Tom Selleck has portrayed two of the most iconic lawmen on television—Jesse Stone and Frank Reagan—but according to him, they’re worlds apart. While both characters are deeply principled and committed to justice, Selleck has often pointed out that their approaches to life and leadership are completely different. And after years of watching both men on screen, fans are beginning to understand exactly what he means.
Jesse Stone is a brooding, often solitary man, dealing with inner demons and a past that continues to haunt him. He’s introspective, battles alcoholism, and carries a quiet sadness that colors everything he does. His strength comes from his vulnerability, and his detective work is often driven by emotion, intuition, and raw honesty.
Frank Reagan, on the other hand, is a pillar of strength and structure. As the police commissioner in Blue Bloods, Frank carries the weight of a city and a family legacy on his shoulders. He’s decisive, composed, and deeply rooted in traditional values. Unlike Stone, Frank doesn’t wear his emotions on his sleeve. He thrives in leadership and embraces his role as a symbol of stability and order.
What makes Selleck’s performances so compelling is how effortlessly he shifts between these two men. He brings a gritty realism to Jesse Stone and a commanding presence to Frank Reagan, making it clear that while they may share a face, their souls couldn’t be more different. And that, as Selleck rightly says, is exactly the point.