- Actors are generally associated with a glamorous lifestyle, fame, and fortune.
- Before their eventual life in the spotlight, several actors held roles in the U.S. military.
- The performers on this list are surprising, as they do not reflect the stereotype military personality.
When you think of Hollywood actors, you likely picture red carpets, blockbuster films, and glamorous lifestyles. You almost certainly don’t associate your favorite performers with military uniforms and basic training. But for many stars, fame came only after a very different chapter of life. Long before they became household names, these actors served in the U.S. military, taking on roles that required discipline, sacrifice, and in some cases, real danger. Fans are often surprised to learn that these famous individuals once served their country in meaningful ways, whether during World War II or more recent conflicts.
What makes these stories especially compelling is how unexpected they are. Some of these actors are known for comedy, others for their calming presence on screen, but none of them seem like the typical image of a soldier. Their military experiences often shaped their character, discipline, and even their careers in entertainment. This list highlights 10 actors whose service might surprise you, offering a look at the different lives they lived before stepping into the spotlight.
To compile a list of famous actors who served in the U.S. military, whether they were volunteers or because they were drafted, Tempo reviewed military-related sites such as the United Service Organizations (USO) and the National WWII Museum, as well as features written for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Bea Arthur
- Enlisted in: 1943
- Branch of Service: Marine Corps Women’s Reserve
- Best known for: “All in the Family,” “Maude,” “The Golden Girls”
Bea Arthur is best remembered for her sharp wit and deadpan humor on hit shows like “The Golden Girls” and “Maude.” Many fans are shocked to learn that before her acting career took off, she served in the U.S. Marine Corps Women’s Reserve during World War II. Arthur worked as both a truck driver and a dispatcher, handling important logistical responsibilities. Her strong personality on screen may have been influenced by her time in the military.
Paul Newman
- Enlisted in: 1943
- Branch of Service: Navy
- Best known for: “Cool Hand Luke,” “The Hustler,” “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”
Paul Newman became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars, known for classic films like “Cool Hand Luke” and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy, where he trained as a radioman and rear gunner in naval aviation. Although he did not see combat due to color vision limitations, his training was demanding and required precision and focus. His military service is surprising, given his later laid-back image.
Mel Brooks
- Enlisted in: 1944
- Branch of Service: Army
- Best known for: “Spaceballs,” “The Producers,” and “Blazing Saddles”
Mel Brooks is known as one of the greatest comedy writers and filmmakers of all time, responsible for classics like “Blazing Saddles” and “The Producers.” However, long before his Hollywood success, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Brooks worked as a combat engineer, a role that required him to help clear land mines and booby traps in active war zones. This dangerous and highly technical job is worlds different from his later career as a comedian. His military experience is a reminder that even the most lighthearted entertainers can have remarkably serious pasts.
Sidney Poitier
- Enlisted in: 1945
- Branch of Service: Army
- Best known for: “In the Heat of the Night,” “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” “Lilies of the Field”
Sidney Poitier is celebrated as a pioneering actor who helped break racial barriers in Hollywood. Before his rise to fame, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. Poitier worked at a Veterans Administration hospital, where he helped care for patients. His experience in the military was an important step in his journey after immigrating to the United States. It adds even more depth to a man who would later become one of the most respected figures in film history.
Morgan Freeman
- Enlisted in: 1955
- Branch of Service: Air Force
- Best known for: “Driving Miss Daisy,” “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Se7en”
Morgan Freeman is known for his calm voice, thoughtful performances, and authoritative screen presence. Early in life, however, he chose a very different path when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Freeman served as a radar repairman, responsible for maintaining critical equipment used in aviation. Although he originally had ambitions of becoming a fighter pilot, he ultimately pursued acting after his service ended. Freeman’s military background is a lesser-known factoid regarding the talented actor’s life.
Gene Wilder
- Drafted in: 1956
- Branch of Service: Army
- Best known for: “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein”
Gene Wilder is beloved for his hilarious and eccentric roles in iconic films like “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” and “Young Frankenstein.” Before achieving fame, he served in the U.S. Army medical corps. During his service, Wilder worked at a military hospital, assisting with patient care and support, a role which required compassion and discipline. His time in the military contrasts greatly with the whimsical characters he is famous for.
Kris Kristofferson
- Enlisted in: 1960
- Branch of Service: Army
- Military experience: Trained as a helicopter pilot; completed Ranger School; taught English at West Point
- Best known for: “A Star Is Born,” “Blade,” “Payback”
Kris Kristofferson is widely known as a singer-songwriter and actor, but his early life was defined by academic and military achievement. A Rhodes Scholar, he joined the U.S. Army and trained as a helicopter pilot. He also completed the prestigious Ranger School, one of the military’s most demanding programs. Kristofferson later taught English at West Point, highlighting his intellectual and leadership abilities. His combination of military service, academic scholarship, and entertainment success makes his life and career path extremely unique.
Ice-T
- Enlisted in: 1977
- Branch of Service: Army
- Best known for: “Rhyme Pays” and other rap albums, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “New Jack City”
Ice-T was originally known as a pioneering rapper, before turning to acting and starring in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” Surprisingly, before entering the entertainment industry, he served in the U.S. Army. Ice-T was stationed with the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii, where he rose to the rank of squad leader. During his time in service, he developed plenty of discipline, which likely influenced his future career in entertainment. His journey from soldier to musician to actor is one of the most unexpected on this list.
Rob Riggle
- Enlisted in: 1990
- Branch of Service: Marine Corps
- Best known for: “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,” “The Hangover,” “The Daily Show”
Rob Riggle is known for his comedic roles in films like The Hangover and his work on The Daily Show. Before making audiences laugh, he served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. Riggle worked in public affairs and deployed to locations including Afghanistan and Kosovo. Over time, he even rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel, balancing military service with his growing career in comedy. He is likely one of the few individuals (possibly the only) who was both a high-ranking Marine and a successful comedian.
Adam Driver
- Enlisted in: 2001
- Branch of Service: Marine Corps
- Best known for: Star Wars films, “Marriage Story,” “Paterson”
Adam Driver is known for his intense performances in films like “Marriage Story” and the “Star Wars” series. His fans likely don’t realize that he enlisted in the U.S. Mrine Corps shortly after the September 11 attacks. Driver served as a mortar man with the 1st Marines and trained rigorously for deployment. However, he was medically discharged before being sent overseas. Still, his time in the military had a lasting impact on his life; he has spoken about how that experience shaped his approach to acting.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.