Actor Larry Manetti Really Cooks in "Aloha Magnum"

Actor Larry Manetti has written what can be called the tastiest book ever about "Magnum, P.I.", the 1980's television show that made Tom Selleck a superstar. Manetti, who played the character of Rick for the entire run of the show, has filled his memoir, "Aloha Magnum," with interesting tidbits plus several of his favorite recipes.

"Magnum, P.I." was shot on location in Hawaii

Although "Lost" is known for filming on the island of Oahu, Manetti said that "Magnum, P.I." was shot in locations all over the Hawaiian Islands. "'Magnum' was like a little island by itself in the Pacific," Manetti said via telephone from Los Angeles. An accomplished chef, Manetti also said that the show, which ran for 8 seasons on CBS, was a good mix of actors, characters and writers. "It was like baking a perfect apple pie," he said.

The stars came to Hawaii for "Magnum"

During the early 1980's, Tom Selleck, Manetti and the rest of the "Magnum, P.I." cast rapidly became a part of the popular culture. In "The New Mutants," a spin-off title from the "X-Men" comic books, a super-powered teenager named Roberto even referred to his hero, Thomas Magnum, on a regular basis. When trying to use his powers for good, he always wondered what Magnum would do in the same situation.

When "Magnum" scored a direct hit in the ratings, the stars came to Hawaii to be a part of the show, including Frank Sinatra, the legendary performer who Manetti called "a very dear man" during this interview. "During the run of the show, Tony Curtis also moved to Hawaii. He used to hang out with us," Manetti said.

"Magnum, P.I." is everywhere

As recounted by Manetti in "Aloha Magnum," the character of Rick went through some changes in the first season, finally coming into sharp focus as a weapons expert who would do just about anything for his friends. The chemistry between Selleck, Manetti and the rest of the cast and crew also has made "Magnum, P.I." popular all over the world. "It's on somewhere during the day all over the world," Manetti said. "I get fan mail from Tasmania. I'm waiting to be invited to Germany."

Thanks to the show's ongoing popularity, a "Magnum" reunion show has been mentioned more than once. "Everybody talks about a reunion show, but nobody has put us together," Manetti said.

Memoirs, Magnum and "The Sinatra Club"

"Aloha Magnum" is filled with plenty of anecdotes, many of them featuring Manetti getting into trouble on and off the Hawaiian Islands. Twenty years after "Magnum, P.I." ended its initial television run, Manetti is still cooking on screen as well as in the kitchen. Look for him in "The Sinatra Club," an upcoming movie about the rise of the notorious gangster John Gotti.

"Aloha Magnum" is available for purchase at Larry Manetti's Official Website. This memoir also includes a collection of Larry Manetti's favorite recipes and a comprehensive "Magnum P.I." episode guide.