Foreign Actresses With Military Backgrounds

Many internationally renowned actresses served in their country’s armed forces before gracing the silver screen. In nations with mandatory conscription like Israel or specialized military arts troupes like China, military service is a common rite of passage for public figures. These women transitioned from rigid discipline and uniforms to red carpets and award ceremonies. The following list highlights actresses from around the globe who have military experience in their backgrounds.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot served for two years in the Israel Defense Forces as a combat fitness instructor. The training she received helped her land the role of Gisele in ‘Fast & Furious’ because the director valued her knowledge of weapons. She is best known for portraying ‘Wonder Woman’ and often performs her own stunts in action films. Her time in the military taught her discipline and respect which she carries into her Hollywood career.

Bai Ling

Bai Ling served in the People’s Liberation Army in China for three years as a teenager. She was stationed in Tibet as part of an entertainment unit where she performed musical theater and served briefly as a nurse. The actress later moved to the United States and appeared in major films like ‘The Crow’ and ‘Wild Wild West’. Her early experiences in the military significantly shaped her resilience and artistic perspective.

Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker was an American-born French entertainer who played a crucial role for the French Resistance during World War II. She used her celebrity status to smuggle secret messages written in invisible ink on her sheet music. Baker eventually joined the Free French Air Force and rose to the rank of lieutenant. France honored her military service and bravery with the Croix de Guerre and the Rosette de la Résistance.

Sun Li

Sun Li entered the Shanghai Garrison’s art troupe of the People’s Liberation Army at the age of fifteen. She spent three years in the military where she received rigorous training in dance and performance. This disciplined background laid the foundation for her successful acting career in acclaimed Chinese dramas like ‘Empresses in the Palace’. She remains one of the most celebrated television actresses in China today.

Liu Tao

Liu Tao served in the Nanjing Military Region Art Troupe as a performance soldier for three years. She joined the army at the age of fifteen and adhered to a strict daily routine that included early morning training and stage rehearsals. This period honed her work ethic and prepared her for the demanding schedules of film and television production. She is now widely recognized for her roles in ‘Nirvana in Fire’ and ‘Ode to Joy’.

Alona Tal

Alona Tal completed her mandatory military service in the Israel Defense Forces before moving to the United States. She served in the IDF’s theater troupe where she performed for soldiers and refined her acting skills. Tal is well known to international audiences for her roles in ‘Supernatural’ and ‘SEAL Team’. Her background provides her with a unique perspective on the military characters she often portrays on television.

Yan Ni

Yan Ni served in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force Television Art Center. She spent extensive time in the military arts troupe system which allowed her to develop her comedic and dramatic acting abilities. She gained massive popularity in China for her role in the sitcom ‘My Own Swordsman’. Her military rank and experience are respected parts of her public biography in the Chinese entertainment industry.

Ayelet Zurer

Ayelet Zurer served in the Israel Defense Forces in the Northern Command’s entertainment troupe. This service allowed her to develop her stage presence and performance skills before entering the civilian entertainment industry. She successfully crossed over to Hollywood with roles in major films like ‘Munich’ and ‘Man of Steel’. Zurer is one of the most successful Israeli actresses to achieve international stardom.

Jin Xing

Jin Xing joined the People’s Liberation Army at the age of nine to receive dance and military training. She served in the troupe affiliated with the Shenyang Military Region and eventually attained the rank of colonel. Jin Xing is a pioneering transgender celebrity in China known for her work as a dancer and talk show host. Her military upbringing instilled a deep sense of discipline that defined her groundbreaking career.

Esti Ginzburg

Esti Ginzburg was drafted into the Israel Defense Forces and served in the Adjutant Corps. Her enlistment drew significant media attention as she balanced her duties with an international modeling career. She has appeared in the ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue’ and various Israeli television shows. Ginzburg has spoken publicly about the importance of fulfilling military duties as an Israeli citizen.

Dong Jie

Dong Jie graduated from the Dance Department of the People’s Liberation Army Arts Academy. She served as a dancer in the Guangzhou Military Region Soldier Song and Dance Troupe. Her elegant training helped her secure her debut role in the film ‘Happy Times’ directed by Zhang Yimou. Dong Jie remains a prominent figure in Chinese television and cinema.

Agam Rodberg

Agam Rodberg served in the Israel Defense Forces in the Education and Youth Corps. She continued to act and model during her service with special permission granted to active artists. Rodberg has appeared in numerous popular Israeli series including ‘Ha-Shir Shelanu’. Her service is a standard part of her biography shared by many of her peers in the Israeli entertainment industry.

Yin Tao

Yin Tao served as an actress in the People’s Liberation Army Air Force Television Art Center. She has received multiple awards for her performances in military-themed dramas and historical series. Her background in the military arts troupe system provided her with professional training and consistent work early in her career. She is highly regarded for her versatility and strong screen presence.

Noa Tishby

Noa Tishby served in the Israel Defense Forces as a singer in a military entertainment troupe. She later moved to Los Angeles and became a successful actress and producer known for selling the show ‘In Treatment’ to HBO. Tishby is also an outspoken activist and author who frequently discusses Israeli affairs. Her military service was a foundational experience in her life before she conquered Hollywood.

Niu Li

Niu Li was a member of the the People’s Liberation Army art troupe. Before becoming an actress she was also a champion synchronized swimmer and a sharp-shooter in the military team. She successfully transitioned into acting and became a familiar face on Chinese television sitcoms and variety shows. Her diverse background in sports and military service contributes to her dynamic public image.

Rona-Lee Shimon

Rona-Lee Shimon served in the Israel Defense Forces before gaining fame as an actress. She is best known internationally for her role as Nurit in the hit Netflix series ‘Fauda’. Her character in the show is a fierce operative who engages in intense combat situations. Shimon utilized her physical training and discipline to authentically portray the highly skilled member of the counter-terrorism unit.

Meital Dohan

Meital Dohan completed her mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces where she served in the theater corps. She later studied acting and appeared in the American television series ‘Weeds’. Dohan has worked in theater, film, and television in both Israel and the United States. Her time in the IDF entertainment unit was her first professional step into the world of performing arts.

Niv Sultan

Niv Sultan served in the Israel Defense Forces as a sport soldier due to her background in athletics. She gained international recognition for her lead role in the espionage thriller series ‘Tehran’. In the show she plays a Mossad agent who must navigate dangerous territory in Iran. Her military background and physical fitness were essential assets for the demanding action sequences in the series.

Zulay Henao

Zulay Henao was born in Colombia and served three years in the United States Army after her family emigrated. She enlisted after high school and credits the military with giving her structure and discipline. Henao later pursued acting and appeared in films such as ‘Fighting’ and ‘Takers’. Her unique path from Colombian immigrant to US soldier and then Hollywood actress sets her apart in the industry.

Ania Bukstein

Ania Bukstein served in the Israel Defense Forces as a member of the Israeli Air Force Band. She is a talented pianist and singer who utilized her musical gifts during her conscription. Bukstein gained international fame for her role as the High Priestess Kinvara in ‘Game of Thrones’. She continues to be a prominent actress and musician in the Israeli entertainment scene.

Rotem Sela

Rotem Sela served in the Israel Defense Forces as a clerk in the Navy headquarters at the HaKirya base. She is one of the most famous television hosts and actresses in Israel today. Sela stars in the romantic comedy series ‘The Baker and the Beauty’ which found a global audience on streaming platforms. Her service was a standard administrative role that she completed before her career skyrocketed.

Mali Levi

Mali Levi performed her mandatory military service in the Israel Defense Forces. She began her career as a model before transitioning into acting and singing. Levi appeared in the popular series ‘The Beauty and the Baker’ alongside Rotem Sela. Her career path is typical of many Israeli entertainers who pause their professional lives to serve their country.

Shiri Maimon

Shiri Maimon served in the Israeli Air Force entertainment troupe. She is one of Israel’s most successful pop singers and actresses who rose to fame after appearing on a reality singing competition. Maimon has starred in Broadway productions like ‘Chicago’ and served as a judge on ‘The X Factor Israel’. Her vocal training in the military band was a crucial stepping stone for her musical career.

Gila Almagor

Gila Almagor served in the Nahal entertainment troupe of the Israel Defense Forces in the 1950s. She is often referred to as the queen of Israeli cinema and theater. Almagor has appeared in dozens of films and received numerous awards for her contributions to the arts. Her service in the Nahal troupe places her among the founding generation of Israeli cultural icons.

Liraz Charhi

Liraz Charhi served in the Israel Defense Forces as a member of the Education Corps entertainment troupe. She is an actress and singer of Iranian descent who appeared in the film ‘A Late Quartet’ and the series ‘Tehran’. Charhi uses her music to bridge the cultural gap between Israel and Iran. Her military service in the entertainment unit allowed her to develop the vocal skills she uses in her peace activism.

Hila Saada

Hila Saada served in the Israel Defense Forces as a clerk. She is best known for her role as Vanessa in the hit romantic comedy series ‘The Beauty and the Baker’. Saada is also a singer and songwriter who performs her own material. Her breakthrough role brought her international attention after the series was picked up by global streaming services.

Chen Amsalem

Chen Amsalem served in the Israel Defense Forces in a non-combat role. She is a popular actress known for her role in the crime drama series ‘Zaguri Imperia’. Amsalem has become a fashion icon and television personality in Israel. She successfully balanced her transition from military service to a full-time acting career.

Adi Himelbloy

Adi Himelbloy served in the Israel Defense Forces while maintaining her career as a model and actress. She gained fame as a host on the children’s channel and starred in the sci-fi series ‘The Island’. Himelbloy is a familiar face in Israeli advertising and television dramas. She successfully navigated the dual pressures of military discipline and celebrity life.

Orna Banai

Orna Banai served in the Israel Defense Forces in the Northern Command. She comes from a famous family of Israeli entertainers and is a renowned comedian and actress. Banai is known for her satirical characters on the sketch show ‘Eretz Nehederet’. Her military background is often referenced in her comedy which tackles Israeli social and political issues.

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