Roger E. Mosley, Magnum, P.I.‘s Theodore ‘T.C.’ Calvin, Dead at 83 — Reboot’s Stephen Hill Reacts
Roger E. Mosley, best known for playing helicopter pilot Theodore “T.C.” Calvin on the CBS crime drama Magnum, P.I., died early Sunday morning. He was 83.
His daughter, Ch-a Mosley, confirmed the news via Facebook writing: “He was surrounded by family as he transcended peacefully. We could never mourn such an amazing man. He would HATE any crying done in his name. It is time to celebrate the legacy he left for us all. I love you daddy. You loved me too. My heart is heavy but I am strong. I will care for mommy, your love of almost 60 years. You raised me well and she is in good hands. Rest easy.”
No cause of death was given, however, his daughter also posted early Saturday morning that the actor was involved in a recent car accident that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down and in critical condition.
Mosley starred on the original Magnum P.I. for all of its eight year run between 1980 and 1988. He appeared in 158 episodes (of 162) opposite Tom Selleck. Mosley’s character ran a helicopter business in the show, and was often helping Magnum escape danger by flying him all over Hawai’i. The actor later returned to the rebooted series in 2019 for a cameo, albeit, as a different character named John Booky.
Magnum reboot star Stephen Hill, who plays the updated version of T.C. Calvin, posted a tribute to Instagram Sunday to commemorate Mosley’s life. “Rest In Power to the King, Father, Husband, Friend, Trailblazer, Black Power-Man, Coach, Gentleman, Powerhouse Talent, and Mentor Roger E. Mosley,” he wrote. “We have all been honored by the example of your life.”
In addition to Magnum P.I., Mosley appeared on shows such as Love Boat, Night Gallery, Sanford and Son, Kung Fu, Kojak, McCloud, The Rockford Files, The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams, Starsky and Hutch, You Take the Kids, Night Court, Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, Walker, Texas Ranger, Rude Awakening, Las Vegas and Fact Checkers Unit, among others.
He also lent his talents to many TV movies throughout the decades including The Other Side of Hell, Cruise Into Terror, The Jericho Mile, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Attica.
On the film side of things, Mosley appeared in several Blaxploitation films in the ’70s including The Mack, Hit Man, Sweet Jesus, Preacherman, Darktown Strutters and The River Niger. Also on his film acting resume were McQ (co-starring John Wayne), The Greatest, Semi-Tough, Heart Condition, Pentathlon and A Thin Line Between Love & Hate (co-starring Martin Lawrence).
So sad to read about the passing of Roger E. Mosley. Enjoyed watching him on Magnum P.I. and seeing him on the new Magnum P.I. Always entertaining on any appearance he made. Seems like every couple days we lose someone special 😥
It was always a pleasure to watch him on television. He will be missed. If only 😪some of the new actors could compare.
INCREDIBLE tribute by his daughter at a time of such loss. Obviously, she was raised SO right!
“TC”, you will be missed. Thanks for all you’ve done to entertain us.
I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. He was great on Magnum.
I watched the original Magnum P.I. every week. Had a great crush on Thomas. Rick was a hoot and my Mom and I saw him on the street in Honolulu. T.C. was a sweet and gentle man. My God rest his soul❤🙏🙏🙏
Sorry to hear about the loss of Roger Mosley. I remember seeing him play Leadbelly in a movie about blues singer Leadbelly’s life story. It’s really a great historical movie and Roger Mosley played the part well. Rest In Peace.
Great actor 👍
I always have an urge to watch magnum reruns, today’s urge was stronger than usual. So I watched a few… TC, one of my favorite TV characters. Fly that chopper to the edge of the envelope.
CT will truly be missed. I loved seeing him on the magnum p.i
Enjoyed watching him on Magnum. Rest in peace.
Sad to hear….I loved him in Magnum PI. RIP.
Roger E. Mosley always considered his work in the biopic, Leadbelly”, directed by Gordon Parks, Sr., as his best work on screen. He sponsored and was also proud of an all girls track team Roger E. Mosley was a gift.
Sad news love to watch it in Magnum PI in the. Eighties now I watch the reruns great memories my condolences to his family and friends great legacy
It’s sad to hear about the passing of Mr. Roger E. Mosley He will b missed by his family and friends he was a good actor I loved him on Magnum P I
My Sincere Condolences Prayers for the family and friends of Mr. Mosely. A loss of a true professional of what he loved to do.
After I finish reading… It popped in my head, Tell “Higgy-Baby” hello for me!
I mean no harm. Just remembered & cracked up when T.C. called on him; in the show.
Prayers 🙏
RIP. The TC character could never catch a break. He always helped Magnum out of the goodness of his heart.
Rest In Peace, Mr. Mosley. Don’t worry, Stephen Hill is carrying on the legacy of ‘T.C’ very well:)
May God bless his soul 🙏 ❤. Rest in peace 🙏 🕊 !!!
R.I.P.! One more star will be shining, in the galaxy!
I read several articles about Roger E. Mosley after his passing. One special thing I want to pass along. The producers wanted T.C. to be smoking or having a drink. Roger refused saying he wanted to be a positive influence for children. So alot of times T.C. would be reading a book. What great morales he brought to Magnum P.I.
You will be Missed thought of you often
RIP to the original TC. A heartbreaking moment for Magnum fans, and even more so, for his family. Condolences to them.