Photo:Zach Bryan/Instagram; Matt Cardy/Getty; ABC
Zach Bryan/Instagram; Matt Cardy/Getty; ABC
Some were drafted during World War II; others are currently enlisted in the Army Reserves. All of these celebrities spent years serving their country in the military. From Bea Arthur driving a truck in the Marine Corps toPrince Harry flying as an Apache pilot in Afghanistan, many celebrities are proud veterans, and use their platform to bring attention to causes that benefit servicemembers and veterans to this day.As former Marine Drew Carey said, “I believe it’s important for us to always recognize the sacrifices it takes to serve in our military, and how necessary they are… We need to recognize and applaud people in our military who do their jobs well, and with honor. Period.”
Some were drafted during World War II; others are currently enlisted in the Army Reserves. All of these celebrities spent years serving their country in the military. From Bea Arthur driving a truck in the Marine Corps toPrince Harry flying as an Apache pilot in Afghanistan, many celebrities are proud veterans, and use their platform to bring attention to causes that benefit servicemembers and veterans to this day.
As former Marine Drew Carey said, “I believe it’s important for us to always recognize the sacrifices it takes to serve in our military, and how necessary they are… We need to recognize and applaud people in our military who do their jobs well, and with honor. Period.”
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Gene Hackman
Marine Corps; Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
After leaving the Marines, Hackman used his GI Bill benefits to enroll in the University of Illinois to study journalism and television production, before heading to Hollywood to begin his career.
02of 30Zach BryanZach Bryan/Instagram, Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty"I joined the Navy as a 17 year old kid … It made a man out of me, truly,“Zach Bryan wrote on Instagramin 2021, explaining that he was leaving the military to pursue his country music career.“If it was my decision, I would never get out of the worlds greatest Navy, but here I am and they kindly honorably discharged me to go play some music,” he continued, concluding. “The best eight years of my life were spent serving the best country in the whole damn world.”
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Zach Bryan
Zach Bryan/Instagram, Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty
“I joined the Navy as a 17 year old kid … It made a man out of me, truly,“Zach Bryan wrote on Instagramin 2021, explaining that he was leaving the military to pursue his country music career.
“If it was my decision, I would never get out of the worlds greatest Navy, but here I am and they kindly honorably discharged me to go play some music,” he continued, concluding. “The best eight years of my life were spent serving the best country in the whole damn world.”
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Betty White
U.S. Army/Twitter; getty
“Not only was she an amazing actress, she also served during WWII as a member of the American Women’s Voluntary Services. A true legend on and off the screen,“they wrote on Twitter. TheU.S. Naval Institute further clarifiedthat she “drove a supply truck” during her time in the military.
04of 30Tom SelleckGettyPerhaps Tom Selleck’s keen ability to portray former Navy SEAL Thomas Magnum inMagnum P.I.stemmed from his own time in the military. Heservedas a soldier in the California Army National Guard from1967 to 1973.
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Tom Selleck
Getty
Perhaps Tom Selleck’s keen ability to portray former Navy SEAL Thomas Magnum inMagnum P.I.stemmed from his own time in the military. Heservedas a soldier in the California Army National Guard from1967 to 1973.
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Prince Harry
Matt Cardy/Getty
Recently,Prince Harrydiscussed the isolation service members often feel when returning home, and stressed the importance of supporting veterans at the2021 Salute to Freedom gala.
06of 30Craig Morgancraig morgan; gettyCountry star Craig Morgan served 17 years in the Army and Army Reserve with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions as an E-6 Staff Sergeant and Fire Support Specialist, and includes Airborne, Air Assault and Rappel Master among his certifications. He is also a recipient of the Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Medal and the USO Merit Award, as well as a member of the U.S. Field Artillery Hall of Fame.In 2023,Morgan re-enlisted with the Reserve onstage at the Grand Ole Opry. “I’m excited to once again serve my country and be all I can be in hopes of encouraging others to be a part of something greater than ourselves,” Morgan told PEOPLE in a statement at the time. “I love being an artist, but I consider it a true privilege and honor to work with what I believe are the greatest of Americans, my fellow soldiers.”
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Craig Morgan
craig morgan; getty
Country star Craig Morgan served 17 years in the Army and Army Reserve with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions as an E-6 Staff Sergeant and Fire Support Specialist, and includes Airborne, Air Assault and Rappel Master among his certifications. He is also a recipient of the Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Medal and the USO Merit Award, as well as a member of the U.S. Field Artillery Hall of Fame.
In 2023,Morgan re-enlisted with the Reserve onstage at the Grand Ole Opry. “I’m excited to once again serve my country and be all I can be in hopes of encouraging others to be a part of something greater than ourselves,” Morgan told PEOPLE in a statement at the time. “I love being an artist, but I consider it a true privilege and honor to work with what I believe are the greatest of Americans, my fellow soldiers.”
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Bob Barker
US Naval Institute/Twitter; Jesse Grant/WireImage
08of 30Drew CareyUS Naval Institute/Twitter; Sonja Flemming/CBS via GettyBarker’s successor onThe Price Is RightDrew Carey also was a military man, having served in the Marine Corps from 1980 to 1986, before beginning his career in comedy. Though he is now a self-described “peacenik,“according to an interview withU.S. Veterans Magazine, he has tremendous respect for the military: “I believe it’s important for us to always recognize the sacrifices it takes to serve in our military, and how necessary they are… We need to recognize and applaud people in our military who do their jobs well, and with honor. Period.”
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Drew Carey
US Naval Institute/Twitter; Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty
Barker’s successor onThe Price Is RightDrew Carey also was a military man, having served in the Marine Corps from 1980 to 1986, before beginning his career in comedy. Though he is now a self-described “peacenik,“according to an interview withU.S. Veterans Magazine, he has tremendous respect for the military: “I believe it’s important for us to always recognize the sacrifices it takes to serve in our military, and how necessary they are… We need to recognize and applaud people in our military who do their jobs well, and with honor. Period.”
09of 30BlippiStevin John/Instagram; Blippi/InstagramYes, your kids' favorite YouTube personality Blippi (real name: Stevin John) served in the U.S. Air Force before trading one uniform for another. “15 years ago! Happy Veterans Day to all my fellow Vets 🇺🇸 ! C-17 Loadmaster ✈️,” hecaptioned this throwback photoon Veterans Day in 2021.
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Blippi
Stevin John/Instagram; Blippi/Instagram
Yes, your kids' favorite YouTube personality Blippi (real name: Stevin John) served in the U.S. Air Force before trading one uniform for another. “15 years ago! Happy Veterans Day to all my fellow Vets 🇺🇸 ! C-17 Loadmaster ✈️,” hecaptioned this throwback photoon Veterans Day in 2021.
10of 30Bea ArthurEverettThe lateGolden Girlsstar Bea Arthur was a typist and truck driver in the Marine Corps fortwo yearsbeginning in 1943. She was also one of thefirst membersof the Women’s Reserve, and after being discharged in 1945, married Marine Private Robert Arthur before eventually embarking on a storied career in show business.
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Bea Arthur
Everett
The lateGolden Girlsstar Bea Arthur was a typist and truck driver in the Marine Corps fortwo yearsbeginning in 1943. She was also one of thefirst membersof the Women’s Reserve, and after being discharged in 1945, married Marine Private Robert Arthur before eventually embarking on a storied career in show business.
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Morgan Freeman
ABC/Getty
12of 30Hugh HefnerDavid Gabber/PR PhotosAlthough it’s hard to picture the late Hugh Hefner as anything but the impresario behind thePlayboyempire, he served as aninfantry clerkin the Army after high school. He was discharged two years later in 1946.
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Hugh Hefner
David Gabber/PR Photos
Although it’s hard to picture the late Hugh Hefner as anything but the impresario behind thePlayboyempire, he served as aninfantry clerkin the Army after high school. He was discharged two years later in 1946.
13of 30Adam DriverSylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via GettyBefore his acting days, 17-year-old Adam Driver joined the Marines shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.“I joined … feeling like I think most people in the country did at the time, filled with a sense of patriotism and retribution and the desire to do something,” he said in aTED Talk. “That, coupled with that fact that I wasn’t doing anything.“TheStar WarsandGirlsactor “loved” being in the Marines, but was medically discharged after two years of service. (You cansee his Marine Corps portrait at 1:43 in this clipfromThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert.)
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Adam Driver
Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty
Before his acting days, 17-year-old Adam Driver joined the Marines shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
“I joined … feeling like I think most people in the country did at the time, filled with a sense of patriotism and retribution and the desire to do something,” he said in aTED Talk. “That, coupled with that fact that I wasn’t doing anything.”
TheStar WarsandGirlsactor “loved” being in the Marines, but was medically discharged after two years of service. (You cansee his Marine Corps portrait at 1:43 in this clipfromThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert.)
14of 30Mel BrooksAt the outset of World War II, Mel Brooks joined the Army Specialized Training Reserve program at the Virginia Military Institute before going to basic training at Fort Sill. He served overseas at the end of the war in various duties, but his talent for performing was apparent and he was asked to join a touring variety show to entertain the troops in the Army camps still stationed in Europe.
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Mel Brooks
At the outset of World War II, Mel Brooks joined the Army Specialized Training Reserve program at the Virginia Military Institute before going to basic training at Fort Sill. He served overseas at the end of the war in various duties, but his talent for performing was apparent and he was asked to join a touring variety show to entertain the troops in the Army camps still stationed in Europe.
15of 30Tony BennettTonyBennett.com; Virginia Sherwood/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via GettyThe late legendary singer Tony Bennett was drafted into the army during World War II, serving in Germany and France. Bennett returned to the U.S. two years later in 1946 after being discharged, and went on to study at the American Theater Wing.
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Tony Bennett
TonyBennett.com; Virginia Sherwood/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty
The late legendary singer Tony Bennett was drafted into the army during World War II, serving in Germany and France. Bennett returned to the U.S. two years later in 1946 after being discharged, and went on to study at the American Theater Wing.
16of 30Rob RiggleActor and comedian Rob Riggle joined the Marines as a pilot in 1990 and served for 23 years before retiring in 2013.“I was an undergrad a the University of Kansas, and I had my pilot’s license … I was also a theater and film major. So I either was going to beTop Gunwhen I graduated or I was gonna be a waiter. And I thought beingTop Gunsounded much sexier, much cooler,” Riggle toldCBS News.Joking aside,he told PEOPLE, “I thought, it’s an American duty. It didn’t have to be the military, but I just thought service of some kind is important … for citizenship. I just think it’s important to give back, whether it’s locally in your own community or statewide or national.”
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Rob Riggle
Actor and comedian Rob Riggle joined the Marines as a pilot in 1990 and served for 23 years before retiring in 2013.
“I was an undergrad a the University of Kansas, and I had my pilot’s license … I was also a theater and film major. So I either was going to beTop Gunwhen I graduated or I was gonna be a waiter. And I thought beingTop Gunsounded much sexier, much cooler,” Riggle toldCBS News.
Joking aside,he told PEOPLE, “I thought, it’s an American duty. It didn’t have to be the military, but I just thought service of some kind is important … for citizenship. I just think it’s important to give back, whether it’s locally in your own community or statewide or national.”
17of 30Johnny CashUSAF; Scott Gries/ImageDirect/GettyAfter graduating from high school in 1950, country superstar Johnny Cash enlisted in the Air Force. While stationed in Germany, where he served as an intelligence-service radioman, he wrote the lyrics for the song that would become his signature, “Folsom Prison Blues.”
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Johnny Cash
USAF; Scott Gries/ImageDirect/Getty
After graduating from high school in 1950, country superstar Johnny Cash enlisted in the Air Force. While stationed in Germany, where he served as an intelligence-service radioman, he wrote the lyrics for the song that would become his signature, “Folsom Prison Blues.”
18of 30Clint EastwoodAlberto E. Rodriguez/GettyThe legendary actor and Oscar-winning filmmaker Clint Eastwood served in theArmybefore kicking up a celebrated career in Hollywood. Drafted during the Korean War, he trained at Fort Ord in California. There, he landed a job as a swimming teacher, and was eventually discharged in 1953.
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Clint Eastwood
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
The legendary actor and Oscar-winning filmmaker Clint Eastwood served in theArmybefore kicking up a celebrated career in Hollywood. Drafted during the Korean War, he trained at Fort Ord in California. There, he landed a job as a swimming teacher, and was eventually discharged in 1953.
19of 30Elvis PresleyGetty (2)The one and only King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, wasdraftedinto the Army in 1957. He eventually rose to the rank of sergeant, and was discharged in 1960. It was during his time in the Army when he metPriscilla Beaulieu, the woman who would one day become his wife.
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Elvis Presley
Getty (2)
The one and only King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, wasdraftedinto the Army in 1957. He eventually rose to the rank of sergeant, and was discharged in 1960. It was during his time in the Army when he metPriscilla Beaulieu, the woman who would one day become his wife.
20of 30Ice-TTheo Wargo/NBCIce-T joined the Army’s 25th Infantry Division after high school. After being deployed to Hawaii and serving four years, hemovedto California, eventually launching a career as a hitmaking rapper before moving into film and television, including the long-running seriesLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit.
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Ice-T
Theo Wargo/NBC
Ice-T joined the Army’s 25th Infantry Division after high school. After being deployed to Hawaii and serving four years, hemovedto California, eventually launching a career as a hitmaking rapper before moving into film and television, including the long-running seriesLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit.
21of 30Robin QuiversGettyTheHoward Stern Showcohost Robin Quivers served her country from 1975 to 1978. After graduating with a nursing degree, she worked as a nurse in the Air Force, rising to the rank of captain. The radio personality, who is acancer survivorand hasspoken openlyabout her battle with the disease, published an autobiography in 1995.
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Robin Quivers
TheHoward Stern Showcohost Robin Quivers served her country from 1975 to 1978. After graduating with a nursing degree, she worked as a nurse in the Air Force, rising to the rank of captain. The radio personality, who is acancer survivorand hasspoken openlyabout her battle with the disease, published an autobiography in 1995.
22of 30Jimi HendrixRedferns/GettyWhen the future rock legend Jimi Hendrixenlistedin the Army in 1961, it was something of a forced choice. After being caught up in a case involving a stolen car, Hendrixwas given the optionof prison time or joining the Army. He opted for the latter and served in the 101st Airborne Division. Hendrix was far from a model soldier though, reportedly falling asleep on duty, and he was discharged in1962following an injury.
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Jimi Hendrix
Redferns/Getty
When the future rock legend Jimi Hendrixenlistedin the Army in 1961, it was something of a forced choice. After being caught up in a case involving a stolen car, Hendrixwas given the optionof prison time or joining the Army. He opted for the latter and served in the 101st Airborne Division. Hendrix was far from a model soldier though, reportedly falling asleep on duty, and he was discharged in1962following an injury.
23of 30Humphrey BogartEverettThe screen legend Humphrey Bogart, who memorably helped guide Katharine Hepburn through troubled waters inThe African Queen,joinedthe Navy during World War I. As a sailor, he spent much of his time ferrying troops between Europe and the U.S.
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Humphrey Bogart
The screen legend Humphrey Bogart, who memorably helped guide Katharine Hepburn through troubled waters inThe African Queen,joinedthe Navy during World War I. As a sailor, he spent much of his time ferrying troops between Europe and the U.S.
24of 30Chuck NorrisChuck Norris.Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagicTheExpendables 2star Chuck Norrisservedas an air policeman in the Air Force after high school. During his four-year military career, which ended in 1962, he was sent to the Osan Air Base in South Korea, where he reportedly begantrainingin martial arts — a passion that would later become his trademark as an action star. Norris was made an honorary United States Marine in 2007.
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Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris.Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
TheExpendables 2star Chuck Norrisservedas an air policeman in the Air Force after high school. During his four-year military career, which ended in 1962, he was sent to the Osan Air Base in South Korea, where he reportedly begantrainingin martial arts — a passion that would later become his trademark as an action star. Norris was made an honorary United States Marine in 2007.
25of 30Jimmy StewartGettyBefore starring in soon-to-be-classic films likeIt’s a Wonderful LifeandVertigo, Jimmy Stewartenlisted in the U.S. Armyin 1941. The first time he was drafted, he was rejectedfor being underweight, but after putting on some pounds, he joined the Air Corps.
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Jimmy Stewart
Before starring in soon-to-be-classic films likeIt’s a Wonderful LifeandVertigo, Jimmy Stewartenlisted in the U.S. Armyin 1941. The first time he was drafted, he was rejectedfor being underweight, but after putting on some pounds, he joined the Air Corps.
26of 30James Earl JonesPetre Buzoianu/Keystone/ZUMAThe iconic screen and stage star James Earl Jones — who was the booming voice behind Darth Vader inStar Warsas well as Mufasa inThe Lion King—joinedthe Army right after college. He was eventually promoted tofirst lieutenant, and was a member of the 75th Rangers Regime.
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James Earl Jones
Petre Buzoianu/Keystone/ZUMA
The iconic screen and stage star James Earl Jones — who was the booming voice behind Darth Vader inStar Warsas well as Mufasa inThe Lion King—joinedthe Army right after college. He was eventually promoted tofirst lieutenant, and was a member of the 75th Rangers Regime.
27of 30J.R. MartinezJ.R. Martinez.courtesy Veterans United Home LoansTheAll My Childrenactor and Dancing with the Starsseason 13 champ J.R. Martinez was serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq in 2003, when the Humvee he was driving in Iraq hit a land mine. He was burned over 40 percent of his body and required 34 months of grueling rehab - but he went on to gain fame.“My life would not be what it is today: full of joy, happiness and positivity,” he told PEOPLE about taking an optimistic outlook on the explosion. “I’m being blessed in so many ways, and it’s because of the energy I’m putting out in the world.”
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J.R. Martinez
J.R. Martinez.courtesy Veterans United Home Loans
TheAll My Childrenactor and Dancing with the Starsseason 13 champ J.R. Martinez was serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq in 2003, when the Humvee he was driving in Iraq hit a land mine. He was burned over 40 percent of his body and required 34 months of grueling rehab - but he went on to gain fame.
“My life would not be what it is today: full of joy, happiness and positivity,” he told PEOPLE about taking an optimistic outlook on the explosion. “I’m being blessed in so many ways, and it’s because of the energy I’m putting out in the world.”
28of 30David AlvarezDavid Alvarez/Instagram; Roy Rochlin/GettyDavid Alvarez,who made his big screen debut as Bernardo inWest Side Story,was one of the youngest actors ever to win a Tony when he was one of the three preteen leads ofBilly Elliotthe Musical.After graduating high school, he joined the army and served several years before returning to Broadway inOn the Town;then he got cast in the highly-anticipated movie musical.Alvareztold theNew York Timeshis dance background prepared him for how tough the Army would be: “When I did basic training, I always thought, this is hard but it’s notBilly Elliothard.”
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David Alvarez
David Alvarez/Instagram; Roy Rochlin/Getty
David Alvarez,who made his big screen debut as Bernardo inWest Side Story,was one of the youngest actors ever to win a Tony when he was one of the three preteen leads ofBilly Elliotthe Musical.After graduating high school, he joined the army and served several years before returning to Broadway inOn the Town;then he got cast in the highly-anticipated movie musical.
Alvareztold theNew York Timeshis dance background prepared him for how tough the Army would be: “When I did basic training, I always thought, this is hard but it’s notBilly Elliothard.”
29of 30Jackie RobinsonAfro American Newspapers/Gado/GettyGroundbreaking baseball star Jackie Robinson served in the Army during World War II, though was honorably discharged,according to his foundation, for refusing to move to the back of a segregated military bus — one of his many acts for racial justice in his lifetime.
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Jackie Robinson
Afro American Newspapers/Gado/Getty
Groundbreaking baseball star Jackie Robinson served in the Army during World War II, though was honorably discharged,according to his foundation, for refusing to move to the back of a segregated military bus — one of his many acts for racial justice in his lifetime.
30of 30Norman LearNorman Lear/Twitter (2)Prolific producerNorman Leardropped out of Emerson College in Boston to enlist in the Air Force,fighting in World War II.“My mother begged me not to enlist, but I couldn’t take it anymore,” Lear, who served in the Army from 1942 to 1945, told PEOPLE. “There was a love of country that existed then.“After he was discharged in 1945, he became a publicist, settling in California.
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Norman Lear
Norman Lear/Twitter (2)
Prolific producerNorman Leardropped out of Emerson College in Boston to enlist in the Air Force,fighting in World War II.
“My mother begged me not to enlist, but I couldn’t take it anymore,” Lear, who served in the Army from 1942 to 1945, told PEOPLE. “There was a love of country that existed then.”
After he was discharged in 1945, he became a publicist, settling in California.
source: people.com
