Black Actors With Military Backgrounds

Many legendary performers in Hollywood transitioned from the discipline of the military to the creative rigors of the professional screen. These actors represent various branches of the armed forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, often serving during significant historical eras or conflicts. Their military service frequently contributed to the commanding presence and work ethic they exhibited throughout their careers. This list highlights 50 black male actors who served in the military before or during their time in the spotlight.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1955, serving as an Automatic Tracking Radar Repairman. He turned down a partial scholarship for drama to pursue his interest in aviation, eventually attaining the rank of Airman First Class. After serving for nearly four years, he realized his true passion remained with performing and subsequently moved to Los Angeles. He became one of the most respected figures in cinema, starring in ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ and ‘The Shawshank Redemption’. Freeman’s disciplined background is often reflected in the authoritative roles he inhabits.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army after completing his studies and participating in the ROTC program. During the Korean War, he attended the Army Ranger School and was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. He was stationed at Camp Hale in Colorado, where he assisted in establishing a cold weather training command for military personnel. Following his honorable discharge, he relocated to New York City to study at the American Theatre Wing. He is widely recognized for voicing Darth Vader in the ‘Star Wars’ series.

Ice-T

Ice-T, born Tracy Marrow, joined the United States Army in 1979 to provide financial support for his girlfriend and daughter. He served four years in the 25th Infantry Division and was stationed in Hawaii. During his service, he developed an interest in hip-hop and began honing his skills as a lyricist. After leaving the military, he pursued a career in music and acting, eventually landing a long-running role on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. His time in the infantry provided him with a unique perspective for his later portrayals of law enforcement officers.

Sinbad

Sinbad, the comedian and actor born David Adkins, served in the United States Air Force as a boom operator. He was stationed at the McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, where he often performed stand-up comedy during his downtime. Despite his service, he faced several disciplinary challenges and eventually left the branch before his term was complete. He later found massive success in the 1990s, starring in the television series ‘A Different World’. Sinbad also appeared in family films such as ‘First Kid’ and ‘Jingle All the Way’.

Shaggy

Orville Burrell, better known by his stage name Shaggy, served in the United States Marine Corps during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was a 0811 Field Artillery Cannoneer and served during the Persian Gulf War as part of Operation Desert Storm. While stationed in North Carolina, he frequently engaged in musical performances, which helped him refine his signature vocal style. After his military service, he achieved global fame with hit singles and acting roles in films like ‘Blast’. He has often credited the Marines with teaching him the discipline required for the entertainment industry.

Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier lied about his age to enlist in the United States Army during World War II when he was only 16 years old. He was assigned to a medical unit at a veteran’s hospital in New York, where he worked as a surgical attendant. However, he found the military environment stifling and eventually feigned mental illness to obtain a discharge. After leaving the service, he pursued acting and became the first black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. He starred in groundbreaking films such as ‘Lilies of the Field’ and ‘In the Heat of the Night’.

Mr. T

Mr. T, born Laurence Tureaud, served in the United States Army during the mid-1970s following his time in college. He was a member of the Military Police Corps and was eventually promoted to the rank of squad leader. His physical prowess and disciplined nature earned him high praise from his superiors during his time in the service. After his discharge, he worked as a celebrity bodyguard before gaining fame as B.A. Baracus on ‘The A-Team’. He also famously played the antagonist Clubber Lang in the film ‘Rocky III’.

Sherman Hemsley

Sherman Hemsley served in the United States Air Force for four years prior to his legendary career in television. He was stationed in both Japan and Korea, where he worked as a clerk while maintaining an interest in jazz and performance. Upon returning to the United States, he worked for the Postal Service during the day while performing in local theater productions at night. His big break came when he was cast as George Jefferson in ‘All in the Family’. He later headlined the iconic spin-off series ‘The Jeffersons’ for eleven seasons.

Ossie Davis

Ossie Davis served in the United States Army during World War II, enlisting in 1942. He was stationed in Liberia, West Africa, where he worked as a surgical technician in an Army hospital. During his service, he began writing and performing plays for the troops, which solidified his desire to pursue a life in the arts. After the war, he became a prominent actor, director, and civil rights activist. He is well-regarded for his work in films like ‘Do the Right Thing’ and the television series ‘The Stand’.

Robert Guillaume

Robert Guillaume served in the United States Army after enlisting in 1945. He spent a portion of his service time in various domestic assignments before receiving an honorable discharge. Following his military tenure, he studied music at Washington University and began his career on the stage. He is most famous for his portrayal of the character Benson DuBois, which started on ‘Soap’ and continued in the spin-off ‘Benson’. Guillaume also provided the voice for Rafiki in the animated classic ‘The Lion King’.

Woody Strode

Woody Strode served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II while stationed at March Field in California. Before the war, he was a standout athlete and one of the first black players to play in the modern NFL. During his military service, he played for the 1942 March Field Flyers football team, which competed against other service squads. After the war, he transitioned into acting and became a pioneer for black performers in Westerns. He is best known for his titular role in ‘Sergeant Rutledge’ and his performance in ‘Spartacus’.

Greg Morris

Greg Morris served in the United States Army during the early 1950s. He was stationed at various locations and utilized his time in the service to develop the focus that would aid his future acting career. After his discharge, he moved to Hollywood and eventually landed the role of Barney Collier in the original ‘Mission: Impossible’ series. He was one of the few black actors during that era to play a character defined by technical expertise rather than race. Morris also appeared in guest roles on series like ‘The Twilight Zone’ and ‘Ben Casey’.

Moses Gunn

Moses Gunn was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the era of the Korean War. He utilized the educational benefits from his service to study speech and drama at Tennessee State University. Gunn became an influential figure in the theater world and co-founded the Negro Ensemble Company. He is widely recognized for his role as Bumpy Jonas in the film ‘Shaft’ and its sequel. Additionally, he appeared in the television miniseries ‘Roots’ and the fantasy film ‘The NeverEnding Story’.

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby joined the United States Navy in 1956 and served as a hospital corpsman for four years. He was stationed at various naval hospitals, including the National Naval Medical Center in Maryland, where he worked with Korean War veterans. During his service, he was also a member of the Navy track team, showcasing his athletic abilities. After his discharge, he used his experience to transition into stand-up comedy and television. He starred in the groundbreaking series ‘I Spy’ and created the long-running sitcom ‘The Cosby Show’.

Montel Williams

Montel Williams had an extensive military career, starting in the United States Marine Corps in 1974. He later transitioned to the United States Navy and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. He served as a cryptologic officer and reached the rank of Lieutenant Commander before retiring from active duty. His military background in public speaking eventually led him to a career in media and television. He became a household name as the host of ‘The Montel Williams Show’ and has appeared in various acting roles.

Isaiah Washington

Isaiah Washington served in the United States Air Force during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He utilized his time in the military to prepare for the discipline required for professional acting. After leaving the service, he attended Howard University and began appearing in films directed by Spike Lee, such as ‘Clockers’ and ‘Get on the Bus’. He gained widespread fame for his role as Dr. Preston Burke on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Washington has also appeared in the science fiction series ‘The 100’.

Richard Pryor

Richard Pryor served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960. He was stationed in West Germany, though his time in the military was marked by disciplinary issues that eventually led to his discharge. Despite these struggles, his experiences during his service occasionally informed the material in his legendary stand-up routines. Pryor became one of the most influential comedians in history and a successful film actor. He starred in popular movies such as ‘Silver Streak’, ‘Stir Crazy’, and ‘The Toy’.

Sammy Davis Jr.

Sammy Davis Jr. was drafted into the United States Army during World War II and served in an integrated entertainment special services unit. He faced significant racial prejudice during his service, which he later cited as a major motivator for his civil rights activism. While in the Army, he honed his performance skills by entertaining troops, which helped him overcome some of the hostility he faced. He went on to become a member of the Rat Pack and a versatile entertainer. His film credits include ‘Ocean’s 11’ and the musical ‘Porgy and Bess’.

Harry Belafonte

Harry Belafonte served in the United States Navy during World War II, enlisting in 1944. He worked as a munitions loader at the Port Chicago naval magazine in California. His time in the Navy exposed him to the inequalities of the era, which fueled his lifelong commitment to social justice. After his discharge, he used the G.I. Bill to study acting at the Dramatic Workshop of the New School. He became a massive star in both music and film, appearing in ‘Carmen Jones’ and ‘Island in the Sun’.

John Amos

John Amos served in the New Jersey State National Guard and also had a brief stint in the United States Army. Before his acting career took off, he was a professional athlete in both the Continental Football League and the AFL. He drew upon his disciplined background when he was cast as the stern patriarch James Evans Sr. on the sitcom ‘Good Times’. Amos also gained acclaim for his role as the adult Kunta Kinte in the miniseries ‘Roots’. His film work includes the 1988 comedy ‘Coming to America’.

Michael Dorn

Michael Dorn is a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served before pursuing a career in Hollywood. He is also a highly skilled pilot who has owned and flown several vintage military jet aircraft. His military background contributed to the disciplined and stoic nature of his most famous character, Worf. He played the Klingon officer in both ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ and ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’. Dorn has one of the most prolific track records in the ‘Star Trek’ franchise history.

Al Freeman Jr.

Al Freeman Jr. served in the United States Air Force before becoming a prominent actor and director. He used his experiences to bring a level of gravitas to his roles on stage and screen. Freeman is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Elijah Muhammad in the 1992 biographical film ‘Malcolm X’. He also had a long-standing role as Captain Ed Hall on the daytime soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. In addition to acting, he served as a professor of theater at Howard University for many years.

Frank Silvera

Frank Silvera served in the United States Navy during World War II, where he was a member of the Navy’s first integrated entertainment unit. He was a highly versatile actor who often portrayed characters of various ethnic backgrounds due to his features. After his service, he became a founding member of the Actors Studio and a respected acting teacher. His film credits include roles in ‘Viva Zapata!’ and the thriller ‘Killer’s Kiss’. Silvera also appeared in numerous television Westerns and dramas during the 1950s and 1960s.

Nipsey Russell

Nipsey Russell served as an officer in the United States Army during World War II, attaining the rank of captain. He was stationed in Europe and served with the medical corps during his time overseas. After returning to civilian life, he became a famous comedian known as the “Poet Laureate of Television” for his signature rhymes. He appeared in the 1978 musical film ‘The Wiz’ as the Tin Man. Russell was also a frequent guest on popular game shows like ‘Match Game’ and ‘Hollywood Squares’.

Jim Brown

Jim Brown was a member of the United States Army Reserve, having been commissioned as a second lieutenant through the ROTC program at Syracuse University. Although he is primarily known as one of the greatest football players in history, he maintained his reserve status early in his athletic career. He famously retired from football at the height of his prime to pursue acting full-time. He starred in ‘The Dirty Dozen’ and became one of Hollywood’s first black action stars. Brown’s filmography includes ‘100 Rifles’ and the science fiction film ‘Mars Attacks!’.

Robert DoQui

Robert DoQui served in the United States Army before establishing himself as a reliable character actor in film and television. He was part of the military during the post-World War II era, which provided him with a foundation of discipline for his later work. He is most recognized for his role as Sergeant Warren Reed in the ‘RoboCop’ trilogy. DoQui also appeared in the 1975 film ‘Nashville’ and numerous television series like ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’. He remained a consistent presence in the industry for over four decades.

Mel Stewart

Mel Stewart served in the United States Army during World War II before pursuing his interests in music and acting. He was a talented saxophonist who played in military bands during his time in the service. Stewart is best remembered for his role as Henry Jefferson on the sitcom ‘All in the Family’. He also starred in the television series ‘Scarecrow and Mrs. King’ as the character Billy Melrose. Throughout his career, he appeared in numerous stage productions and films, including ‘Trick Baby’.

Raymond St. Jacques

Raymond St. Jacques served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War before becoming a pioneer in the entertainment industry. He was one of the first black actors to be cast as a regular on a Western television series, appearing in ‘Rawhide’. His military background helped him portray characters with a sense of authority and strength. St. Jacques starred in the film ‘Cotton Comes to Harlem’ as Coffin Ed Johnson. He also directed and produced films, including the 1973 drama ‘Book of Numbers’.

Whitman Mayo

Whitman Mayo served in the United States Army during the Korean War, utilizing his time in the service to gain a broader perspective on life. After his military duty, he worked various jobs before finding fame as an actor later in his life. He is universally known for his portrayal of Grady Wilson on the classic sitcom ‘Sanford and Son’. Mayo’s character was so popular that he eventually received his own short-lived spin-off series titled ‘Grady’. He also appeared in films like ‘Boyz n the Hood’ and ‘The Main Event’.

Dick Gregory

Dick Gregory served in the United States Army after being drafted in 1954 during the Korean War era. While in the military, he began his comedy career by performing in talent shows and entertaining fellow soldiers. His success in these Army competitions encouraged him to pursue professional comedy after his discharge. He became a groundbreaking stand-up comedian and a dedicated civil rights activist. Gregory appeared in films such as ‘Sweet Love, Bitter’ and the television series ‘The Murder of Mary Phagan’.

Bill Cobbs

Bill Cobbs served in the United States Air Force for eight years as a radar technician. During his time in the military, he developed an interest in amateur theater, though he did not pursue professional acting until he was in his late 30s. His military discipline helped him manage a late start in the industry, leading to a prolific career. He appeared in popular films such as ‘The Bodyguard’, ‘Night at the Museum’, and ‘The Hudsucker Proxy’. Cobbs was known for his wise and soulful screen presence.

Roger E. Mosley

Roger E. Mosley served in the United States Army during the 1960s before transitioning into the acting profession. He is most famous for his role as the helicopter pilot Theodore “T.C.” Calvin on the long-running series ‘Magnum, P.I.’. His real-life experience as a veteran added authenticity to his portrayal of a former Marine pilot. Mosley also starred in the 1976 biographical film ‘Leadbelly’, playing the legendary blues musician. He appeared in various television shows and movies, including ‘The Greatest’ and ‘Letters from a Killer’.

Ji-Tu Cumbuka

Ji-Tu Cumbuka served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War before starting his acting career in Hollywood. He brought a physically imposing and intense energy to many of his roles, which was likely honed during his time in the service. Cumbuka is best remembered for his portrayal of the character Wrestler in the seminal miniseries ‘Roots’. He also appeared in the 1977 film ‘Bound for Glory’ and the Richard Pryor comedy ‘Brewster’s Millions’. His career spanned several decades across television and cinema.

Hal Williams

Hal Williams served in the United States Army during the early 1960s, stationed at various locations before his honorable discharge. He began his acting career in the 1970s and became a staple of American television for many years. He is most recognized for his role as Harley Foster on ‘The Waltons’ and Lester Jenkins on ‘227’. Williams also played the drill instructor Sergeant Loring in the 1980 film ‘Private Benjamin’. His military background likely assisted him in portraying the disciplined military characters he often played.

Demond Wilson

Demond Wilson served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was a member of the 4th Infantry Division. He was wounded in combat and received an honorable discharge after his term of service. After the war, he pursued acting and achieved massive success as Lamont Sanford on the sitcom ‘Sanford and Son’. He later starred in the television version of ‘The Odd Couple’ and became a minister in his private life. Wilson’s military service remains a significant part of his personal history.

Rudy Ray Moore

Rudy Ray Moore served in the United States Army during the early 1950s and was stationed in Germany. While in the service, he performed in entertainment units, developing the “Prince of Du-Wop” persona that would launch his career. He eventually became an underground comedy sensation and a pioneer of the blaxploitation film genre. Moore is most famous for creating and starring in the 1975 cult classic ‘Dolemite’. His life was later the subject of the biographical film ‘Dolemite Is My Name’.

Adolph Caesar

Adolph Caesar served in the United States Navy for over twenty years, enlisting during the World War II era. He worked as a chief petty officer and also served as an announcer for the Navy’s recruitment radio programs. His powerful and distinct voice made him a natural fit for both military communication and professional acting. He received an Academy Award nomination for his role as Sergeant Waters in the film ‘A Soldier’s Story’. Caesar also appeared in ‘The Color Purple’ before his passing in 1986.

Charles Weldon

Charles Weldon served in the United States Navy before becoming a prominent figure in the New York theater scene. He was a longtime member and artistic director of the Negro Ensemble Company, contributing significantly to the development of black theater. Weldon appeared in various films and television shows, including ‘Stir Crazy’ and ‘Fast-Walking’. He also had a recurring role on the television series ‘Hill Street Blues’. His military service provided him with the foundation for a career marked by leadership and artistic excellence.

Ernie Hudson

Ernie Hudson served in the United States Marine Corps immediately after graduating from high school. He spent a short time in the service before receiving a medical discharge and enrolling in college to study writing and acting. He is best known for playing Winston Zeddemore in the ‘Ghostbusters’ franchise. Hudson also received critical acclaim for his role as Warden Leo Glynn on the HBO series ‘Oz’. He has maintained a steady career in Hollywood, appearing in ‘The Crow’ and ‘Miss Congeniality’.

Steven Williams

Steven Williams served in the United States Army and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He spent time in the infantry and utilized his military experiences to add depth to his later portrayals of law enforcement and military officers. He is most recognized for his roles as Captain Adam Fuller on ’21 Jump Street’ and Mr. X on ‘The X-Files’. Williams also appeared in the horror film ‘Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday’. His commanding presence has made him a favorite for authoritative characters in genre television.

Lou Rawls

Lou Rawls served in the United States Army as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division during the mid-1950s. While he is primarily celebrated as a legendary soul and jazz singer, he also had an extensive career as an actor and voice artist. He appeared in the television series ‘Baywatch Nights’ and provided voices for various animated projects. Rawls’ military service included time spent as a paratrooper, which he often spoke of with pride. He also appeared in films such as ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ and ‘Blues Brothers 2000’.

Clarence Williams III

Clarence Williams III served in the United States Army as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division. After his military service, he transitioned to acting and became a star on the counterculture police drama ‘The Mod Squad’. He was known for his intense and quiet acting style, which he applied to numerous roles on stage and screen. Williams appeared in films like ‘Purple Rain’, where he played the father of Prince’s character, and ‘Deep Cover’. He also had a recurring role in the surreal series ‘Twin Peaks’.

Don Marshall

Don Marshall served in the United States Army before finding success as an actor in the 1960s. He is best remembered for his role as Dan Erickson in the science fiction series ‘Land of the Giants’. His military background helped him portray the competent and brave pilot character that made him a favorite among fans. Marshall also appeared in the ‘Star Trek’ episode “The Galileo Seven” and the film ‘The Thing with Two Heads’. He was one of the few black actors of his time to consistently land roles in the sci-fi genre.

James McEachin

James McEachin is a highly decorated veteran of the United States Army who served during the Korean War. He was wounded in combat and received both the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for his bravery. After his military service, he became a successful character actor and author, often playing roles in police and legal dramas. He starred in his own television series, ‘Tenafly’, and had a recurring role on ‘Matlock’. McEachin’s military heroism is a cornerstone of his personal and professional identity.

Hari Rhodes

Hari Rhodes served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, where he rose to the rank of sergeant. He was a disciplined soldier who later applied that same rigor to his acting career in Hollywood. Rhodes appeared in the 1960s series ‘Daktari’ and the film ‘Shock Corridor’. He also had a memorable role in ‘Conquest of the Planet of the Apes’ as MacDonald. In addition to acting, Rhodes was an author, writing novels based on his life and experiences.

Beau Billingslea

Beau Billingslea served in the United States Army as an officer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He utilized his legal and military background to transition into a career in acting and voice-over work. He is perhaps most famous for voicing the character Jet Black in the iconic anime series ‘Cowboy Bebop’. Billingslea has also appeared in live-action films like ‘The Blob’ and ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’. His authoritative voice remains one of his most recognizable professional traits in the entertainment industry.

J.A. Preston

J.A. Preston served in the United States Air Force before embarking on a long and successful acting career. He is frequently cast in roles as judges, high-ranking military officers, and law enforcement officials. He is best known for his portrayal of Judge Julius Alexander in ‘Hill Street Blues’ and Colonel Fitzwallace in ‘A Few Good Men’. Preston also appeared in the 1980 film ‘Any Which Way You Can’. His professional demeanor often reflects the discipline he acquired during his time in the Air Force.

Earthquake

Earthquake, born Nathaniel Stroman, served in the United States Air Force for nine years and attained the rank of sergeant. He worked as an armament systems specialist and was famously involved in an incident where he refused to load a nuclear weapon during a period of high tension. After leaving the military, he turned to stand-up comedy and acting, gaining fame for his unique voice and delivery. He appeared in the television series ‘Everybody Hates Chris’ and the film ‘Barnyard’. He remains a popular figure in the comedy circuit.

Tell us which of these actors’ military service surprised you the most in the comments.