Abigail Hawk Reflects on 14 Years of Blue Bloods, Lessons from Tom Selleck, and the Bittersweet End of a Life-Changing Chapter
After more than 250 episodes as Detective 1st Grade Abigail Baker on Blue Bloods, Abigail Hawk is saying goodbye — not just to a character she helped shape over 14 seasons, but to a show and cast that became part of her soul.
“It’s like closing the door on a part of myself,” Hawk tells Closer in an emotional sit-down. “This character, this show, these people — they’ve been my second family for almost half my life.”
Since joining the long-running CBS drama in 2010, Hawk, now 42, has grown alongside her character. As the sharp, poised aide to Police Commissioner Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck), Detective Baker became a fan favorite — admired for her no-nonsense attitude, fearless professionalism, and quiet confidence.
“I just love that Baker never apologized for being assertive,” Hawk says. “She was brave, principled, and knew her worth. As women, I think we often struggle with that — owning our space without shrinking ourselves. I learned from her.”
A Master Class from Tom Selleck
Behind the scenes, Hawk credits much of her growth to the mentorship and friendship of Tom Selleck. Working closely with the legendary actor was, as she describes it, “a master class in acting — and life.”
“Tom is the real deal. He’s humble, incredibly thoughtful, and always prepared,” she shares. “My favorite piece of acting advice from him? ‘Always have a secret.’ It’s such a subtle, powerful tool. Even if the audience doesn’t know what it is, they’ll feel it. It gives your character that little extra spark — something alive behind the eyes.”
But the lessons didn’t end when the cameras stopped rolling. Hawk says some of her most meaningful moments came from candid conversations with Selleck off set.
“He’s someone who truly listens, who seeks to understand before speaking. Whether it was a political issue, a social topic, or something deeply personal, he’d research both sides, absorb different perspectives, and then form his own educated opinion,” she says. “That kind of integrity — it’s rare.”
Saying Goodbye to Blue Bloods
The announcement that Blue Bloods would be ending after Season 14 sent a wave of emotion through the cast and its devoted fan base. Hawk admits the final scenes were incredibly difficult to film.
“No one wanted this show to end,” she confesses. “We all would have signed on for more. There was — and still is — so much story left to tell.”
While CBS has yet to greenlight any spinoffs or extensions, Hawk says there have been whispers of interest.
“Executives have mentioned there’s potential for something more,” she teases. “But for now, this is likely the end for these characters as we know them.”
A Life Forever Changed
Over the course of 14 years, Blue Bloods wasn’t just a job — it was a cornerstone of Hawk’s life. When she first joined the series, she was a 20-something actress building her career. Today, she’s a married mom of two, with roots in New York City and a second home in Maine.
“This show took up half of my adult life,” she says, reflecting. “I was pregnant with my first son while filming. Now, he’s almost 13. Sometimes I look at him and think, ‘Weren’t you just a baby on set?’”
The final moments on set were bittersweet. Hawk describes her last scene as Detective Baker as a moment she’ll never forget.
“I poured so much of myself into her,” she says. “She gave me strength when I needed it. I hope I can carry her confidence into moments where I feel uncertain. That’s what great characters do — they stay with you.”
What’s Next for Abigail Hawk?
Though she’s not ready to spill details just yet, Hawk reveals that new opportunities are already on the horizon.
“I have some exciting projects coming up, and I’m looking forward to exploring different roles,” she says. “But Blue Bloods will always hold a special place in my heart. Always.”
As she steps into the next phase of her career, Hawk does so with the same grace and quiet strength that made Detective Abigail Baker such a memorable part of the Blue Bloods legacy.
“I’m just putting one foot in front of the other,” she says. “And wherever I go next, I’m bringing Baker with me.”
