Tom Selleck Recalls Starstruck Moments with Legendary Celebrities

In his new memoir, "You Never Know," Tom Selleck opens up about his experiences in Hollywood, including the rare occasions when he was left spellbound by famous figures. From meeting Mae West to dancing with Princess Diana, Selleck shares his memories of encounters that left him starstruck.

Over the course of his nearly 60-year career in Hollywood, Tom Selleck has encountered countless celebrities, but only a few have left a lasting impression on him. In his recently published memoir, "You Never Know," Selleck reveals the rare occasions when he was left in awe of his fellow actors and other notable figures.

Among the celebrities who left Selleck starstruck was the legendary Mae West. "I probably got a little starstruck with Mae West," he admits in the memoir. "I didn't get starstruck with [James] Garner, even though I just deeply respected his work, loved his work."

Selleck adds, "Not too often. The really good people — good actors — have a way of cutting through that pretty quick. I've gotten to meet a lot of people, and I'm always a little starstruck, but I get over it. I mean, I can carry on a conversation."

However, there was one encounter that left Selleck feeling particularly starstruck: dancing with Princess Diana. The incident occurred at a 1985 state dinner at the White House, where Selleck was one of the few actors in attendance, along with Clint Eastwood and John Travolta.

"After dinner, everybody moved to the East Room for music and dancing," Selleck writes in his memoir. "President Reagan and Princess Diana danced, and Charles danced with Nancy. Then John Travolta and the princess started dancing,"

Soon after, Selleck was approached by a woman who told him, "Mr. Travolta and the princess are dancing for a second time together. We can’t have that. We don’t want to start rumors, do we?"

When both Eastwood and Selleck remained silent, the woman added, "Mr. Selleck, you must step in and replace him."

"I’M NOT CUTTING IN ON JOHN TRAVOLTA!' was my reply, probably in too loud a voice," Selleck writes. "She was not happy. ‘Very well. The next dance, come with me.’"

Selleck eventually relented and danced with Princess Diana, apologizing for his lack of dancing skills. "Look, I skipped cotillion," he said. "There was something called cotillion as kids; they taught you how to dance and manners and everything else."

Despite his initial reluctance, Selleck found Princess Diana to be gracious and easy to talk to. "She was very gracious and obviously had learned the skill of dealing with people and relaxing. It was certainly memorable."

Selleck's encounter with Princess Diana remains one of his most cherished memories, and it is a testament to the rare occasions when he allows himself to be truly starstruck. As he reflects on his career in "You Never Know," Selleck acknowledges that he never aspired to become an actor.

"It is really the story of an accidental career," he told People magazine. "I’d never taken an acting class. I had no training, no desire."

Selleck stumbled into acting while working as a basketball player in a Pepsi commercial. He went on to appear in "The Young and the Restless" and eventually landed the iconic role of Magnum P.I. in 1980.

Today, Selleck is known as one of Hollywood's most enduring and beloved actors. He has starred in numerous films and television shows, and he continues to work steadily. Through it all, he has maintained his humility and his appreciation for the rare moments when he is truly starstruck.