Before they lit up the big screen or topped the music charts, some of your favorite celebrities served their country in uniform. From actors to musicians to comedians, here are 30 stars whose military past may surprise you.
1. Johnny Cash
This country music icon served in the U. S. Air Force as a Morse code operator. It was during that time in the military that he composed his initial songs, including the renowned “Folsom Prison Blues. ”
2. Humphrey Bogart
He enlisted in the U. S. Navy during World War I, functioning as a ship’s gunner. Humphrey tough-guy personality on-screen was possibly shaped by his genuine military experiences.
3. Sidney Poitier
He enlisted in the U. S. Army during World War II, having lied about his age to join. Sidney worked in a veterans’ hospital before being released and beginning his acting journey.
4. Bea Arthur
Before achieving fame as a Golden Girl, she worked as a truck driver in the Women’s Reserve of the U. S. Marine Corps. Bea was among the pioneering women who joined the Marines.
5. Mickey Rooney
He participated in World War II as a member of the U. S. Army’s entertainment unit. Rooney entertained soldiers abroad, lifting spirits throughout the conflict.
6. James Earl Jones
Prior to lending his voice to Darth Vader, he was a member of the U. S. Army during the Korean War. He served as a Ranger instructor and later credited his military experience with enhancing his self-assurance.
7. Henry Fonda
Henry enlisted in the U. S. Navy during World War II, even though he was a well-known actor. Fonda service included time aboard a destroyer and involvement in intelligence operations.
8. Mel Brooks
This iconic comic served as a combat engineer in the U. S. Army during World War II. His role involved defusing landmines in Europe, displaying courage off the screen.
9. Charlton Heston
During World War II, he was a radio operator and gunner in the U. S. Army Air Forces. His military experience deepened his sense of discipline and patriotism.
10. Robert Duvall
The Academy Award-winning actor served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War. Robert’s military background contributed to his authoritative presence in films.
11. Kirk Douglas
He was a communications officer in the U. S. Navy during World War II. The leadership abilities Kirk developed in the service influenced his career in Hollywood.
12. Adam Driver
Before his role in Star Wars, he was a Marine in the U. S. Marine Corps. Adam received a medical discharge due to an injury but attributes much of his work ethic to his time in the military.
13. Pat Tillman
The ex-NFL player who later became an actor joined the U. S. Army following the events of 9/11. Pat served as an Army Ranger and tragically died in Afghanistan.
14. Lee Marvin
Lee was a highly decorated veteran of World War II who fought in the Pacific theater. His authentic combat experiences helped him become one of Hollywood’s toughest figures.
15. Rod Serling
Prior to crafting The Twilight Zone, he was a member of the U. S. Army during World War II. His experiences during the war significantly impacted many of his legendary narratives.
16. J. R. Martinez
The motivational speaker served in the U. S. Army and sustained severe injuries in Iraq. He later transformed his experiences into motivation for others and pursued an acting career.
17. Don Rickles
The comedian was in the U. S. Navy during World War II. His time in the military provided him with a distinctive viewpoint that influenced his comedic style.
18. Clark Gable
The star of Gone with the Wind enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Clark participated in combat missions over Europe despite his Hollywood fame.
19. Burt Reynolds
Before rising to action star fame, he served for a brief period in the U. S. Army. His military training equipped him with the resilience needed to succeed in Hollywood.
20. Tom Selleck
He was part of the California Army National Guard and subsequently became an advocate for veterans. His military service instilled a profound respect for the armed forces.
21. Morgan Freeman
He served in the U.S. Air Force as a radar technician before launching his acting career. He originally dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot.
22. Clint Eastwood
Drafted during the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army. He once survived a plane crash into the Pacific while returning from a training mission.
23. Elvis Presley
The singer was conscripted into the U. S. Army in 1958, serving in Germany. Despite his celebrity status, he fulfilled his military obligations just like any ordinary soldier.
24. Jimmy Stewart
He became a hero during World War II, completing combat missions as a pilot in the U. S. Army Air Forces. He reached the rank of Brigadier General, making him among the highest-ranking veterans in Hollywood.
25. Chuck Norris
He served as a military police officer in South Korea while in the U. S. Air Force. It was during this period that he was introduced to martial arts, paving the way for his dynamic career in action films.
26. Paul Newman
Before he achieved fame in Hollywood, he served as a radioman in the U. S. Navy during World War II. He narrowly escaped catastrophe when his assigned aircraft carrier was bombed while he was away.
27. Steve McQueen
He was a U. S. Marine Corps member, where he earned the role of tank driver. McQueen was part of a unit that assisted in rescuing soldiers from a hurricane, highlighting his valor.
28. Gene Hackman
He joined the U. S. Marine Corps at the age of 16, serving in both China and Japan. The discipline he gained during his military service later contributed to his success as a respected actor in Hollywood.
29. Ice-T
This rapper, who later became an actor, served in the U. S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division. His military experience instilled the discipline necessary for his successful transitions into music and acting.
30. Tony Bennett
Before becoming an iconic singer, he was an infantryman in the U. S. Army during World War II. He fought in Germany and played a role in liberating a Nazi concentration camp.
