Before gracing the silver screen, stage, or airwaves, several famous figures served their countries in the armed forces. From actors to musicians, their time in the military often shaped their careers, instilling discipline, resilience, and a sense of purpose. These celebrities show that military service often plays a crucial role in shaping character and ambition. Their stories of courage, determination, and adaptability resonate beyond the battlefield, inspiring audiences worldwide. Here’s a look at 20 celebrities who wore the uniform and how their service influenced their lives.
Elvis Presley (U.S. Army)
Background: The King of Rock and Roll was drafted in 1958 at the height of his fame.
Service Details: Presley served as a tank crewman in Germany from 1958 to 1960.
Personal Story: Rather than seeking special treatment, Presley insisted on serving as a regular soldier, earning respect from peers and fans alike.
Wikipedia
Morgan Freeman (U.S. Air Force)
Background: Freeman enlisted in the Air Force in 1955, aspiring to become a fighter pilot.
Service Details: He served as a radar technician but realized military life wasn’t his passion.
Personal Story: His experience inspired him to pursue acting, where he became one of Hollywood’s most iconic voices.
Jimmy Stewart (U.S. Army Air Corps)
Background: Already an established actor, Stewart enlisted during World War II in 1941.
Service Details: Rising to the rank of brigadier general, he flew combat missions as a pilot.
Personal Story: Stewart’s military service deeply influenced his later roles, including his portrayal of veterans in films like It’s a Wonderful Life.
U.S. Air Force photo
Clint Eastwood (U.S. Army)
Background: Drafted during the Korean War, Eastwood served in the Army from 1951 to 1953.
Service Details: He worked as a lifeguard at Fort Ord in California.
Personal Story: Eastwood survived a plane crash during his service, swimming over a mile to shore, a harrowing experience that shaped his resilience.
defense.gov
Chuck Norris (U.S. Air Force)
Background: Norris enlisted in the Air Force in 1958 and was stationed in South Korea.
Service Details: He worked as a security policeman, where he began training in martial arts.
Personal Story: His martial arts skills honed in Korea eventually propelled him to action-hero stardom.
Sgt. Sheila Brooks/Defense Imagery Management Operations Center
Bea Arthur (U.S. Marine Corps)
Background: Before becoming a beloved TV star, Arthur enlisted in the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve during World War II.
Service Details: She worked as a typist and truck driver, reaching the rank of staff sergeant.
Personal Story: Arthur’s no-nonsense persona on The Golden Girls mirrored her real-life toughness.
togetherweserved
Adam Driver (U.S. Marine Corps)
Background: Driver enlisted after the 9/11 attacks, serving from 2001 to 2004.
Service Details: He was medically discharged due to an injury but credits the Marines with teaching him discipline and teamwork.
Personal Story: Driver’s military background often informs his intense and commanding on-screen presence.
Far Out / Rodney Wright / Dick Thomas Johnson
Ice-T (U.S. Army)
Background: The rapper and actor joined the Army in 1979 to support his young family.
Service Details: He served four years in the 25th Infantry Division.
Personal Story: Ice-T credits the Army with giving him structure, helping him transition to a successful career in music and acting.
Jimi Hendrix (U.S. Army)
Background: Hendrix enlisted in 1961 to avoid jail time after being caught stealing cars.
Service Details: He served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division but was honorably discharged after a year.
Personal Story: During his service, Hendrix began playing guitar seriously, paving the way for his legendary music career.
Kris Kristofferson (U.S. Army)
Background: A Rhodes Scholar, Kristofferson served as a helicopter pilot in the Army.
Service Details: He rose to the rank of captain and was stationed in Germany.
Personal Story: He famously left the military to pursue music, even landing a helicopter on Johnny Cash’s lawn to deliver his demo.
togetherweserved
Audie Murphy (U.S. Army)
Background: Before becoming an actor, Murphy was one of the most decorated soldiers of World War II.
Service Details: He earned the Medal of Honor and numerous other awards for his bravery.
Personal Story: Murphy transitioned to Hollywood, starring in films like To Hell and Back, based on his own experiences.
Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Paul Newman (U.S. Navy)
Background: Newman served in the Navy during World War II.
Service Details: He worked as a radio operator and turret gunner.
Personal Story: His military service instilled a strong work ethic that he carried into his acting and philanthropy.
togetherweserved
Elvis Costello (British Army)
Background: Costello’s father served in the British Army, and he briefly considered following in his footsteps.
Service Details: While his military stint was short, the discipline influenced his music career.
Personal Story: Costello’s early life shaped his rebellious yet structured approach to music.
JC Olivera/Getty Images
Hugh Hefner (U.S. Army)
Background: Before founding Playboy, Hefner served in the Army during World War II.
Service Details: He worked as a clerk and contributed cartoons for Army publications.
Personal Story: His artistic talents blossomed during his service, laying the foundation for his publishing empire.
togetherweserved
Mel Brooks (U.S. Army)
Background: Brooks served in World War II as part of the Army Corps of Engineers.
Service Details: He defused landmines and entertained troops with comedy.
Personal Story: His military experiences influenced his satirical sense of humor in films like The Producers.
historynet
Sidney Poitier (U.S. Army)
Background: Poitier enlisted during World War II, lying about his age to join.
Service Details: He worked as a medical attendant but disliked military life and was eventually discharged.
Personal Story: His time in the Army motivated him to pursue acting as a way to tell meaningful stories.
AP Photo/File
George Carlin (U.S. Air Force)
Background: Carlin joined the Air Force as a radar technician.
Service Details: He struggled with authority but used his time to hone his comedy skills.
Personal Story: Carlin’s rebellious streak in the military shaped his countercultural comedy.
togetherweserved
Tom Selleck (California National Guard)
Background: Selleck served in the California Army National Guard during the Vietnam War.
Service Details: He was part of the 160th Infantry Regiment from 1967 to 1973.
Personal Story: Selleck remains a vocal supporter of veterans and military organizations.
togetherweserved
Mr. T (U.S. Army)
Background: Mr. T enlisted in the Army and excelled as a military policeman.
Service Details: He was awarded a letter of recommendation for his excellent service.
Personal Story: His military discipline influenced his tough-guy persona.
John Glenn (U.S. Marine Corps)
Background: Before becoming an astronaut and U.S. senator, Glenn served as a Marine pilot.
Service Details: He flew combat missions in World War II and Korea.
Personal Story: His military career laid the groundwork for his historic spaceflight as the first American to orbit Earth.
NASA
