20 actors you didn’t know served in the military

By Ekparna Podder

Modified Jan 11, 2025 15:52 ET

Elvis Presley & Others At Army Physical - Source: Getty

2) Mel Brooks

Mel Brooks, American Actor, Comedian & Film Director - Source: Getty

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.

Shop the Looks of Your Favorite Stars Shop All

Nick’s brown jacket by Theory

Nick’s brown jacket by Theory

As seen on Joshua Morrow in Y&R

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Leo’s navy and green striped sweater by Trina Turk

Credits: Peacock

Leo’s navy and green striped sweater by Trina Turk

As seen on Greg Rikaart in DOOL

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Audra’s light peach trench coat by Significant Other

Audra’s light peach trench coat by Significant Other

As seen on Zuleyka Silver in Y&R

Chelsea’s Cotton Blend Tote Bag by H&M

Chelsea’s Cotton Blend Tote Bag by H&M

As seen on Melissa Claire Egan in Y&R

Chelsea’s cream checked coat by DKNY

Chelsea’s cream checked coat by DKNY

As seen on Melissa Claire Egan in Y&R

$209.99 at Macys

Chelsea’s black and brown printed shirtdress by Rails

Chelsea’s black and brown printed shirtdress by Rails

As seen on Melissa Claire Egan in Y&R

$268 at Nordstrom

Nate’s leather jacket by John Varvatos

Nate’s leather jacket by John Varvatos

As seen on Sean Dominic in Y&R

$598 at John Varvatos

Lois’s black chevron fair-isle sweater by All Saints

Credits: Peacock

Lois’s black chevron fair-isle sweater by All Saints

As seen on Rena Sofer in GH

$209.25 at Nordstrom

Sophia’s green striped star sweater by Urban Outfitters

Credits: Peacock

Sophia’s green striped star sweater by Urban Outfitters

As seen on Madelyn Kientz in DOOL

Tate’s navy plaid button down shirt by All Saints

Credits: Peacock

Tate’s navy plaid button down shirt by All Saints

As seen on Leo Howard in DOOL

$221.61 at Zappos

Rachel’s white floral smocked dress by Zunie

Credits: Peacock

Rachel’s white floral smocked dress by Zunie

As seen on Finley Rose Slater in DOOL

Ava’s floral Floral Peasant Top by Rag & Bone

Credits: Peacock

Ava’s floral Floral Peasant Top by Rag & Bone

As seen on Tamara Braun in DOOL

$123 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Tessa’s red coat by Simkhai

Tessa’s red coat by Simkhai

As seen on Cait Fairbanks in Y&R

$995 at Revolve

Phyllis’s brown twist front ruched dress by Ronny Kobo

Phyllis’s brown twist front ruched dress by Ronny Kobo

As seen on Michelle Stafford in Y&R

$470.40 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Summer’s black button front leather dress by L'Agence

Summer’s black button front leather dress by L'Agence

As seen on Allison Lanier in Y&R

$595 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Mariah’s brown checked coat by DKNY

Mariah’s brown checked coat by DKNY

As seen on Camryn Grimes in Y&R

$299.99 at Macys

Mariah’s Striped Sweater by DKNY

Mariah’s Striped Sweater by DKNY

As seen on Camryn Grimes in Y&R

$49.50 at Macys

Sally’s classic jolene bag by Pinko

Sally’s classic jolene bag by Pinko

As seen on Courtney Hope in Y&R

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Sally’s plaid skirt by Maje

Sally’s plaid skirt by Maje

As seen on Courtney Hope in Y&R

$45.99 at Nordstrom

Stephanie’s blue wrap mini dress by Maje

Credits: Peacock

Stephanie’s blue wrap mini dress by Maje

As seen on Abigail Klein in DOOL

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Edited by Apoorva Jujjavarapu