The bond of fraternity brotherhood often creates lasting friendships, but few of those bonds lead to the kind of remarkable life stories that have unfolded between Mirko Blesich and his Sigma Chi Big Brother, Tom Selleck. While many can point to signs of success in their college years, Mirko’s recollection of Selleck during their time at Alpha Upsilon is a unique tale of mentorship, camaraderie, and the pursuit of greatness that led Tom Selleck to become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
A Fraternity Bond with Unforeseen Greatness
In the close-knit world of Sigma Chi at the University of Southern California, Mirko Blesich was just another young student with a promising future. Little did he know, his Big Brother, Tom Selleck, would go on to become a household name. Though it was not immediately apparent that Selleck would be catapulted into superstardom, Mirko’s experiences with him during their college years revealed a man destined for greatness.
“Tom was so gracious and helpful,” Mirko recalls, speaking fondly of their time together. “He really kept me out of trouble and kept me in school. I was a lot of work for him.” This sentiment is echoed in the words of Tom’s father, who, according to Mirko, once approached him and said, “Mirko, do me a favor. Please tell Tom to stay out of trouble.” Mirko laughs as he shares the story, knowing full well that it was actually Tom who was keeping him on track.
Tom Selleck, who had joined the fraternity as a sophomore, became a natural mentor to Mirko. It was Tom’s influence that led Mirko to pledge Sigma Chi. “That’s Tom,” Mirko says. “He was really thoughtful and appreciative. A gem of a guy.” Their bond, forged during these early years, would become a symbol of true brotherhood—a connection that would remain strong despite the demands of their separate careers.
From College Athletics to Hollywood Stardom
Tom Selleck’s path to fame wasn’t marked by immediate flashes of success. Both he and Mirko were active members of the Trojan basketball and volleyball teams, where they shared experiences and grew closer as friends. Tom, a junior transfer, had been introduced to Sigma Chi by his older brother, Bob, who had already been initiated into the fraternity. It was through this connection that Tom first became involved in college life, but it was also where he started to make his mark on those around him.
As their college years progressed, the Sigma Chi house was often visited by Hollywood producers looking for extras. Although it was rare for any of the guys to land a speaking role, Tom’s early experiences in the entertainment industry were notable. He once spoke about his experience filming a Pepsi commercial while still at USC, joking about how many bottles of Pepsi he had to drink during the shoot. Even at this early stage, his charm and presence were apparent, but it wasn’t until after graduation that Tom’s career began to soar. He became the Marlboro Man, a ubiquitous figure in television ads, and it wasn’t long before Hollywood’s eyes were firmly fixed on him.
The true seismic shift came with the role of Magnum in Magnum P.I., the iconic TV series that made Tom Selleck a household name. It was then that his friends from college began to realize the enormity of Tom’s success. What had once been the friendly, approachable Sigma Chi brother from USC had now become a bona fide superstar. But despite his growing fame, Tom remained the same down-to-earth individual he had always been. His friends, including Mirko, remained in touch with him over the years, though Tom’s commitments to his burgeoning career kept him constantly busy.
The Enduring Friendship and Mentor Relationship
Although Tom Selleck’s career had skyrocketed, his relationship with Mirko remained grounded in the same principles of fraternity brotherhood and mentorship that had first brought them together. “I’m really happy for him,” says Mirko. Despite the busy schedules and the glitter of Hollywood, Tom and Mirko have kept their friendship intact. Even now, as Tom spends his days working on Blue Bloods—his 12th season playing the New York City police commissioner—he continues to make time for his old friend, a gesture that speaks volumes about the character of both men.
Tom’s role in Blue Bloods has become one of the most recognizable in his illustrious career. He’s also known for his involvement in a variety of other TV shows, films, and commercials, as well as for his work as a producer and screenwriter. As a result, Tom has amassed numerous awards, including the prestigious Significant Sig honor. But for those who knew him before his rise to fame, Tom will always be remembered as the man who, despite his star status, remained humble and true to the values of fraternity.
One of the things that stands out about Tom is his ability to maintain strong, personal relationships despite the demands of his career. Mirko describes him as “phenomenal,” emphasizing Tom’s unwavering kindness and consideration. It’s this genuine nature that made him such an effective mentor during their time in college and continues to define his character today.
Lacy Marlette: A Fellow Sigma Chi Brother’s Perspective
Lacy Marlette, a fellow Sigma Chi and a successful CPA, shares similar sentiments about Tom. He recalls Tom as being “just a great guy” during their time in college, noting that Tom’s personality in person was identical to the charming and good-natured characters he would later play on screen. “He was humorous. There may have been a bit of shyness to him,” Lacy adds, pointing out that Tom’s humility was always apparent, even as he started to attract attention for his early roles in commercials and films.
Lacy also remembers Tom fondly, recounting a recent encounter at a basketball game. “I saw him at a basketball game. I walked over, said hi, gave him a hug. It was just like being back in the house. There was nothing different.” For Lacy, this interaction underscored the lasting nature of the Sigma Chi bond, and the fact that no matter how far Tom had come in his career, he remained the same kind-hearted person he had been at USC.
A Life of Legacy and Reflection
As Tom’s career continued to flourish, it wasn’t without its personal challenges. Tom’s older brother, Bob, passed away several years ago, a loss that deeply affected Tom as well as his fraternity brothers. “It hit Tom really hard,” Mirko shares, reflecting on the sadness that accompanied the loss. Yet, despite these difficult times, Tom remained resilient, always surrounded by the unwavering support of his fraternity brothers, many of whom still hold the memories of their time together at USC close to their hearts.
At 77 years old, Tom Selleck continues to live a fulfilling life with his wife on their 65-acre ranch in California. The sprawling property, once an avocado farm, is a serene setting for Tom as he enjoys his well-earned retirement. Yet, even as he enjoys the quieter moments of life, his legacy in the entertainment industry and the memories of his time as a Sigma Chi brother endure.
For Mirko, those memories of their time together at Sigma Chi are nothing short of incredible. “The memories of Sigma Chi at USC were unbelievable,” he reflects. “Absolutely unbelievable.” These shared experiences, combined with the lasting friendship between him and Tom, have shaped Mirko’s life in ways that go far beyond their college days.
In the end, Tom Selleck’s rise to fame serves as a testament to the power of mentorship, the enduring nature of true friendships, and the impact of a close-knit fraternity brotherhood. From their early days together at USC to Tom’s ongoing success in Hollywood, Mirko’s relationship with his Big Brother stands as a lasting reminder of the value of kindness, support, and genuine connection—both in life and in the world of entertainment.
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