Biography

Is the author of the book, Aloha Magnum, chronicling the behind the scenes action on set at Magnum, P.I. (1980).

His acting mentor was Robert Conrad.

He was not cast as Lt. Robert Boyle in the pilot episode of Black Sheep Squadron (1976), but rather, he was cast as Boyle in the series from the second episode through the end of the series's run in 1978.

Best known by the public as Rick Wright on Magnum, P.I. (1980).

Had guest-starred on one of the last episodes of Emergency! (1972), with friends Julie London, Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe.

Elvis was an American icon, but the watch he wanted was given to me from someone that was like a father.

[When another Universal contract player Tom Selleck would eventually end up on the same episode of The Rockford Files (1974) Manetti was doing at the time, before the two co-starred together on Magnum, P.I. (1980)]: Tom Selleck was on the same show playing a flaky detective named Lance White. I was very impressed with Tom. Soon after that, I was offered two pilots, one of which was 'Magnum.'

[Of his longtime friendship with Frank Sinatra]: Frank Sinatra was like a father to me. I feel very lucky to have known him so well and so closely. Every time I hear one of his songs, which is a lot, it brings tears to my eyes. My wife and I where very close to him and miss him greatly.

[About growing up in Chicago, and the personality that changed his acting career, forever]: I grew up mainly around Chicago Avenue and Sacramento there, that was not an easy street. Through my upbringing, and hanging around with some pretty tough characters there, you learn both sides of the track. I think I used a lot of my traditions, tenacity and memories from there in my acting.

It bothered me at first. I was always wondering if they knew my real name, but as you progress as an actor, you start to realize that when people fall in love with a character, it's really a great compliment. It shows me that this is a show people really take into their homes and into their hearts. Not only that, but I've got a brother named Rick, so I'm kind of used to it.