television mainstays such as Marcus Welby, M.D. and Dallas.
Marriage to Tom Selleck
Jacqueline Ray and Tom Selleck married on May 15, 1971, at a time when both were working to establish themselves in the entertainment industry. Prior to their marriage, Ray had a son named Kevin from a previous relationship with a man named Shepard. After marrying Ray, Tom Selleck legally adopted Kevin, stepping in as a dedicated father figure. Kevin later grew up to play drums for the rock band Tonic and made minor television appearances.
During their eleven-year marriage, Ray supported Selleck as he pursued major television roles. In a unique piece of television history, Ray even made guest appearances on Magnum, P.I. during its early seasons, appearing in episodes separate from her husband's central storyline.
However, the immense pressures of Selleck's overnight stardom—triggered by the massive success of Magnum, P.I. starting in 1980—placed strain on their relationship. The couple separated and officially finalized their divorce in 1982. Following their separation, Selleck maintained a strong bond with his adopted son Kevin, while both Ray and Selleck moved on to new chapters in their personal lives. Selleck later married Jillie Mack in 1987, with whom he shares a long-standing marriage.
Life After Hollywood and Later Years
After her divorce from Selleck, Ray's acting career slowed down significantly. She married Clarence Barry Witmer in 1992, though that union also ended in divorce.
Decades after stepping away from the spotlight, Ray's name re-entered public discussions due to serious legal troubles. In 2014, she made headlines when she pleaded guilty to second-degree murder charges related to the hiring of an individual to protect her daughter from domestic abuse. Court proceedings resulted in a prison sentence, marking a tragic and stark departure from her early days as a recognized face in 1970s Hollywood culture.
Archives and historical photo agencies such as Getty Images continue to preserve vintage portraits of Ray from red carpet events and award shows during her marriage to Selleck, serving as visual reminders of an era when Hollywood's golden landscape looked entirely different.
Frequently Asked Questions
When were Tom Selleck and Jacqueline Ray married?
They tied the knot on May 15, 1971, and remained married for eleven years until their divorce was finalized in 1982.
Did Jacqueline Ray appear in Magnum, P.I.?
Yes, she made guest appearances in two separate episodes of the hit television series during the early 1980s, though she played different characters on each occasion.
What happened to Jacqueline Ray's son, Kevin?
Kevin Selleck was adopted by Tom Selleck during his marriage to Ray. He grew up to become a musician—serving as the original drummer for the rock band Tonic—and an actor.
Is Jacqueline Ray related to actress Jacqueline Bisset?
No. Despite sharing a first name and working in the entertainment industry during a similar timeframe, Jacqueline Ray and Jacqueline Bisset are entirely different individuals with no familial relation.
