When you think of 1980s television, the image of a bright red Ferrari and a thick mustache probably pops into your head instantly. But if you really know your TV history, you know that Tom Selleck didn’t carry that show alone. Larry Manetti, playing the dapper and well-connected Orville "Rick" Wright, was the glue that held a lot of those Hawaiian adventures together. Honestly, though, if you look at Larry Manetti movies and tv shows across the decades, there is a much deeper story than just a guy running a beach club.
Manetti wasn't just a "sidekick." He was a veteran of the Hollywood machine long before he ever set foot on the sands of Oahu.
He grew up in Chicago. That grit stayed with him. He didn't just stumble into acting; he fought for it. Before he was Rick, he was Bobby Boyle. Before he was Bobby Boyle, he was a guest star on almost every major procedural of the 1970s. People sometimes forget that he was a staple of the Stephen J. Cannell universe, a relationship that basically defined his early career.
The Magnum P.I. Legend and the Orville Wright Identity
Let’s get the big one out of the way. Between 1980 and 1988, Manetti appeared in nearly every single episode of Magnum, P.I. He played Rick, the guy who could get you anything—a car, a plane, a secret file from a shady contact.
Rick was supposed to be a tough guy. In the original pilot scripts, the character was actually envisioned quite differently, but Manetti brought a sort of suave, Sinatra-inspired energy to the role. It worked perfectly. He managed the King Kamehameha Club with a blend of professional class and "I know a guy" street smarts.
You’ve probably seen the reruns. Rick was often the comic relief, sure, but the chemistry between Manetti, Selleck, Roger E. Mosley (TC), and John Hillerman (Higgins) was lightning in a bottle. It’s rare for a cast to stay together for eight seasons without someone walking away. Manetti has often said in interviews that they were like brothers, and that's not just PR talk. They really were close.
Before the Island: The Black Sheep Years
If you want to see where Manetti really cut his teeth, you have to go back to 1976. Baa Baa Black Sheep (later renamed Black Sheep Squadron) was a World War II drama that focused on a group of misfit fighter pilots. Manetti played Lieutenant Robert "Bob" Boyle.
👉 See also: Is Heroes and Villains Legit? What You Need to Know Before Buying
This was where he met Robert Conrad. Conrad was a legend, known for being tough as nails and demanding. Working on that show was like a masterclass in television production for Manetti. It wasn't always easy. The show was expensive to produce and struggled in the ratings initially, but it developed a massive cult following.
It's actually pretty wild how many people from that show ended up in the Magnum orbit. The crossover of talent in that era was basically a small circle of actors who worked hard and stayed loyal to their producers. Manetti was a "Cannell guy" through and through.
A Career Built on Guest Spots
Most people don't realize how much work Manetti did before the 80s hit. We’re talking about the golden age of the guest star.
- The Streets of San Francisco
- Emergency!
- Starsky & Hutch
- The Rockford Files
- Battlestar Galactica (He played Giles, though he was often stuck in a helmet!)
That guest spot on The Rockford Files in 1979 is actually the most important one. Why? Because that’s where he first worked with Tom Selleck. They hit it off. When Magnum was being cast, that existing rapport was a major reason why the producers felt comfortable putting them together.
Beyond the 80s: Life After the Ferrari
When Magnum ended in 1988, a lot of actors would have just faded away. Manetti didn't. He kept working, though the roles changed. He did a lot of independent films and TV movies that you might find late at night on cable.
He showed up in Quantum Leap (reuniting with producer Donald P. Bellisario) and had a long-standing guest role on Walker, Texas Ranger. He basically became the go-to guy when a show needed a veteran actor who could bring a bit of gravitas and old-school charm to a scene.
✨ Don't miss: Jack Blocker American Idol Journey: What Most People Get Wrong
The Hawaii Five-0 Connection
Fast forward to the 2010s. The reboot of Hawaii Five-0 was a massive hit for CBS. In a beautiful nod to the original Magnum series, the producers brought Manetti back to the islands. He didn't play Rick, though. Instead, he played Nicky "The Kid" Demarco, a lounge singer and well-connected local fix-it man.
It was a meta-moment. Here was the guy who used to run the club, now playing a guy who basically knew everyone in the new version of Hawaii. He eventually brought his "Nicky" character over to the Magnum P.I. reboot as well, which was a treat for long-time fans. It felt like a torch being passed, even if the new show had its own version of Rick (played by Zachary Knighton).
The Man Behind the Credits
Manetti isn't just an actor. He’s a writer and a bit of a chef. His book, Aloha Magnum, is essentially required reading if you want the real "behind the scenes" scoop on what it was like filming in Hawaii in the 80s. He talks about the parties, the pranks, and his friendship with Frank Sinatra.
Actually, the Sinatra connection is fascinating. Manetti was very close to the Chairman of the Board. He often hosted Sinatra in Hawaii, and that "Old Blue Eyes" influence is all over Manetti's public persona. He’s a guy who loves a good suit, a good steak, and a good story.
Larry Manetti's Filmography: A Quick Reality Check
People often search for a definitive list of Larry Manetti movies and tv shows, but it's hard to pin down because he's done so many uncredited bits and TV movies.
| Era | Notable Work | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | Black Sheep Squadron | Lt. Bobby Boyle |
| 1980s | Magnum, P.I. | Orville "Rick" Wright |
| 1990s | The Take | Actor/Producer |
| 2000s | Las Vegas | Larry (Guest) |
| 2010s-2020s | Hawaii Five-0 / Blue Bloods | Nicky "The Kid" / Sam |
One of the most interesting things about his later career is his work on Blue Bloods. In 2023 and 2024, he reunited with Tom Selleck on screen once more. Seeing the two of them together, decades after the Ferraris were put in the garage, was a huge moment for TV nostalgia. It reminded everyone that these aren't just actors—they're icons of a specific era of storytelling.
🔗 Read more: Why American Beauty by the Grateful Dead is Still the Gold Standard of Americana
What Most People Get Wrong
A big misconception is that Manetti "retired" after the 80s. He never did. He just shifted his focus. He moved into producing (like the Midnight Run TV movies) and spent a lot of time in Las Vegas, where he was involved in the restaurant and entertainment business at the Plaza Hotel.
He’s a businessman. He understands that the "Rick" persona is a brand. He has embraced the fans, doing the convention circuit and staying active on social media and Cameo.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of Larry Manetti, don't just stop at the Magnum DVDs.
- Read the Book: Pick up a copy of Aloha Magnum. It’s filled with recipes and stories that you won't find in any E! True Hollywood Story.
- Watch the Reboots: Find the episodes of the Hawaii Five-0 reboot where he appears as Nicky Demarco. It’s a great example of how an actor can reinvent themselves while still honoring their past.
- The Blue Bloods Reunion: If you want to see the modern chemistry between Manetti and Selleck, check out the Blue Bloods episode "Family Matters" (Season 13, Episode 18). It’s a quiet, respectful nod to their history.
- Follow the Radio Show: Manetti has spent years doing radio work, often sharing Hollywood anecdotes that are pure gold for historians.
Larry Manetti’s career is a testament to longevity in a town that usually chews people up and spits them out. He survived the transition from the gritty 70s to the neon 80s and the digital era of the 2000s. He did it by being reliable, being likable, and knowing exactly who he is.
Whether he's Lt. Boyle or Rick Wright, he's always been the guy you want in your corner. If you're looking for a deep dive into classic TV, his filmography is a perfect roadmap through the history of the small screen.
To see more of Larry’s current life, you can check his official website for appearance dates at various fan conventions across the country. He’s still very much a part of the entertainment landscape, proving that some legends don't need a Ferrari to keep moving forward.
Next Steps for You:
If you're a fan of 80s action, you should definitely check out the Black Sheep Squadron series on streaming platforms; it provides the perfect context for Manetti's rise to fame before Magnum. Also, consider looking for his guest appearance on Battlestar Galactica—it's a fun "spot the actor" game for any sci-fi enthusiast.