Many famous American military veterans went on to have illustrious careers in the movie entertainment industry. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly actor Clint Eastwood served in the US Army during the Korean War and almost died when he was involved in a plane crash. The plane landed in the ocean near Fort Ord, CA, and Eastwood was able to swim to safety. Some 40 years later, he won his first Oscar for directing Unforgiven. Other prolific actors who have served in the military include Paul Newman, Morgan Freeman, and Chuck Norris.
Some surprising celebs also served in the military, including musicians and rocks stars. Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia joined the US Army, but left the military 9 months later to study at the Art Institute of San Francisco. Other well known celebrity vets include Tool front man Maynard James Keenan, comedian Drew Carey, and rapper Ice-T.
“Playboy” creator Hugh Hefner served as a military newspaper writer in the US Army.
Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby joined the Navy and worked as a hospital corpsman.
Johnny Carson
“Tonight Show” host Johnny Carson served in the Navy.
Mr. T
Mr. T served in the US Army.
Mel Brooks
Comedy director Mel Brooks served in the US Army during World War II.
John Coltrane
Jazz musician John Coltrane enlisted in the Navy and played in their jazz band.
Bob Barker
“Price is Right” host Bob Barker served as a fighter pilot in the US Navy during World War II.
Johnny Cash
Musician Johnny Cash enlisted in the US Air Force.
Shaggy
Musician Shaggy served in the US Marine Corps during the Gulf War.
Tom Selleck
Tom Selleck served in California’s National Guard.
Ice-T
Rapper Ice-T served in the US Army.
Sammy Davis, Jr.
Sammy Davis Jr. served in the Army during World War II.
MC Hammer
Entertainer MC Hammer served in the US Navy.
Ernest Hemingway
Author Ernest Hemingway used his served in World War I.
Paul Newman
“Cool Hand Luke” star Paul Newman served in the Navy during World War II.
Richard Pryor
Richard Pryor served in the US Army for two years, but he spent most of that time in army prison.
Nate Dogg
Rapper Nate Dogg served in the US Marine Corps.
Vincent Pastore
“Sopranos” actor Vincent Pastore served in the US Navy.
James Earl Jones
“Field of Dreams” actor James Earl Jones served in the Korean War.
Mickey Rooney
Actor Mickey Rooney served during World War II.
Montel Williams
Talk show host Montel Williams served in the US Marine Corps.
James Stewart
“It’s a Wonderful Life” star James Stewart was rejected from the US Army when he was first drafted because he didn’t meet the weight requirement. He then worked out and bulked up and enlisted as a private.
“Some Like it Hot” actor Tony Curtis served in the US Navy during World War II.
Leonard Nimoy
” Star Trek” actor Leonard Nimoy served in the US Army.
Brian Dennehy
Actor Brian Dennehy served in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.
James Garner
“The Notebook” actor James Garner joined the National Guard and served in the Army during the Korean War.
Roy Scheider
“Jaws” actor Roy Scheider served in the US Air Force.
Benny Hill
Comedian Benny Hill served in the combined entertainment services division in World War II.
Carl Reiner
“Dick Van Dyke” star Carl Reiner served in the US Army during World War II.
Don Knotts
“Andy Griffith Show” actor Don Knotts joined the US Army.
Jerry Garcia
Grateful Dead co-founder Jerry Garcia served in the US Army.
Fred Willard
“Best in Show” actor Fred Willard served in the US Army.
Bob Feller
Baseball star Bob Feller served in the US Navy during World War II.
Sidney Poitier
Actor Sidney Poitier served in the US Army.
Canibus
Rapper Canibus served in the US Army.
Gene Wilder
“Willy Wonka” star Gene Wilder was drafted into the US Army.
Drew Carey
Comedian Drew Carey served in the US Marine Corps Reserve.
Art Carney
“Honeymooners” actor Art Carney served in World War II and was injured in the battle of Normandy.
Tony Bennett
Singer Tony Bennett was drafted to the US Army and served during World War II.
J.R. Martinez
Actor J.R. Martinez served in the US Army and was severely burned on over 34 percent of his body. He began his acting career after his Army experience.
Jack Palance
“City Slickers” actor Jack Palance served in the US Air Force during World War II.
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