FAMOUS VETERANS: YOU’LL NEVER BELIEVE THESE CELEBRITIES ACTUALLY SERVED
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Most people picture celebrities on red carpets, not in formation, pulling duty, or deploying overseas. Hollywood doesn’t exactly highlight the years some of these household names spent serving their country.
A surprising number of actors, musicians, athletes, and public figures served in the military before they were famous. Some served in combat, held leadership roles, or made the military a defining part of their lives.
We’re highlighting well-known (and some lesser-known) famous celebrity Veterans. Some names you’ll recognize immediately, others might stop you in your tracks.
These stories are a reminder that military service comes from all walks of life, even the ones we least expect.
6 Famous Musicians Who Were Veterans First
#1: Zach Bryan U.S. Navy (2013–2021)
Zach Bryan is a newer name in country music. He served eight years before being honorably discharged. Post Navy, Zach Bryan released his major-label debut, American Heartbreak, in 2022.
#2: Willie Nelson U.S. Air Force (1950–1951)
Country music legend Willie Nelson enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after graduating high school in 1950, but his time in service was brief, about nine months, due to chronic back problems that led to a medical discharge.
#3: George Strait (1971-1975)
This one may not come as a surprise if you’re familiar with all of the ways George Strait has raised money for the military in his days. He’s been “raisin’ cain with the boys,” but who are those boys exactly? Well, maybe they’re his Army buddies from his four years of service.
#4: Ice-T U.S. Army (1979 - Early 1980s)
It’s “6 N’ the Mornin’,” and you just found out that this famous rapper served in the military for several years. He served in the 25th Infantry Division. Ice-T joined the Army to financially support his family. Respect, man. Respect.
During his service, he received non-judicial punishment for a brief disciplinary issue, completed his enlistment, and was honorably discharged. After leaving the Army, Ice-T returned to California, where he launched a successful music and acting career and later became well known for his role on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
#5: Jimi Hendrix — U.S. Army (1961–1962)
Before he changed music forever, Jimi Hendrix served briefly in the U.S. Army. Facing legal trouble as a young man, Hendrix enlisted in 1961 and completed basic training at Fort Ord before being assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Hendrix struggled with discipline and spent much of his downtime focused on his guitar rather than serving. After about a year of service, he was honorably discharged. Rumor has it, Hendrix had a hard time following rules and regulations.
Not long after leaving the Army, Hendrix fully committed to music, a decision that would eventually make him one of the most influential guitarists of all time.
#6: Tony Bennett — U.S. Army (1944–1946)
Tony Bennett is known for his legendary voice and his legendary career. Before his time as an entertainer and musician, Tony Bennett was called to duty in WWII. He served on the front lines in Europe, where he earned a Purple Heart after being wounded in Italy and witnessed the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp.
That experience stuck with him for the rest of his life and shaped the person and performer he became. After the war, Bennett took his love of music to stages and record studios around the world and became one of the most beloved singers of the 20th century.
Actors & Actresses
#1: Morgan Freeman — U.S. Air Force (1955–1959)
The man who can put us all to sleep with his voice also helped keep our skies safe. Morgan Freeman enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1955, turning down a drama scholarship to serve instead.
He started as a radar technician and later trained as a pilot, though flying wasn’t quite his calling. After four years, Freeman received an honorable discharge and went on to become one of the most iconic actors of his generation.
#2: Bea Arthur — U.S. Marine Corps Women’s Reserve (1943–1945)
Before she delivered zingers as Dorothy Zbornak on The Golden Girls, Bea Arthur served her country in World War II as a Marine.
During her service, Arthur worked as a typist at Marine Corps Headquarters in D.C. and later as a truck driver and dispatcher in North Carolina.
Bea’s time in uniform helped free male Marines for combat and made her part of the first wave of women paving the way in the Corps.
#3: Adam Driver — U.S. Marine Corps (2001–2004)
Before he was Kylo Ren or an Oscar-nominated actor, Adam Driver answered the call after 9/11 and joined the U.S. Marine Corps.
He turned 18 just months after the attacks and enlisted, serving as an 81mm mortarman with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division.
Driver was medically discharged as a lance corporal after a mountain biking accident. Driver says his time in the Corps taught him discipline, camaraderie, and the value of a team, lessons he has carried into his acting career and his nonprofit work with veterans.
#4: Clint Eastwood — U.S. Army (1951–1953)
Long before Dirty Harry and Gran Torino, Clint Eastwood was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After basic training ended in 1951, he was stationed at Fort Ord, California, where he worked as a swimming instructor and lifeguard. Though Eastwood didn’t serve in combat, her served during a very tense era in American history.
#5: Carly Schroeder — U.S. Army (2019–present)
Former Lizzie McGuire and General Hospital actress Carly Schroeder traded Hollywood for the Army. After a long run in film and TV, she decided in 2019 to raise her right hand and swear into the United States Army.
Schroeder eventually commissioned as a captain in the infantry. Schroeder has said she wants to use her experience to help others, especially in areas such as human trafficking awareness and veteran advocacy.
#6: J. R. Martinez U.S. Army (2002–2003)
Before he lit up screens on All My Children and Dancing with the Stars, J.R. Martinez was in uniform and in combat. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2002 and deployed to Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division.
Just weeks into his tour, the Humvee he was riding struck a roadside bomb, leaving him trapped and severely burned.
His recovery took nearly three years and included dozens of surgeries, but Martinez turned that challenge into a mission of service.
After leaving the Army, he became an actor, motivational speaker, and advocate for Veterans, sharing his story to inspire others and continuing to find new ways to serve.
#7: Jennifer Marshall — U.S. Navy (1999–2004)
You might recognize Jennifer Marshall from Stranger Things, Hawaii Five‑0, or NCIS. But before acting brought her into the spotlight, she served in the U.S. Navy. Marshall. Enlisted at just 17, working as an aircraft handler, logistics specialist, and member of the ship’s Security Defense Force and Repair Locker Fire Team.
Since leaving the Navy, Marshall has applied her discipline and leadership to film and television and has become a vocal advocate for Veterans, including by producing PSAs highlighting female Veterans’ service.
3 Other Celebrity Personalities Who Are Veterans
1. Drew Carey — U.S. Marine Corps (1980–1986)
You know him as a host and comedian, but before all the laughs, Drew Carey served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He enlisted in 1980 and served as a field radio operator with 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment.
Carey said the Corps gave him a sense of pride and responsibility that stuck with him long after he hung up his uniform.
Carey supports troops through events and USO tours and hosted the 2024 National Memorial Day Parade alongside fellow American veterans.
2. Sunny Anderson — U.S. Air Force (1993–1997)
Food Network star Sunny Anderson loves food, but she may just love her country more. She joined the Air Force and worked as a radio host, traveling and experiencing new foods along the way.
These experiences later inspired her culinary career. Anderson was honorably discharged, taking with her discipline, leadership, and a global palate.
3. Robin Quivers — U.S. Air Force (1975–1990)
Radio personality Robin Quivers is best known for co‑hosting The Howard Stern Show, but before her media career, she served in the U.S. Air Force.
Quvers was commissioned as a second lieutenant, worked as a nurse after graduating from the University of Maryland School of Nursing, and was promoted to captain.
After completing her active duty tour, Quivers continued serving in the Air Force Reserve until 1990. Her military experience helped shape the resilience, professionalism, and leadership she later brought to her long career in broadcasting.
Celebrity Vets Who Proudly Served Before Serving the Entertainment Industry
From the battlefield to the big screen, these Veterans have proven that service comes first and talent follows. Whether in uniform or under the spotlight, their dedication, discipline, and courage continue to inspire us all.
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BY JESSICA GETTLE
Military Spouse & Family Life Writer at VeteranLife
Jessica Gettle is a military spouse of more than a decade, part of the EOD community, and a communications professional with 10 years of experience. She combines her career expertise with a deep, personal understanding of the unique rhythms, joys, and challenges of military life. Driven by a passion...
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Jessica Gettle is a military spouse of more than a decade, part of the EOD community, and a communications professional with 10 years of experience. She combines her career expertise with a deep, personal understanding of the unique rhythms, joys, and challenges of military life. Driven by a passion...
