You might know some famous names who served in the military, like Elvis, and Chuck Norris, but other names on this list might surprise you. Here are 20 famous people, from musicians to comedians, to movie stars, all of whom wore the uniform and served their country.
Gorgeous actress and model Gal Godot is a true Wonder Woman in real life. This former Miss Israel served in the Israel Defense Forces for two years and is a weapons expert.
When most people think of Prince Harry, we usually associate him with that lavish royal wedding. Few would know though Prince Harry has served in the military. He served 20 weeks in Afghanistan with the Army Air Corps. He didn’t leave the army until an Australian magazine revealed his location.
“Live long and prosper”, that is the catchphrase of Mr. Spock. Leonard Nimoy, who played the legendary character in the Star Trek, served as a soldier from 1953 to 1955. During his time in the military, he spent some time writing and narrating on shows for the Army Special Services branch.
Elvis Presley was drafted into the US Army in 1957, two years after he became a country star for several songs. Presley was deployed in Germany, where he met his future wife, Priscilla.
“Million Dollar Baby” director Clint Eastwood spent time in the US Army during the Korean War. Instead of being deployed overseas, he was assigned to be a swimming instructor. He was discharged in 1953.
Ice-T joined the US Army as he was trying to support his girlfriend and his daughter and was aware that army offered great financial benefits. During his stint in the military, he bought music equipment and began working on a career as a rapper. Now he pursues his acting dream in Hollywood.
Fascinated by war films and pilots, Morgan Freeman always wanted to be in the army. He joined the US Air Force in 1955, and he was assigned to be a radar technician. However, he quickly lost his romantic fantasy and later described sitting in a jet airplane as “sitting in the nose of a bomb.”
Paul Newman was drafted the Navy in hopes of becoming a pilot, but he was released from the program when he was found to be colorblind. He then became a rear-seat radioman and aerial gunner. He was awarded a number of military honors.
Rock and roll legend Jimi Hendrix served in the US Army for two years. Unlike others on the list, joining the army was not his plan. Young Jim was arrested for driving a stolen car, and he was given two options: prison or military. He chose the military and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division.
Chuck Norris enlisted in the US Air Force after high school. During his time as an Air Policeman in Korea, he learned Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwan Do. After being discharged from the army, he began his rise to fame as a martial artist and founded his own school, Chun Kuk Do.
The television host and comedian joined in the US Navy in 1943. He started as an apprentice shipman, and finally became a midshipman assigned to the USS Pennsylvania in the Pacific Ocean. After being released from the military, Carson went his study in communications at college. He eventually worked his way up to be the host of The Tonight Show.
Humphrey Bogart, best known for his classic film Casablanca, served his country in the US Navy. Bogart spent most of his military career on the USS Leviathan transporting troops from Europe to the United States. Bogart was honorably discharged in 1919 after he was promoted to seaman second class.
Mickey Rooney enlisted in the US Army in 1943 and was discharged in 1946. During his time in the military, Mickey Rooney spent his time entertaining the troops. Rooney was perfect for the job. He even entertained troops in combat zones during World War II. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his excellent work.
Johnny Cash joined the US Air Force just as the Korean War began after graduating from high school in 1950. However, Johnny Cash spent most of his four-year enlistment in Germany. Cash had easily learned Morse Code and was assigned to work as an intercept operator with the USAF Security Service.
After graduating from high school, Hugh Hefner joined the US Army as an infantry clerk in 1944. He earned a sharpshooter badge in basic training and drew cartoons for the military newspaper. This man was built for the publishing world and later went on to revolutionize the magazine industry.
Willie Nelson joined the US Air Force in 1950. However, his military career was as short at nine months, due to his back problems. After his service was completed, he worked an odd job as a club bouncer before finally finding fame in music.
“Girls” star Adam Driver was drafted by the Marines after 9/11. After the devastating tragedy, Driver felt he had a duty to enlist in the army and defend his country. He was meant to deploy to Iraq during the war, but ended up being medically discharged after he broke his sternum in an accident.
Before becoming a full-time comedian, Rob Riggle served as a lieutenant colonel in the Marines. After some time though he realized he wanted to act, and he went on to pursue his dreams, but only after his contract with the military was completed. He believed that the military was what made him mentally tough.
Before landing the leading role in Golden Girls, Bea Arthur served in the Marine Corps. Initially a typist in Washington, she stationed at Marine Corps and Navy air stations in Virginia and North Carolina. Arthur was honorably discharged in 1945 with the title of staff sergeant.
TV Show host, Montel Williams served 22 years in the military, and this was not the only impressive part of his service record. Montel Williams was the first African-American enlisted Marine to complete and graduate from both the Academy Prep School and the U.S. Naval Academy. He was entitled with the rank of lieutenant and awarded a number of other accolades during his prestigious military career.
