Gene Hackman – US Marines

Gene Hackman had a career before Hollywood fame, which began during his days in the Marine Corps. His Hollywood career lasted more than six decades. He was primarily a radio operator and found other ways to express himself as well. One day he volunteered for duty at the radio station of his unit, DJing without thinking anything would come from it, but they liked him so much that he became their newscaster too!

Later sent to China, where most stationed there were radio operators. He is one Hollywood legend with a storied career that won him two Academy Awards, four Golden Globes, and two BAFTAs.

Adam Driver – US Marines

It’s not surprising that Adam Driver is such a good fighter in the Star Wars movies. Maybe he applied a trick or two that he must have learned during his time as a marine. He served as a mortarman with the Marines after 9/11. The attacks motivated him to serve in the Marines and be graced by the uniform.

Unfortunately, he broke his sternum while serving. As a result, he was medically relieved from service for this injury despite trying to recover. Driver wanted to serve the Marines for a longer time and enjoy wearing the esteemed uniform.

Owen Wilson – New Mexico Military Institute

If you ever pictured Owen Wilson as a military man, this is your chance to rethink it. Owen Wilson joined the New Mexico Military Institute. It’s kind of hard to believe, right? Imagining Wilson in a military uniform seems a bit hilarious as this man is always getting into some accident! He probably had the same opinion, and he never completed his studies or continued with any more training either.

After leaving school at NMMI, he attended the University of Texas, where he studied Arts like many other actors before he has done too, but we all know that comedy was really what made him famous!

Clint Eastwood – U.S. Army

Clint Eastwood is a Hollywood mogul who’s been in the industry for over 50 years. He attempted to go back to complete his studies at Seattle University but ended up being drafted into the Korean War instead.

Clint had a short stay in the U. Army. Even though Eastwood wasn’t really fighting on the battlefield during that time since all he did was work as a lifeguard, The Mule will be his next project – you won’t want to miss it! We are all excited to see him in this upcoming project after a long time.

Chuck Norris – U.S. Air Force

The actor and martial artist turned into a cult figure joined the U.S. Air Force in 1958, just after his high school graduation. Chuck Norris was then sent to South Korea, where he served as an air policeman – it is there that he got acquainted with workouts and started training in Tang Soo Do and Tae Kwon Do.

He learned a lot during his stay in South Korea. When returning back home to California, at March AFB (Air Force Base), until 1962 when he retired from service because of arthritis on both knees.

Pat Sajak – U. S. Army

Pat Sajak was a familiar voice on the radio during Vietnam, and today he’s best known as the host of Wheel of Fortune. However, his first jobs were with Armed Forces Radio. He became popular for playing rock ‘n roll music to soldiers stationed there all around Asa. He was sometimes broadcasting from locations that seemed like they couldn’t be more dangerous than what they already faced!

Leaving the Army after two years, Pat continued working in different formats on Top 40 stations. Eventually, he became one of America’s most iconic game show hosts ever – not just because you can win money but also because it seems to come so naturally.

Sidney Poitier – U.S. Army

Sidney Poitier is a Bahamian-American actor who has taken credit for being the first-ever to bag an Academy Award and Golden Globe award. He got this prestigious honor due to his performance in Lilies of the Field, which was superb! Sidney had so many financial problems when he was younger that even though he joined during World War II, he could be useful without necessarily fighting on battlefields.

Sidney only worked as an attendant at mental hospitals. It is still commendable that he could be of any use for the country during the war.

Drew Carey – US Marines

Drew Carey is a hilarious person who once served in the US Marines. He joined in 1980 until 1986, and his decision was influenced by a goal to improve his personal financial situation. When he left the Army, he worked everyday jobs as a waiter before making it huge as a celebrity.

Whenever he talked about his time serving overseas, Carey stated that it helped him transform into such an incredible personality. Moreover, it helped in defining him for what would come later on down the line because of all of this experience from fighting abroad with those faces.

Sam Elliot – 16R3D Airlift Wing

Sam Elliott might be adored as a gun-slinging cowboy of the Wild West; however, in real life, he had been a military man – for a while. Besides, he did a stint in the California Army National Guard, as he served in the 163rd Airlift Wing. To keep his personal finance going during this time period, Elliott occasionally worked construction jobs before joining up himself again at age 27 to try to become an actor like so many others who came west in pursuit of their dreams.

What luck! Soon after rejoining society, though, Sam’s first role would come along when legendary director cast him cowboy on Butch Cassidy.

Willie Nelson – U.S. Air Force

Willie Nelson is a big name in country music. He’s been nominated for several Grammys and has won three of them, but you might not know that this talented musician was once an Air Force pilot! When he finished high school, Willie enlisted as part of the Korean War effort and served 9 months before getting discharged because his back gave him trouble.

This was during the 1950s, and he may have planned to stay for longer in the air force; however, he had to be under serious supervision by the doctors.

Arnold Schwarzenegger – Australian Army

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a guy who knows how to live dangerously. He’s tried his hand at everything from politics, weightlifting, and acting – not only in movies but also as Governor of California for 8 years! And Arnold doesn’t just dabble in these things; he dives headfirst into them with reckless abandon.

His military experience was no exception: when the law required all 18-year old men to serve back then. Schwarzenegger enlisted himself without hesitation. His risky endeavors in life have truly paid off in shaping him and his personality and made him world-famous.

Tom Selleck – U.S. Infantry

Tom Selleck, the American actor best known for his iconic role as Magnum P.I., was drafted into military service during the Vietnam War. The actor joined the California National Guard. He served from 1967 until 1973 in the 160th Infantry Regiment as a rifleman. When he returned back to America after being discharged, he said that fighting for your country is an experience that brings people together.

He also said it made him feel very proud of being able to fight for the country. It is one experience everyone should share together.

Kris Kristofferson – U.S. Army

Kris Kristofferson has an interesting story that is worth telling. He became a notable name in the music industry in the 1970s. We all know him for his songs like Me and Bobby McGee, Help Me Make it Through the Night, Sunday Mornin’ Comin Down.

Around this time, Kris joined the army because their family really wanted it to happen. Kris joined the U.S. Army, and it turned out to be a great investment for him when he faced tough times in his musical career with no other way of making money on the side.

Sean Connery – British Royal Navy

Sean Connery is the ultimate James Bond actor, but he also served in the British Royal Navy for a few years. The Scottish legend learned his spy moves from probably being an officer on board and joined at just 16! Sean stayed in the military for three years, but it became a short stint. He faced numerous health issues that made him leave early, though.

Afterward, Sean pursued acting, which became his Hollywood star status we can’t be more thankful about now. His magnificent Bond persona is a fan favorite.

Paul Newman – U.S. Navy

Paul Newman was a U.S. Navy veteran who went on to become the most well-known actor of his time, winning awards and performing in iconic movies such as Cool Hand Luke and Butch Cassidy And The Sting. He’s considered one of the most influential actors in film history, and that’s not all!

Unfortunately, he had to give up his Navy V-12 pilot training after it became clear that he would be color blind. His life ended with lung cancer in 2008 at the age of 83, despite never being confirmed as a cause for his departure.

Humphrey Bogart – U.S. Navy

Humphrey Bogart’s time as a member of the United States Navy during WWI is something that many people know about. He enlisted in 1918 at age 18 and was given an opportunity to join after his mother urged him to sign up for it. His famous scar on his upper lip, which is believed by some sources to have been from when he served with the navy, helped launch his career post-war.

His career first started off on Broadway before making it a big-screen actor, and most recognized him today due to his iconic roles. Sadly though, Humphrey passed away in 1957 because of esophageal cancer.

Carl Reiner – U.S. Air Force

Carl Reiner is a talented comedic actor who served in the U.S. Air Force as well as worked behind the scenes on shows like The Dick Van Dyke Show, and he’s also known for Tweeting! This 96-year old performer has been entertaining audiences with his work since 1940. When he became a corporal in the military service of our country – he even had some time to serve overseas during WWII!

Nowadays, Carl uses Twitter often where followers can see him sharing updates about activities around town or just get an update that there are new episodes available from classic T.V. series which were created by none other than himself.

Morgan Freeman – U.S. Air Force

You may be surprised to know that Morgan Freeman once turned down a prestigious scholarship for the U.S. Air Force. He always had a feeling of patriotism and undying love for historical and war films. This inspired Freeman to become a pilot and also join the Army in 1955.

Although he never got to fly a plane, he worked as a radar technician there. After four years, he was discharged in 1959. We all would have seen his true potential if he had achieved the dream of becoming a pilot.

Mickey Rooney – U.S. Army

Mickey Rooney had a very interesting and sometimes tragic acting career. He was born in 1920 when movies were just becoming popular, so he started his film work at an early age – as soon as Hollywood discovered him. But Mickey didn’t only star on the big screen; by World War II’s end, he’d already enlisted with “Special Services,” entertaining American troops around Europe!

After returning home to America after that war ended, and has appeared in over 200 films! Mickey continued building up his impressive movie resume with such classics as Breakfast At Tiffany’s, and It’s A Mad-Mad-Mad-Mad World.

George W. Bush – National Guard

Former President of the U.S. George W. Bush was in the Texas Air National Guard. After this, he worked as a pilot and was assigned to Houston. Bush failed his physical exam in 1972; therefore, he was suspended from flying again. Eventually, he started Arbusto Energy, which was a small company initially.

Besides, he became politically involved and, as a result, served as the 43rd president of the U.S. from 2001-2009. He is still politically active and meets influential people like the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammad bin Salman.

Steve McQueen – U.S. Marines

Steve McQueen served in the US Marines from 1947 to 1950. His rebellious behavior, however, made his time a little more difficult than he might have expected. He was demoted seven times and resented it very much. One of those occasions happened just two weeks before being discharged after serving for three years with honor and distinction as an enlisted man.

When faced by shore patrol officers who found him with his girlfriend during that absence period-a detail that could lead to court-martial proceedings. McQueen resisted arrest; however, he now calls this era transformational for him.

Alan Alda – U.S. Army Reserve

When Alan Alda first stepped on set, he was simply another M*A*S*H actor. But over the show’s eleven-season run, his portrayal of Hawkeye Pierce became one of its most beloved characters and an irreplaceable part in television history.

Mingling with other actors may have seemed like a novelty to him before he started working on the show, but it soon developed into something more meaningful as many cast members eventually created lifelong friendships during their time together. Many people may not know that he had military training and became a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

Sammy Davis Jr. – U.S. Infantry

Sammy Davis Jr. had graduated from high school when they decided to join the U.S. Army in 1943, during WWII. As soon as Sammy got to his new base and unit of work, things didn’t go so well for him since everyone there was prejudiced against a black man like himself.

Luckily sooner than later, he was transferred into an Entertainment Unit where he became one of their best entertainers because most people found him funny and laughed at his jokes. This gave the talented young man some much-needed confidence which helped aid his career not only then or now but also going forward!

Johnny Cash – U.S. Air Force

Johnny Cash had a lot of interesting jobs before he became one of the world’s most famous country singers. He was in the U.S. Marines, served as a radio operator for some time during his service after his training at Lackland Air Force Base and Brooks Airforce Base in Texas.

Then, later on, he moved to Germany, where he formed his first band, The Landsberg Barbarians when he was in the Air Force. His job was similar to today’s cybersecurity as it included intercepting the Russing Morse messages for the army.

Mel Brooks – U.S. Infantry

Mel Brooks’ time in the Army during World War II was a crucial and life-changing experience. After graduating from college, he joined the 1104 Engineer Combat Battalion in 1994 to diffuse land mines for his troops so they could move on Nazi targets. In Germany, where Mel served as Corporal of this battalion after quickly rising through ranks.

His intelligence and leadership skills proved invaluable when facing tough tasks like defusing bombs or acting upon reconnaissance missions because of how fast he analyzed data. Upon returning home safe and sound following WW2’s end – with fame around him everywhere thanks to all those successful films we now love!

Hugh Hefner – U.S. Infantry

The last man you’d expect to wear an Army uniform actually did! Hugh Hefner, the late Playboy Megamind who just finished studying in Steinmetz High School, joined up with the U.S. Army in 1944. Instead of fighting on a battlefield like he probably expected, he served as infantry clerk for four more months before being honorably discharged after only two years in 1946.

His time in the infantry helped him develop drawing and publishing skills as it was an interactive job for the young Hefner. He returned back home and created the Playboy empire as we know of now.

Bob Barker – U.S. Navy

Bob Barker has been our favorite T.V. host on the game show, The Price Is Right, for as long as we can remember, but his life was not all about hosting. He might be best known for his hosting skills for 30 years. However, his courage is commendable. Before that, he served in the Second World War and fought as a fighter pilot against Nazis!

After the war was over, he completed his studies and became a summa cum laude graduate. He’s still alive at 94 years old, so hopefully, it will be a while before his life insurance benefits kick in!

Burt Lancaster – 03Z Army

Burt Lancaster and Nick Cravat were the Acrobat team, Lang and Cravat. They eventually joined Kay Brothers Circus, but in 1939 Burt was forced to quit after an injury he sustained during a performance at a circus. He then became a singing waiter for restaurants before joining the Army Corps of Engineers, which provided USO entertainment overseas while serving with the Fifth Army Camp located in Italy from 1943-1945.

His acting career started off when he got cast on A Sound of Hunting, paving his way into film history where oftentimes you can find him playing tough guys.

Prince Harry – Household Cavalry & Air Army Corps

Prince Harry served in the British Army as he followed the path of his father’s journey for the country. His father, Prince Charles, gave him his first wings! He was sent to Afghanistan twice and joined the Air Force Corps before retiring from service after only 10 years of army duty. Prince Harry was a part of the Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst.

He reached the rank of Lieutenant in the Household Cavalry. Now he is enjoying life as a married man and father to two kids with his wife Meghan Markle, who has already made quite an impression on our royal family!

Prince William – Air Army Corps & Royal Navy

Prince William’s military career was not limited to the Army; he also served in the Royal Navy and Air Force. Like his younger brother, Prince Harry, who attended Sandhurst before him. Though as an heir to a throne, he never saw combat or real war situations; he instead pursued naval service with honor. The big difference is that when it came time for Prince William’s flight school at RAF Cranwell near Lincolnshire, both princes underwent their ‘wings’ from father Charles II. William actually got deployed overseas by himself- all over Afghanistan picking up fallen soldiers’ bodies, including those of three British troops killed on duty.

Richard Pryor – U.S. Army

Richard Pryor, a widely popular comedian, has been recognized as one of the most influential comedians in recent history alongside Lenny Bruce and George Carlin. He was born in November 1940 and had a rough childhood. However, he had to endure an abusive childhood and grew up with his grandmother running her brothel. In 1958-1960 during his army stint, he spent much of this time locked away for crimes against whites while serving overseas during a racially tense era. Richard found success early on following his comedian career with his impeccable timing.

Rachel Washburn – United States Army

Rachel Washburn was a former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader before she joined the Army and served in Afghanistan. She left her pom-poms back home to help Afghan women and children, as well as serving two tours with U.S. forces there herself! Her social service and being in the army have made her father very proud of her. But that’s not all – after her service, Rachel became an ambassador for Clean Water Corps, which brings clean water into communities around the world who need it most. She shares all these moments on her Instagram.

Bob Newhart – U.S. Army

Bob Newhart is a comedian and actor with an interesting career spanning over 50 years, most famous for his deadpan delivery style. He has had the honor of being ranked #1 on Billboard’s pop albums list in 1960 after releasing his first comedy album– The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart. It was also one of the best-selling worldwide.

Prior to that, he served as a personnel manager until 1954 when he became discharged from the army during the Korean War era; however, since 2013, it seems like all bets are off because this legendary performer managed to land himself recurring roles on popular T.V. shows such as Big Bang Theory!

Bea Arthus – U.S. Marine Corps Women’s Reserve

Bea Arthur was a woman of mystery. Arthur was one of the most recognizable faces on television for decades. She never admitted to serving in the U.S. Army, but after some research and digging, it turns out that she served for 30 months as a truck driver with the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve.

Bea was just 21 at that time and served under her original name Bernice Frankel. Though her time there was short-lived due to venereal disease treatment, something Bea didn’t want to be revealed, this is still an interesting fact about someone who left behind such memorably iconic roles.

Johnny Carson – United States Navy

Johnny Carson served in the Navy during World War II. He joined in 1943 and used to decode encrypted messages after his training at Columbia University and Millsaps College. Eventually, he got a degree in journalism as part of his plan to become a comedy writer but then changed his mind when he decided that instead of working on radio.

He worked on the T.V. show called The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson-host, which became an icon for entertainment worldwide. Besides, he won six Emmy Awards throughout his career. He suffered from a severe heart attack due to smoking habits before passing away from respiratory failure in 2005.

Kirk Douglas – United States Navy

Kirk Douglas made his debut in the 1946 film The Strange Love of Martha Ivers and went on to become a box-office star. Douglas enlisted himself in the United States Navy in 1941, serving as a communications officer until 1944 where he grew up with six sisters doing all sorts of jobs for their family before becoming an actor.

In 1999 Kirk had suffered from a stroke that impaired his ability to speak, but at the Golden Globe Awards 2018, he was accompanied by Catherine Zeta-Jones, who helped him make public appearances like these again!

Mr. T – Military Police Corps

Laurence Tureaud, best known as Mr. T and who you may know from his roles in Rocky III or The A-Team, enlisted with the Army Military Police Corps after he was expelled from Prairie View University early on during his first year there.

He was promoted to squad leader but discharged soon after; next came a stint at nightclub bouncer that led him to wear gold chains which started when patrons would forget their valuables left behind as Mr. T collected them. It wasn’t until 2005, following Hurricane Katrina, that he quit wearing these necklaces for good then transitioned into acting work before retiring earlier this decade.

Bill Cosby – United States Navy

Bill Cosby has had quite a career. The Navy Corpsman, followed by Temple University and a stint as a comedian before creating his own show in 1969. It wasn’t long until he left to pursue other projects like Fat Albert & The Cosby Kids that were based on one of his characters from Bill’s TV Show.

A voice your grandparents grew up hearing every day! But just when we thought it couldn’t get any better for this legend. In September 2018 came along with 60 women who accused him of severe misconduct, which led to 3-10 years in prison without parole.

Elvis Presley – U.S. Infantry

Elvis Presley found himself in a frenzy of media attention when he enlisted into the U.S. Army. It was not uncommon for photographers to follow him around, but Elvis wanted to be treated like just everyone else-a a regular soldier.

He had joined as an alternative service option and regretted this decision quickly because his goal all along was performing at military bases overseas, which would have been a sweet gig if it were possible with the Special Services Unit (SSU). However, after being stationed at Friedberg in Germany, he met Priscilla Beaulieu, who eventually became his wife.