Hollywood Actresses With Military Backgrounds

Many famous women in the entertainment industry served their countries before walking the red carpet. These actresses swapped combat boots for high heels after learning discipline and resilience in the armed forces. Their service records range from driving trucks during World War II to instructing combat fitness in modern armies. The skills they acquired in the military often paved the way for their success in Hollywood.

Bea Arthur

This legendary actress enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve during World War II. She served as a truck driver and a typist while stationed in Virginia and North Carolina. Her personality assessments from that time described her as argumentative and aggressive which later suited her famous television roles. She achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant before her honorable discharge in 1945.

Gal Gadot

The star of ‘Wonder Woman’ served two years in the Israel Defense Forces as a combat fitness instructor. She taught gymnastics and calisthenics to soldiers while completing her mandatory service. This background helped her perform her own stunts in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise. She has frequently mentioned that the military discipline she learned helped prepare her for the demands of Hollywood film sets.

Zulay Henao

This Colombian-American actress served in the United States Army for three years after graduating from high school. She completed her service and then enrolled at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts to pursue acting. Her military experience instilled a sense of toughness that she brings to her action roles. She has appeared in projects like ‘The Single Moms Club’ and ‘Fighting’.

Jennifer Marshall

She served in the United States Navy for five years before becoming an actress and private investigator. Her service included time aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt as an aircraft handler and logistics specialist. She later utilized her investigative skills on the show ‘Mysteries Decoded’ and acted in ‘Stranger Things’. She remains an active advocate for veterans in the entertainment industry.

Sheryl Underwood

The comedian and talk show host served in the United States Air Force reserves as a field medic. She has spoken openly about how the military saved her life and gave her structure during a difficult youth. Her service allowed her to transition into a successful career in comedy and television. She continues to support military families and veterans through various charitable initiatives.

Robin Quivers

Best known as the co-host of ‘The Howard Stern Show’ she served as a Captain in the United States Air Force. She worked as a nurse and her military background provided her with the discipline to handle high-pressure broadcasting environments. She acted in the film ‘Private Parts’ playing herself. Her time in the service remains a proud part of her personal history.

Nancy Kulp

The actress famous for playing Miss Jane Hathaway on ‘The Beverly Hillbillies’ was a lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserve. She joined the WAVES during World War II and received several decorations for her service. She later used her GI Bill benefits to study at the University of Miami. Her crisp delivery and posture on screen were often attributed to her military training.

Josephine Baker

This iconic entertainer served as a sub-lieutenant in the Women’s Auxiliary of the French Air Force. She also worked as a spy for the French Resistance during World War II. She used her celebrity status to smuggle intelligence written in invisible ink on her sheet music. She was the first American woman to receive the French Croix de Guerre for her bravery.

Julia Ling

Best known for her role in the series ‘Chuck’ she served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserves. She balanced her acting career with her commitment to the military. Her character on the show was a martial arts expert which mirrored her own physical dedication. She has also worked to support veteran filmmakers in Hollywood.

Sunny Anderson

The Food Network personality and host of ‘The Kitchen’ served in the United States Air Force as a radio broadcaster. She worked for the Air Force News Agency and was stationed in South Korea. Her experience in radio and broadcasting during her service directly translated to her television career. She frequently participates in events supporting active duty troops.

Bella Poarch

This viral social media star and singer served in the United States Navy for three years. She worked as an aviation ordnanceman and was stationed in Japan and Hawaii. Her transition from military service to internet fame was rapid and unexpected. She has since appeared in music videos and acted in various media projects.

Alona Tal

The actress known for ‘Supernatural’ and ‘SEAL Team’ completed her mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces. She served in the military theatre where she performed for troops. This experience allowed her to hone her acting and singing skills before moving to the United States. She often plays tough characters that reflect her background.

Ayelet Zurer

She served in the Israel Defense Forces in the military band before becoming an international star. Her career includes major roles in ‘Man of Steel’ and ‘Daredevil’. The discipline from her service helped her navigate the competitive nature of the film industry. She is one of the most recognized Israeli actresses working in Hollywood today.

Noa Tishby

This producer and actress served in the Israel Defense Forces as a singer in a military band. She later moved to Los Angeles and sold the show ‘In Treatment’ to HBO. She has appeared in series such as ‘Big Love’ and ‘NCIS’. She is also a vocal activist who frequently discusses her country and service.

Meital Dohan

The actress known for her role in ‘Weeds’ served in the Israel Defense Forces. She studied acting during her service and performed in the military theatre. Her career has spanned theater, television, and music in both Israel and the United States. She brings an intense energy to her performances that she attributes to her training.

Liraz Charhi

She served in the Israel Defense Forces as a member of the military band of the Education and Youth Corps. She gained international recognition for her role in the film ‘Fair Game’ alongside Naomi Watts. She also stars in the hit espionage series ‘Tehran’ on Apple TV+. Her background in the military entertainment unit prepared her for the global stage.

Shira Haas

The star of the Netflix series ‘Unorthodox’ volunteered for the Israel Defense Forces despite a medical exemption. She served in the military theatre unit for a short period. Her dedication to serving despite health challenges showed her commitment to her community. She later received an Emmy nomination for her breakout performance.

Esti Ginzburg

This model and actress served in the Israel Defense Forces while balancing her fashion career. She appeared in the film ‘Twelve’ and has been featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She spoke publicly about the importance of fulfilling her military duties. Her service demonstrated that even high-profile models participate in national defense.

Niv Sultan

The lead actress of the series ‘Tehran’ completed her mandatory military service in the Israel Defense Forces. She draws on her military background to play a Mossad agent in the show. Her physical training during service helped her prepare for the action sequences. She has become a rising star on international streaming platforms.

Rona-Lee Shimon

She served in the Israel Defense Forces before starring in the hit series ‘Fauda’. Her character in the show is part of an elite counter-terrorism unit. Her real-life familiarity with military culture adds authenticity to her performance. She has signed with major Hollywood agencies to expand her career globally.

Yuval Scharf

She served in the Israel Defense Forces and took acting courses during her service. She has appeared in the series ‘McMafia’ and ‘The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem’. Her service was a stepping stone to her enrollment in top acting schools. She is now a prominent figure in international television dramas.

Rotem Sela

This actress and television host completed her service in the Israel Defense Forces. She starred in ‘The Baker and the Beauty’ which was later adapted for American television. She balances a busy career in entertainment with her past military experience. She is one of the most recognizable faces on Israeli television.

Mili Avital

The actress who starred in ‘Stargate’ and ‘Kissing a Fool’ began her career after her time in Israel. She won an Israeli Academy Award at a young age and quickly moved to Hollywood. Her background includes the standard military service required of citizens in her home country. She has maintained a steady career in both American and Israeli productions.

Hila Saada

She served in the Israel Defense Forces before her breakout role in ‘The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem’. She worked as a clerk during her service while dreaming of an acting career. Her role in the hit period drama has brought her international attention. She is known for her versatility and comedic timing.

Swell Ariel Or

The young star of ‘The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem’ completed her military service recently. She transitioned quickly from soldier to lead actress in a major Netflix series. Her experience in the army is shared by her generation of co-stars. She represents the new wave of talent moving from the IDF to the screen.

Please let us know in the comments which actress surprised you the most with her military background.