Actors who Were in the Military Before Acting
Many familiar screen stars first wore a uniform before they ever stepped onto a set. Their service ranged from frontline combat and flight crews to engineering units, intelligence and reserve forces, across conflicts and peacetime postings around the world. These experiences shaped their early lives and, for many, provided training, discipline, and leadership skills that proved useful in demanding creative careers.
This list highlights actors from the United States and abroad who served in their nations’ militaries prior to finding success in film and television. You’ll see service across different branches, roles, and eras—alongside a sampling of the performances that made them household names.
Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after high school and served as a radar technician. He advanced to airman first class during his four-year enlistment before deciding to pursue acting full time.
He went on to star in films such as ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ and ‘Million Dollar Baby’, and his distinctive narration has anchored projects from ‘March of the Penguins’ to ‘The Story of God’.
Adam Driver
Adam Driver joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served as an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 1st Marines. After nearly three years of service, a training injury led to an honorable medical discharge before an overseas deployment.
He transitioned to acting training and later appeared on ‘Girls’ and in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy, with leading roles in ‘Marriage Story’ and ‘BlacKkKlansman’.
Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War era and was assigned to Fort Ord in California. While not deployed to combat, he served stateside and later used the GI Bill to further his studies.
His screen career includes ‘Dirty Harry’, ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’, and ‘Unforgiven’, and he also directed acclaimed films such as ‘Mystic River’ and ‘American Sniper’.
Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as an Air Policeman and was stationed in South Korea. During his time there, he began studying martial arts, which became central to his later public persona.
He brought that background to action roles in ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ and films like ‘Way of the Dragon’ and ‘The Delta Force’, along with numerous martial-arts-driven features.
James Earl Jones
James Earl Jones completed ROTC and served as a U.S. Army officer, attaining the rank of first lieutenant. He was assigned to stateside posts during the Korean War era before moving into theater work.
He became known for stage and screen roles including ‘The Great White Hope’, voicing Darth Vader in ‘Star Wars’, and appearances in ‘Coming to America’ and ‘Field of Dreams’.
Ice-T
Tracy “Ice-T” Marrow enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for several years, including time with an infantry unit based in Hawaii. He completed his active duty before launching a music and acting career.
He is widely recognized for his long-running role on ‘Law & Order: SVU’ and film credits such as ‘New Jack City’ and ‘Trespass’, in addition to work in documentaries and television hosting.
Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot served in the Israel Defense Forces as a combat fitness instructor, completing the country’s mandatory service. Her responsibilities included training soldiers and supporting unit readiness.
She later starred as Diana Prince in ‘Wonder Woman’, appeared in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise, and took leading roles in films such as ‘Red Notice’ and ‘Heart of Stone’.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger fulfilled mandatory service in the Austrian Army as a tank driver. He balanced early bodybuilding ambitions with his military obligations before emigrating to the United States.
His film career spans iconic roles in ‘The Terminator’, ‘Predator’, and ‘Total Recall’, as well as comedies like ‘Twins’ and ‘Kindergarten Cop’.
Humphrey Bogart
Humphrey Bogart served in the U.S. Navy during World War I, enlisting as a seaman. He spent most of his active duty on naval vessels, performing shipboard duties until the war’s end.
He later became a leading man in classics like ‘Casablanca’, ‘The Maltese Falcon’, and ‘The African Queen’, shaping the hard-boiled archetype on screen.
Kirk Douglas
Kirk Douglas joined the U.S. Navy during World War II and served as a communications officer on anti-submarine warfare vessels. He was honorably discharged following injuries sustained during service.
He built a prolific career with films such as ‘Spartacus’, ‘Paths of Glory’, and ‘Ace in the Hole’, and also produced and advocated for filmmakers and writers.
Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at a young age and served as a field radio operator. His tours included assignments in the Pacific and postings in East Asia.
He became an Oscar-winning actor with roles in ‘The French Connection’ and ‘Unforgiven’, and appeared in ‘Superman’ and ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’.
Lee Marvin
Lee Marvin joined the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and fought in the Pacific with the 4th Marine Division. He was wounded in action at Saipan and received the Purple Heart.
He starred in war and crime films including ‘The Dirty Dozen’ and ‘Point Blank’, and appeared in ‘Cat Ballou’ and ‘Hell in the Pacific’.
Charles Durning
Charles Durning served in the U.S. Army in World War II, landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day with an infantry regiment. He was wounded and later received decorations including the Silver Star and Purple Hearts.
His acting credits include ‘Dog Day Afternoon’, ‘Tootsie’, and ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’, alongside extensive stage and television work.
Bea Arthur
Bea Arthur enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Women’s Reserve during World War II, serving as a truck driver and typist. She rose to staff sergeant before her honorable discharge.
She later led landmark television series including ‘Maude’ and ‘The Golden Girls’, with earlier stage work and appearances in projects like ‘Mame’.
Drew Carey
Drew Carey served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve as a field radio operator. He used downtime during service to begin writing jokes and performing stand-up.
He starred in ‘The Drew Carey Show’, hosted ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’, and became the longtime host of ‘The Price Is Right’.
Rob Riggle
Rob Riggle served more than two decades in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. His deployments included tours in Kosovo and Afghanistan with public affairs and civil affairs units.
He has appeared on ‘Saturday Night Live’, ‘The Daily Show’, and in films such as ’21 Jump Street’, ‘The Hangover’, and ‘Step Brothers’.
J.R. Martinez
J.R. Martinez enlisted in the U.S. Army and deployed to Iraq with a mechanized infantry unit. He sustained severe burns in a vehicle explosion and underwent extensive recovery and rehabilitation.
He later joined the cast of ‘All My Children’, won ‘Dancing with the Stars’, and became a public speaker while continuing television work.
Adam West
Adam West served in the U.S. Army, including time as an announcer for American Forces Network. After completing his service, he pursued acting and commercial work.
He became synonymous with ‘Batman’ and later voiced characters on ‘Family Guy’, maintaining a steady presence in television and animation.
James Stewart
James Stewart joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and flew combat missions as a bomber pilot in Europe. He rose through the ranks and later served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, retiring as a brigadier general.
His filmography includes ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, ‘Rear Window’, and ‘Vertigo’, plus westerns and war dramas reflecting his wide range.
Paul Newman
Paul Newman served in the U.S. Navy as a radioman-gunner on carrier-based aircraft in the Pacific Theater. He completed flight training for his crew position and participated in operations supporting the fleet.
He later starred in ‘Cool Hand Luke’, ‘The Hustler’, and ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’, and co-founded charitable ventures connected to his food brand.
Charlton Heston
Charlton Heston served in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a radio operator and aerial gunner on transport and bomber aircraft in Alaska. He completed his enlistment before returning to stage work.
He gained fame in epics like ‘Ben-Hur’ and ‘The Ten Commandments’, and appeared in ‘Planet of the Apes’ and ‘Soylent Green’.
Telly Savalas
Telly Savalas joined the U.S. Army during World War II and served in Europe, later earning a Purple Heart. After the war, he studied and worked in broadcasting before acting.
He became a television icon with ‘Kojak’ and appeared in films such as ‘The Dirty Dozen’ and ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’.
Henry Fonda
Henry Fonda enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served aboard a destroyer and later in air operations. He received the Navy Bronze Star for meritorious service.
His acting legacy spans ‘The Grapes of Wrath’, ’12 Angry Men’, and ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’, along with stage performances.
Glenn Ford
Glenn Ford served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and later in the U.S. Naval Reserve, where he participated in public affairs activities during the Vietnam era. He maintained reserve status for years while acting.
He is known for ‘Gilda’, ‘The Big Heat’, and ‘Blackboard Jungle’, and appeared in westerns and dramas across decades.
Ernest Borgnine
Ernest Borgnine spent a decade in the U.S. Navy, serving before and during World War II as a gunner’s mate. After discharge, he pursued acting on stage and screen.
He won acclaim for ‘Marty’ and appeared in ‘From Here to Eternity’, ‘The Wild Bunch’, and the television series ‘McHale’s Navy’.
Kris Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson served as a U.S. Army officer, trained as a helicopter pilot, and completed Ranger and Airborne courses. He left the service as a captain to pursue songwriting and performing.
In addition to music, he acted in films including ‘A Star Is Born’, ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’, and the ‘Blade’ series.
Mel Brooks
Mel Brooks served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a combat engineer in Europe. His duties included mine clearing and field operations with an engineer battalion.
He later created and starred in works like ‘The Producers’, ‘Blazing Saddles’, and ‘Young Frankenstein’, spanning film, television, and stage.
Christopher Lee
Christopher Lee volunteered for the Royal Air Force during World War II and later worked in RAF intelligence and special-duty assignments across North Africa and Italy. He left the service with commendations.
He portrayed memorable characters in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Star Wars’, and earlier became famous with Hammer films like ‘Dracula’ and ‘The Wicker Man’.
Michael Caine
Michael Caine served in the British Army’s Royal Fusiliers, with active duty in the Korean War. His experience included frontline conditions during his overseas posting.
His career features ‘Zulu’, ‘The Italian Job’, ‘The Cider House Rules’, and ‘The Dark Knight’, with roles across drama and comedy.
Sean Connery
Sean Connery enlisted in the Royal Navy as a teenager and served until a medical discharge. He returned to Scotland and took on various jobs before moving toward acting.
He became the first cinematic James Bond in ‘Dr. No’ and appeared in films such as ‘The Untouchables’, ‘The Hunt for Red October’, and ‘Highlander’.
Richard Burton
Richard Burton joined the Royal Air Force during World War II as a navigator trainee. After demobilization, he resumed studies and pursued stage roles.
He later starred in ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’, ‘Becket’, and ‘Cleopatra’, earning recognition for powerful theatrical and screen performances.
Alec Guinness
Alec Guinness served in the Royal Navy during World War II, commanding landing craft and participating in Mediterranean operations. He was commissioned and deployed on multiple missions.
His roles include ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’, ‘Kind Hearts and Coronets’, and ‘Star Wars’, with a long stage career alongside film.
David Niven
David Niven began as a British Army officer with the Highland Light Infantry and returned to service during World War II. He worked with Combined Operations and the Army Film Unit.
He later appeared in ‘A Matter of Life and Death’, ‘The Pink Panther’, and ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, balancing light comedy with adventure films.
Peter Ustinov
Peter Ustinov served as a private in the British Army’s Royal Sussex Regiment and then joined the Army Film Unit during World War II. He contributed to training and information films while in uniform.
He went on to star in ‘Spartacus’, ‘Topkapi’, and ‘Death on the Nile’, and wrote and directed across multiple mediums.
Tom Selleck
Tom Selleck served in the California Army National Guard with the 160th Infantry. He completed six years of service before his television breakthrough.
He became widely known for ‘Magnum, P.I.’ and later ‘Blue Bloods’, with film roles in ‘Three Men and a Baby’ and ‘Quigley Down Under’.
Robert Duvall
Robert Duvall served in the U.S. Army after college, completing his active duty before studying acting in New York. Early stage work followed his transition out of the service.
He earned acclaim in ‘The Godfather’, ‘Apocalypse Now’, and ‘Tender Mercies’, along with roles in ‘Lonesome Dove’ and ‘The Apostle’.
Alan Alda
Alan Alda joined ROTC in college and served in the U.S. Army Reserve as an artillery officer, including a six-month tour in Korea during peacetime. He completed his commitment before pursuing acting full time.
He became synonymous with ‘MAS*H’ and later appeared in ‘The West Wing’, ‘The Aviator’, and ‘Bridge of Spies’, while continuing stage work.
Mr. T
Mr. T served in the U.S. Army, where he was a squad leader and received recognition for physical fitness and leadership. After discharge, he worked security before moving into entertainment.
He became known for ‘The A-Team’ and the film ‘Rocky III’, and made numerous appearances in television specials and series.
Mickey Rooney
Mickey Rooney served in the U.S. Army during World War II, including Special Services assignments that supported troop morale. He also performed for service members while on active duty.
He sustained a long film and television career with roles in ‘National Velvet’, ‘The Black Stallion’, and ‘Babes in Arms’, plus Broadway credits.
Rod Serling
Rod Serling enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division in the Pacific. He was decorated for service during operations in the Philippines.
He created and hosted ‘The Twilight Zone’, wrote for ‘Playhouse 90’, and later launched ‘Night Gallery’, influencing generations of genre storytelling.
Steve McQueen
Steve McQueen joined the U.S. Marine Corps after a difficult youth and served aboard ships and on shore duty. He earned promotion and later used veteran education benefits to study acting.
His films include ‘The Great Escape’, ‘Bullitt’, and ‘Papillon’, establishing him as a leading figure in action and drama.
James Coburn
James Coburn served in the U.S. Army, where he participated in unit theater productions and training films. After his service, he studied acting on the GI Bill.
He went on to star in ‘The Magnificent Seven’, ‘Our Man Flint’, and ‘Affliction’, and appeared in ensemble westerns and thrillers.
Audie Murphy
Audie Murphy was one of the most decorated U.S. soldiers of World War II, earning numerous commendations for valor. After the war, he transitioned to Hollywood with public attention on his service.
He starred in ‘To Hell and Back’, portraying his own wartime experiences, and appeared in westerns such as ‘The Red Badge of Courage’ and ‘No Name on the Bullet’.
George C. Scott
George C. Scott enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as an honor guard at Arlington National Cemetery. He pursued literature studies after completing his enlistment.
He later portrayed historical and military figures in ‘Patton’ and ‘Dr. Strangelove’, and appeared in ‘Anatomy of a Murder’ and ‘The Hustler’.
Jackie Coogan
Jackie Coogan served as a U.S. Army Air Forces glider pilot during World War II, flying in operations that supported airborne troops. He trained and instructed other pilots as part of his duties.
He was a child star of ‘The Kid’ and later played Uncle Fester in ‘The Addams Family’, with additional film and television roles across decades.
Jason Robards
Jason Robards served in the U.S. Navy in World War II and survived the sinking of the USS Northampton. He later served on the USS Nashville in the Pacific.
He became a respected stage and screen actor in ‘All the President’s Men’, ‘Julia’, and ‘Magnolia’, and appeared in ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’.
Clark Gable
Clark Gable enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II after personal loss. He flew as an aerial gunner and photographer on bomber missions in Europe.
He is remembered for ‘Gone with the Wind’, ‘It Happened One Night’, and ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’, among other studio era classics.
Neville Brand
Neville Brand served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was highly decorated for combat in Europe. He sustained wounds in action before returning home.
He later acted in films such as ‘Stalag 17’ and ‘D.O.A.’, and starred in the television western ‘Laredo’.
James Arness
James Arness served in the U.S. Army and was wounded at Anzio during World War II, resulting in lasting injuries. After recovery, he worked in radio and then moved into film.
He became best known for ‘Gunsmoke’, with additional roles in ‘The Thing from Another World’ and western features.
Harvey Keitel
Harvey Keitel joined the U.S. Marine Corps as a teenager and served overseas, including deployment to Lebanon. After discharge, he studied acting at the prestigious studios in New York.
He appeared in ‘Taxi Driver’, ‘Reservoir Dogs’, and ‘The Piano’, and worked with directors in films like ‘Mean Streets’ and ‘Bugsy’.
Share your thoughts below: which performances by these military-veteran actors stand out most to you in the comments?
