20 actors you didn’t know served in the military 

The first and obvious things that come to our mind when we think of a Hollywood star are often the glitz of red carpets, paparazzi flashes, and their box office successes. But did you know that some of our on-screen heroes have also shared a heroic past in real life? Yes, many renowned actors have served time in the armed forces before entering the film industry. Their discipline, commitment, and versatility, come from the influence of the military uniform and have profoundly helped in shaping their acting careers as well. Here are some of the household names in Hollywood who served in the military before rising to stardom.

1) Adam Driver

Shortly after the 9/11 disaster, Adam Driver enrolled in the U.S. Marine Corps and served for a good three years. However, his military journey was cut short due to a medical injury and he was discharged. The discipline and resilience he returned with from the training grounds are reflected in every performance he has delivered. Some of the most iconic roles he played are in Star Wars, BlacKkKlansman, Marriage Story, and Paterson.

2) Mel Brooks

This American actor and comedian joined the U.S. Army at the time of World War II as a combat engineer. He managed to hold on to hope and humor even in the darkest hours, and his performance in Blazing Saddles and The Producers is symbolic of it. Mel Brooks dawned on one of the most eminent acting careers after his experience in the war, winning the EGOT which includes the Emmy Award, Grammy Award, Academy Award, and Tony Award.

3) Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman was a radar technician in the U.S. Air Force. His thirst for soaring high was not just a metaphor. He served in the Air Service from 1955 to 59 and soon came to realize that he was not cut out for the cockpit lifestyle. He shifted his focus to acting and carved out a brilliant career for himself in the industry. He has bagged several awards throughout his career in Hollywood, and some of his outstanding performances are in movies like The Shawshank Redemption, Seven, Driving Miss Daisy, and others.

4) Ice-T

This rap idol and Hollywood star, before setting foot in the entertainment industry, served in the 25th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army as a soldier. He was recruited in the 70s. The dedication and focus he garnered from his military experience have proved quite influential in his versatile career. Ice-T is famous for his role in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

5) Bea Arthur

The woman who stole hearts in the famous television show, The Golden Girls, the late Bea Arthur, had served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a truck driver and typist during World War II. She was one of the first women to enroll in the military service and thus, way ahead of her time to break gender stereotypes. Bea Arthur is a prominent figure in the history of Hollywood drama.

6) Clint Eastwood

The mastermind behind Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby, Clint Eastwood served in the U.S. Army from the outset of the Korean War. He was a lifeguard at Fort Ord. Clint was dismissed after two years when he met with a dreadful plane crash but survived by swimming to the shore. He later went on to become one of the most successful actors and filmmakers, using the resilience and persistence he developed from his military journey.

7) Paul Newman

Before embarking on a legendary acting career, the late Paul Newman had worked as a radio operator in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was drafted into the Pacific. Movies like Cool Hand Luke, The Sting, The Hustler, and many more, bespeak not just Newman’s talent but also the perseverance and sharp wit he gathered during his service in the Navy.

8) Steve McQueen

Before becoming famous for his roles in Bullitt, Papillon, and The Magnificent Seven, this late American actor was a servant in the U.S. Marine Corps during the late 1940s. Steve McQueen was known for causing mischief in the military and thus was demoted several times. But eventually, he became a hero in the eyes of everyone by saving the lives of his fellow mates during a training activity in the Arctic.

9) Tom Selleck

Tom Selleck was serving as a soldier in the California National Guard during the Vietnam War era between the years 1967 to 1973. He was a member of the 160th Infantry Regiment and earned the rank of sergeant. Selleck’s time in the military inculcated a strict sense of discipline and tenacity in him that heavily influenced his acting career. It helped him perfectly portray the upright, daring roles of Thomas Magnum in Magnum, P.I., and Frank in Blue Bloods.

10) James Earl Jones

You might recognize his imposing voice as Mufasa in The Lion King and Darth Vader in Star Wars, but the late James Earl Jones before flourishing in Hollywood, was enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He served in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) during the early 1950s and was later employed as a second lieutenant. The military training taught him commitment and patience that greatly shaped his Hollywood career.

11) Chuck Norris

The famous action hero, Chuck Norris, worked as a security police officer with the U.S. Air Force during the late 1950s. During his military journey, he took training in martial arts in South Korea which later translated into his acting career, helping him ace action-packed roles on-screen. The grit and discipline he gathered from the lessons are reflected in his movies like Walker, Texas Ranger, The Delta Force, and more.

12) Charles Bronson

This late action star served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a B-29 aerial gunner during World War II. Charles Bronson was honored with the Purple Heart for his battle injuries that he received while bravely flying 25 missions in combat. His real-life heroism often influenced his on-screen performance. Some of his dynamic and daring roles in Hollywood include Death Wish, Once Upon a Time in the West, and more.

13) Rob Riggle

The guy who made us laugh in Step Brothers, The Daily Show, and 21 Jump Street, served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for about 23 years. Rob Riggle joined as a pilot in 1990 and was very committed to his duties until his retirement in 2013. After that he entirely devoted his time and career to acting and comedy, becoming one of the most prominent personas in Hollywood.

14) Humphrey Bogart

The classic “tough guy” we all know from the 40s, the late Humphrey Bogart, had served as a sailor in the U.S. Navy during World War I. He registered in the military when he was just 18 years old. Later he starred in some of the most iconic movies of his time, like Casablanca, The African Queen, The Maltese Falcon, Sabrina, and many more.

15) James Stewart

Apart from being a legendary actor, the late James Stewart was a celebrated military officer in the U.S. Army Air Corps stepping forward to serve during World War II. Initially, he joined the forces as a licensed pilot but later he earned the rank of Brigadier General. He is celebrated in the industry for his exceptional performance in Vertigo, It's a Wonderful Life and Rear Window.

16) J.R. Martinez

An amazing actor and motivational speaker, Jose Rene Martinez began working with the U.S. Army infantryman in 2002. When he was serving in Iraq, his military vehicle called Humvee stepped on a landmine and the explosion left severe burns over his body. However, he continues to inspire other burnt victims. He starred in several television shows and movies like All My Children and also emerged as the winner of Dancing with the Stars.

17) Elvis Presley

We definitely can't help falling in love with Elvis Presley but beyond his obvious charm and charisma, this world-famous actor and singer had served in the U.S. Army between 1958 to 1960. It was also while serving in the military that he met Priscilla Beaulieu, future Mrs. Presley. Apart from his legendary music career, Presley starred in a few noteworthy films of his time like Viva Las Vegas, Blue Hawaii, and more.

18) Harry Belafonte

Renowned for his calypso music, the late Harry Belafonte handled ammunition during his service in the U.S. Navy at the time of World War II. Apart from his prosperous career as a singer and actor, Belafonte also became a civil rights activist after understanding the true reality of war. He is famous for his roles in movies like Carmen Jones, Odds Against Tomorrow, Buck and the Preacher, and others.

19) William Sanderson

William Sanderson is an illustrious figure in television and movies, who worked in the U.S. Army at the age of 18 during the Vietnam War. His military journey instilled a sense of focus and structure that eventually laid the foundation for success in his acting career. Some of the most significant roles he played during his career in Hollywood include movies like Blade Runner, Last Man Standing, and Deadwood.

20) Audie Murphy

Murphy is one of those hard-working Hollywood stars who faced substantial obstacles in their way to make it to the top. He served in the U.S. Army at the age of 18 and his heroic tales of bravery on the battleground earned him several awards and medals. He appeared in more than 40 films and delivered some of the best performances Hollywood has seen, like To Hell and Back, No Name on the Bullet, Destry, and many more.