Black Actresses With Military Backgrounds

Black actresses have a long history of serving in various branches of the military or growing up in military households. These experiences often provide a unique foundation of discipline and global perspective that translates well to the demanding world of entertainment. Many of these women have transitioned from active duty service to successful careers on both the small and large screens. This list highlights prominent performers who bring their military backgrounds to their craft in Hollywood.

Zulay Henao

Zulay Henao served in the United States Army for three years before she began her career in film and television. She appeared in movies such as ‘Fighting’ and ‘Illegal Tender’ and ‘Takers’. Her military background helped her prepare for the physical demands of action oriented roles. She is widely recognized as one of the most prominent actresses with a veteran status.

Robin Quivers

Robin Quivers reached the rank of captain in the United States Air Force while working as a nurse. She later became a legendary figure in radio as the co host of ‘The Howard Stern Show’. Her acting roles include playing herself in the movie ‘Private Parts’ and appearing in various television projects. She has frequently spoken about how the discipline of the military helped her navigate the entertainment industry.

Sheryl Underwood

Sheryl Underwood served in the United States Air Force and frequently mentions her veteran status in her professional work. She is a well known comedian and actress who has appeared in ‘Beauty Shop’ and ‘The Talk’. Her military service helped shape her comedic timing and professional resilience during the early stages of her career. She remains active in supporting various military organizations and veteran causes across the country.

Sunny Anderson

Sunny Anderson joined the United States Air Force and worked as a radio broadcaster for the military while stationed in South Korea. She eventually became a famous Food Network personality and appeared on ‘The Kitchen’ and ‘Beat Bobby Flay’. While primarily known for her culinary skills she has also taken on acting roles and television hosting duties. Her time in the service took her around the world and influenced her diverse perspectives on culture and media.

Stacie Davis

Stacie Davis is a United States Army veteran who transitioned into writing and acting within the independent film circuit. She has contributed to projects like ‘The Christmas Lottery’ and ‘Fatima’s Revenge’. Her experience in the military informed her storytelling and work ethic in the competitive film industry. She often focuses on creating content that highlights diverse experiences and professional growth for women of color.

Avis-Marie Barnes

Avis Marie Barnes served in the United States Army before finding her footing as a professional actress. She has earned credits in major productions including ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Jeepers Creepers’. Her background in the armed forces provided her with a sense of focus that she applies to her various character studies. She remains a respected figure in the industry for her consistency and range as a performer.

Tequilla Whitfield

Tequilla Whitfield served in the United States Air Force before transitioning into a successful acting career. She is known for her roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Atlanta’ and ‘The Originals’. Her military experience taught her the importance of teamwork and precision which she brings to every production. She is an active member of the veteran community and encourages others to use their service skills in creative fields.

Tanyell Waivers

Tanyell Waivers served in the United States Army and later found success as an actress in both film and television. She is recognized for her work in the movie ‘Ma’ and the series ‘The Oval’. Her military training provided her with the emotional depth and physical awareness needed for complex roles. She continues to build a diverse portfolio of work while honoring her background as a soldier.

Sonalii Castillo

Sonalii Castillo served in the United States Navy and has established a successful acting career in Hollywood. She is known for her roles in ‘The Outpost’ and ‘NCIS’. Her time in the Navy allowed her to travel extensively and develop a broad understanding of different cultures. This global perspective is something she brings to her nuanced and varied acting roles.

Alesha Renee

Alesha Renee is a veteran of the United States Air Force who transitioned into hosting and acting. She has appeared in ‘The Rich and the Ruthless’ and ‘Girlfriends’. Her military background helped her develop a strong work ethic and the ability to adapt to changing environments. She continues to be a prominent voice in entertainment while supporting veteran initiatives.

Tia Mowry

Tia Mowry grew up in a military household as both of her parents served in the United States Army. This background led her to live in various locations including Germany before she found success in Hollywood. She became a household name starring in the hit sitcom ‘Sister, Sister’ alongside her twin sister. Her disciplined upbringing is often cited as a reason for her long standing success in the entertainment industry.

Tamera Mowry-Housley

Tamera Mowry was born into a military family and spent much of her childhood on various Army bases. Like her sister she gained fame on the television show ‘Sister, Sister’ and later on ‘Strong Medicine’. Her military background instilled a sense of global awareness and adaptability from a very young age. She has continued to thrive as an actress and talk show host while maintaining her family values.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union has a military background through her father who served as a sergeant in the military. She often credits her father for instilling the discipline and confidence that helped her succeed in ‘Bring It On’ and ‘Being Mary Jane’. Her upbringing in a structured household provided the foundation for her advocacy and professional career. She remains one of the most influential figures in Hollywood today.

Ciara

Ciara grew up as a military brat moving frequently to different bases across the globe due to her father’s career in the United States Army. While she is primarily known as a singer she has acted in films like ‘All You’ve Got’ and ‘The Color Purple’. Her military upbringing taught her how to be resilient and comfortable in new environments. This background contributed significantly to her versatile career in the arts.

Regina Hall

Regina Hall was raised with a strong military influence as her father was a veteran who served in the armed forces. She is widely known for her comedic and dramatic roles in ‘Scary Movie’ and ‘The Best Man’. Her upbringing provided her with a sense of order and focus that she brings to her professional life. She continues to be a leading actress in Hollywood with a career spanning several decades.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monae grew up in a household with a strong military connection through her stepfather who served in the armed forces. She has moved from a successful music career into acclaimed acting roles in ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Glass Onion’. Her background helped shape her unique artistic vision and professional discipline. She frequently discusses how her upbringing influenced her commitment to social justice and storytelling.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P Henson has a military background as her father was a Vietnam veteran who served in the United States Army. She rose to fame with powerful performances in ‘Empire’ and ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. Her father’s service and his subsequent life experiences had a profound impact on her personal development and acting style. She remains a vocal supporter of veterans and mental health awareness within the military community.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah was raised in a family where military and police service were central as her father was a veteran. She has enjoyed a prolific career in music and acting with standout roles in ‘Set It Off’ and ‘Chicago’. Her disciplined upbringing contributed to her legendary work ethic and business acumen. She continues to be a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry.

Dawnn Lewis

Dawnn Lewis grew up in a military household which helped prepare her for a diverse career in the performing arts. She is best known for her roles in ‘A Different World’ and ‘Hangin with Mr. Cooper’. Her background provided her with a sense of structure that she utilized during her time in college and her early career. She is also a talented voice actress who has contributed to numerous animated series.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good was raised in a household with a strong military and law enforcement background through her father. She began acting at a young age and has starred in projects like ‘Eve’s Bayou’ and ‘Harlem’. Her father’s influence helped her stay grounded while navigating the challenges of being a child star. She continues to be a prominent actress and producer in the industry.

Nayo Wallace

Nayo Wallace grew up as a military brat which allowed her to experience different cultures from a young age. She is known for her work in ‘Sons of Anarchy’ and her voice work in ‘The Lion King’. Her military background gave her the adaptability required to portray a wide range of characters. She remains a consistent presence in both television and film.

Salli Richardson-Whitfield

Salli Richardson Whitfield was born into a family with a military background that influenced her professional outlook. She has starred in numerous projects including ‘Eureka’ and ‘I Am Legend’. In recent years she has transitioned into a highly successful career as a director for major television networks. Her disciplined approach to her work is a hallmark of her long standing career in Hollywood.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams has a military background as her father was a veteran of the United States Army. She made history as Miss America before transitioning into a storied career in music and acting. She is well known for her roles in ‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’. Her father’s influence and the structure of her upbringing helped her overcome significant obstacles throughout her professional journey.

Rozonda Thomas

Rozonda Thomas who is better known as Chilli from the group TLC has a military background through her father. She has appeared in films such as ‘Drumline’ and ‘Hav Plenty’. Her upbringing helped her develop the stamina and focus needed for international tours and film sets. She continues to be an icon in the music industry while pursuing various acting opportunities.

Leslie Jones

Leslie Jones grew up in a military family as her father was a soldier in the United States Army. She became a breakout star on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and appeared in the 2016 ‘Ghostbusters’ film. Her background as a military brat contributed to her tough exterior and unique comedic perspective. She remains one of the most recognizable and successful comedians in the world.

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