At the age of 79, the acclaimed actor acquired the estate once owned by Dean Martin back in 1988. However, recent years have brought harsh droughts that devastated nearly all of their avocado trees and claimed the lives of 25 oak trees, each a century old. In a candid exchange with people, he lamented the loss, expressing, “It just breaks your heart. But with the rain we’ve had, the sick ones are getting better, and they’re all sprouting a lot of healthy growth.”
Currently immersed in filming the final season of Blue Bloods, where he has portrayed Commissioner Frank Reagan since 2010, across four seasons, he returns home every fortnight after shooting in NYC. His favorite pastimes on the ranch include perusing the morning paper and navigating his ATV to inspect the wildflowers. “I have been planting them for years, and they bloom in cycles,” he shared. “When it’s coldest, one of them blooms, and then another one comes in. I know it sounds silly, but I just watch them grow.”
The esteemed actor also fondly discussed his family life, his paramount priority, which includes his wife of nearly four decades, Julie, 66, their daughter Hannah, 35, and his son Kevin, 57, from his previous marriage to Jacqueline Ray. Tom emphasized the cherished friendship within their relationship, adding, “And Julie’s sense of humor.” He also revealed his habit of reviewing Blue Blood scripts with his wife by his side. “I’m among the last to review them, and I’m a good editor,” he remarked. On days with lighter schedules, he indulges in a cigar and a glass of whiskey, a nice way to end the day.
Reflecting on his life, he expressed gratitude, saying, “I’ve had a very good life, a very lucky life. I don’t know if it’s what I figured I’d be doing, but it’s with a lot of gratitude.” In a 2007 interview with Good Housekeeping, he shared his joy in farm life, saying, “I live on a 63-acre avocado ranch.” He enjoys working outdoors on the farm, from repairing roads to clearing brush. “I hate going to the gym, so sweating outdoors sure beats sitting on a stationary bike staring at my navel, and I work cheaper than anyone I could hire to do it,” he quipped, though he admitted not excelling at maintaining his sizable home.
