Hispanic Actors With Military Backgrounds

Hollywood has a long history of actors who served their country before finding fame on the screen. Many celebrated Hispanic actors traded their uniforms for costumes after fulfilling their military duties. These men brought discipline and real-world experience to their roles in film and television. This list highlights Hispanic actors who served in various branches of the armed forces.

Desi Arnaz

Desi Arnaz is best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo on the iconic sitcom ‘I Love Lucy’. He was drafted into the United States Army during World War II in 1943. An injury prevented him from seeing overseas combat so he was assigned to the Medical Corps. Arnaz spent his service organizing USO shows to boost the morale of injured soldiers at Birmingham General Hospital. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1945.

Cesar Romero

Cesar Romero enjoyed a successful career as a leading man and famously played the Joker in the 1960s ‘Batman’ series. He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1942 despite being at the peak of his acting career. Romero served in the Pacific Theater aboard the assault transport USS Cavalier. His service included action during the invasions of Tinian and Saipan. He returned to Hollywood after the war and continued his work in film and television.

J.R. Martinez

J.R. Martinez is an actor and motivational speaker known for his role on ‘All My Children’. He enlisted in the United States Army in 2002 and was deployed to Iraq. Martinez sustained severe burns to over 30 percent of his body when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb. His recovery story and subsequent acting career have inspired many veterans and civilians alike. He later won the thirteenth season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’.

David Zayas

David Zayas is widely recognized for his roles in ‘Dexter’ and ‘Oz’. He joined the United States Air Force at age 19 and served for several years. His military experience gave him the discipline he later applied to his career as a New York City police officer. Zayas eventually transitioned into acting and often plays law enforcement or military characters. His background adds a layer of authenticity to his tough on-screen personas.

Jon Huertas

Jon Huertas starred as Detective Javier Esposito in the popular series ‘Castle’ and Miguel Rivas in ‘This Is Us’. He served in the United States Air Force for eight years as an aircraft nuclear/conventional weapons specialist. His service included participation in Operation Just Cause in Panama and Operation Desert Storm. Huertas has used his platform to advocate for veterans and often discusses how the military shaped his work ethic. He continues to be an active supporter of veteran organizations.

J.W. Cortes

J.W. Cortes gained recognition for his recurring role as Detective Alvarez on the series ‘Gotham’. He served in the United States Marine Corps for nearly thirteen years. Cortes was a combat veteran who deployed to Iraq during the early stages of the war. His experiences in the military heavily influence his acting and his work as a filmmaker. He is also a passionate advocate for autism awareness and veteran support.

Gilbert Roland

Gilbert Roland was a Mexican-born actor who became a matinee idol during the Golden Age of Hollywood. He paused his successful film career to enlist in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Roland served his country with honor before returning to the screen to star in numerous westerns and dramas. His career spanned seven decades and included roles in films like ‘The Bad and the Beautiful’. He remained a respected figure in the industry until his death.

Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez

Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez was a character actor famous for his comedic roles alongside John Wayne. He served in the United States Army during World War II as a driver stationed in the United States. His career took off after an appearance on ‘You Bet Your Life’ caught the attention of John Wayne. Gonzalez became a familiar face in classic westerns such as ‘Rio Bravo’. His grandson is the acclaimed actor Clifton Collins Jr.

Freddy Fender

Freddy Fender was a Grammy-winning musician and actor known for his work in Tejano and country music. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1953 at the age of sixteen. Fender served for three years before being discharged and pursuing his musical passion. He later appeared in films like ‘The Milagro Beanfield War’ and displayed his acting talents. His legacy as a pioneer for Hispanic artists remains strong today.

Emilio Rivera

Emilio Rivera is best known for playing Marcus Alvarez in ‘Sons of Anarchy’ and its spin-off ‘Mayans M.C.’. He enlisted in the United States Army right after high school to gain discipline and direction. Rivera credits the military with helping him overcome personal challenges and preparing him for a demanding career. His rugged look and intense acting style have made him a staple in crime dramas. He frequently plays authority figures or gang leaders with a commanding presence.

Vincent Vargas

Vincent Vargas stars as Gilly in the hit series ‘Mayans M.C.’ and is a writer for the show. He served as an Army Ranger with the 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment. Vargas completed multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan during his military career. He uses his experiences to bring realism to his roles and to help fellow veterans transition to civilian life. His work often highlights the complexities of brotherhood and service.

Rudy Reyes

Rudy Reyes is an actor and martial artist who played himself in the HBO miniseries ‘Generation Kill’. He was a Recon Marine who served multiple tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Reyes is highly respected in the military community for his physical fitness and combat expertise. He has since appeared in various survival shows and action films. His transition from elite soldier to actor has allowed him to share the marine experience with a wider audience.

Gregory Sierra

Gregory Sierra was a versatile character actor known for roles in ‘Barney Miller’ and ‘Sanford and Son’. He served in the United States Air Force before pursuing his dream of acting. Sierra worked with the National Shakespeare Company and eventually moved to Hollywood to build a prolific television career. He was often cast as law enforcement officers or tough street characters. His memorable performances made him a recognizable face on 1970s television.

Pepe Serna

Pepe Serna is a prolific character actor with over one hundred film credits including ‘Scarface’ and ‘Silverado’. He served six months of active duty in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. Serna has been a constant presence in Hollywood for decades and often plays supporting roles that steal the scene. He is also a visual artist and motivational speaker within the Latino community. His dedication to his craft has earned him a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild.

Tito Puente

Tito Puente was a legendary musician and bandleader known as “The King of Latin Music”. He was drafted into the United States Navy in 1942 and served on the escort carrier USS Santee during World War II. Puente saw combat in nine battles and was honorably discharged after the war. He appeared in several films including ‘The Mambo Kings’ and ‘Radio Days’. His contribution to Latin culture and music is immeasurable.

Geraldo Rivera

Geraldo Rivera is a prominent television personality who has hosted various talk shows and news programs. He served in the United States Merchant Marine shortly after high school. This service allowed him to travel the world before he pursued his education and journalism career. Rivera has acted in films and television shows often playing himself or a news reporter. His career has spanned decades and covered major global events.

Jerry Garcia

Jerry Garcia was the lead guitarist and vocalist for the Grateful Dead and a counterculture icon. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1960 in an attempt to find direction in his life. Garcia received a general discharge after a brief period of service that did not suit his temperament. He went on to become a legendary musician but also directed ‘The Grateful Dead Movie’ and appeared in documentaries. His influence on music and culture remains profound.

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