17 Celebrities With Military Backgrounds
Famous Americans often make their mark through entertainment, art, or athletics. Some celebrities and cultural icons, however, have also made an impact by serving in the United States military.
These famous Americans have served in various ranks of the Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Their bravery and sacrifice have deepened their legacies and contributed to the enduring spirit of America.
Read on to learn about and honor 17 famous Americans who served in the military. We primarily collected our data from military publications.
1: Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman, the legendary actor and narrator, started his career not in Hollywood, but in the military. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1955 after graduating from high school.
Freeman was a radar technician, serving for nearly four years. After leaving the Air Force, he went to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career.
2: Elvis Presley
The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, served in the U.S. Army. He was inducted in 1958 and served for six years. His time in the Army included two years of active duty and four years in the Army Reserve.
On his first leave after basic training, Presley had a recording session, where he recorded “A Big Hunk O’ Love.” He met his wife, Priscilla, while stationed in Germany.
3: Tony Bennett
Before he became known for his smooth, melodic voice, singer Tony Bennett served in the Army. He was drafted in 1944 toward the end of World War II.
Bennett deployed to Europe as a soldier with the 63rd Infantry Division, which liberated a subcamp of the Dachau concentration camp. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
4: Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood, an iconic actor and director, was drafted into the Army in the 1950s. After basic training, he was sent to Fort Ord, California, where he became a swimming instructor.
Eastwood was honorably discharged from the Army in 1953. Soon after, he began to take acting classes.
5: Ice-T
Born Tracy Marrow, the rapper and “Law and Order: SVU” actor Ice-T enlisted in the Army after his high school graduation. He served for four years as an infantryman with the 25th Infantry Division.
He was deployed to Hawaii during his service, and he served as a squad leader there. After he finished his enlistment, he went to California and began his music career.
6: Rob Riggle
Before making people laugh in films like “The Hangover,” actor Rob Riggle served as a U.S. Marine. He began his service in 1990 when he joined the Marine Corps in college. After serving on active duty for nine years, he joined the Marine Corps Reserve for another 14 years.
Riggle deployed multiple times, eventually earning the rank of lieutenant colonel. He went to Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks to work as a Marine in the “bucket brigades,” collecting debris in buckets for investigators to examine.
7: Clark Gable
After starring in “Gone with the Wind,” actor Clark Gable decided to enlist during World War II. The death of his wife, Carole Lombard, in a 1942 plane crash spurred him to action.
Gable served in the Army Air Corps as a private, later training as an aerial gunner and photographer. In this capacity, he filmed footage of aerial combat for the U.S. military. He was discharged from active duty in 1944.
8: Jimi Hendrix
The famous electric guitarist Jimi Hendrix joined the Army in 1961. He was part of the 101st Airborne Division and stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky.
Hendrix served until 1962, when he became injured. After his injury, he was discharged.
9: Jimmy Stewart
After starring in “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” Jimmy Stewart enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1941. He was the first major actor to enlist after the United States entered World War II.
Stewart began his service as a flight instructor before deploying to England, where he was the commanding officer of the 703rd Bomb Squadron. He earned two Distinguished Flying Cross medals for his actions in combat. When the war ended, Stewart served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and deployed to Vietnam.
10: James Earl Jones
The man who gave a voice to Darth Vader, James Earl Jones, served in the Army in 1953. After completing his training, he was assigned to Colorado.
Jones set up a cold weather training command near the former Camp Hale. It was his only assignment in the Army before his discharge.
11: Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson broke barriers by becoming the first African American to play Major League Baseball. Before his groundbreaking entry into professional sports, he served in the Army during World War II.
Robinson was court marshaled after he refused to sit in the back of a segregated bus. He was honorably discharged.
12: Bob Ross
Bob Ross, a painter and host of “The Joy of Painting” on PBS, served in the military for 20 years. He enlisted in the Air Force when he was 18.
Ross continued to climb the ranks and eventually became a sergeant. He retired from service in 1981.
13: Adam Driver
The “Star Wars” and “Girls” actor Adam Driver decided to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps after the 9/11 attacks. He was 18 when he joined.
Driver served for nearly three years in the Marine Corps. He was medically discharged after suffering an injury.
14: Bob Barker
Bob Barker became a familiar face in many households as the host of “The Price Is Right.” Before his television career, he served in the U.S. Navy.
Barker trained as a fighter pilot. He served during World War II.
15: Humphrey Bogart
The “Casablanca” star and cultural icon Humphrey Bogart served in the Navy. He enlisted at the end of World War I.
Bogart was a signalman on the USS Leviathan. The ship transported American troops between Europe and North America.
16: Bea Arthur
Before she was known as Dorothy in “The Golden Girls,” Bea Arthur joined the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve in 1943. She was 20 years old when she enlisted.
Arthur was a typist, truck driver, and dispatcher during her time in service. She obtained the rank of staff sergeant and was honorably discharged in 1945.
17: Charles Schulz
The creator of the beloved “Peanuts” comics, Charles Schulz, served in the Army. He was drafted in 1943 during World War II.
Schulz was a staff sergeant in the 20th Armored Division. He was discharged in 1947. Shortly after, he became an illustrator, which led him to create the first “Peanuts” comic in 1950.
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