Before they became household names, these actors wore something other than costumes; they wore uniforms. Long before red carpets and film sets, they answered a different kind of call to duty. Their time in the military shaped their discipline, resilience, and sense of purpose, qualities that later defined their careers on screen. Here’s a closer look at 15 legendary actors whose service is an important part of their story.
15. James Earl Jones
Long before becoming the unforgettable voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa, James Earl Jones served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Commissioned as a second lieutenant, he later rose to first lieutenant and helped train fellow soldiers in Colorado. Jones, whose commanding voice became one of the most recognizable in film history, once struggled with a severe stutter. The structure and confidence he developed in the Army may have helped him find his strength. After his service, he built a remarkable acting career, starring in classics like Field of Dreams and Coming to America. His authority on screen wasn’t just acting; it was earned.
14. Steve McQueen
Known as the “King of Cool,” Steve McQueen’s early days in the Marine Corps were far from glamorous. He even spent time in the brig. But during a dangerous Arctic training mission, he helped rescue fellow Marines, an act that changed his reputation and earned him an assignment guarding President Harry S. Truman’s yacht. McQueen’s rebellious edge and fearless attitude in films like Bullitt and The Great Escape reflected lessons learned in the Marines. His military years sharpened the grit that would later define his screen presence.
13. Tom Selleck
Tom Selleck’s rise to fame paused when he was drafted during the Vietnam era. He served in the California National Guard from 1967 to 1973 and even appeared in recruitment campaigns. After returning to acting, he landed the iconic role in Magnum P.I., bringing a natural authority that felt authentic. Whether appearing in Friends, the Jesse Stone films, or Blue Bloods, Selleck’s steady, composed demeanor traces back to his years of service.
12. Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris discovered martial arts while serving in the U.S. Air Force in Korea. That experience changed his life. He went on to earn an eighth-degree black belt in taekwondo, becoming the first Westerner to achieve that rank. After leaving the military, Norris trained celebrities before launching his own acting career, starring in Way of the Dragon and later Walker, Texas Ranger. The discipline he developed in uniform became the backbone of his action-hero legacy.
11. Morgan Freeman
In 1955, Morgan Freeman enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, hoping to become a fighter pilot. Instead, he served as a radar technician for four years. Eventually, he realized his passion for acting outweighed his love of flying. Freeman’s calm authority and measured presence, seen in films like The Shawshank Redemption and Driving Miss Daisy, reflect a work ethic forged during his military years. His steady voice and grounded performances have made him one of Hollywood’s most respected figures.
10. Elvis Presley
At the height of his early fame, Elvis Presley was drafted into the Army in 1958. Rather than accept a special entertainment role, he chose to serve as a regular soldier in an armored division. Stationed in Germany, Presley fulfilled his duties like any other serviceman. His time in uniform helped reshape his public image, bridging his youthful rock-and-roll persona with a more mature phase of his career. The King didn’t ask for special treatment, and that earned him lasting respect.
9. Clark Gable
After the tragic death of his wife, Clark Gable enlisted in the Army Air Forces at age 41. Despite being one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, he started from the bottom and trained as an aerial gunner and photographer. He flew combat missions over Europe in B-17 bombers, documenting wartime operations. His service during World War II was driven by personal loss and patriotism. Fame didn’t shield him from duty.
8. Paul Newman
Paul Newman joined the Navy’s V-12 program during World War II but was unable to train as a pilot due to colorblindness. Instead, he became a radioman and rear gunner aboard torpedo bombers in the Pacific. An ear infection kept him grounded during a particularly deadly mission, a twist of fate that likely saved his life. Newman left the Navy decorated for his service. His humility and resilience later shaped both his acting career and philanthropic work.
7. James Doohan
Before becoming Scotty on Star Trek, James Doohan was a Canadian artillery officer who landed on Juno Beach during D-Day. He killed two enemy snipers and was shot multiple times, losing a finger in the process. Doohan overcame his injuries and built a beloved acting career, inspiring generations of fans. His wartime courage added depth to the engineer whom audiences came to adore.
6. Lee Marvin
Lee Marvin served as a Marine scout sniper in the Pacific during World War II. He was wounded in combat, suffering an injury that affected him for life. That lived experience gave authenticity to his tough-guy roles in films like The Dirty Dozen. Marvin didn’t have to pretend to understand combat; he had been there.
5. Rob Riggle
Rob Riggle spent 23 years in the Marine Corps Reserve, earning the Combat Action Ribbon after coming under fire in Kosovo. He also assisted with recovery efforts at Ground Zero and deployed to Afghanistan. Despite his comedic career in films and television, Riggle continues to support troops through USO tours. His transition from battlefield to comedy stage proves that service can take many forms.
4. Michael Caine
Michael Caine saw combat during the Korean War as a soldier in the British Army. In one harrowing moment, he and two fellow soldiers charged enemy forces rather than surrender and survived. The experience gave Caine a sharpened perspective on life and risk, something visible in performances throughout his long career, including films like A Bridge Too Far.
3. Charles Bronson
Drafted in 1943, Charles Bronson became a B-29 tail gunner in the Pacific during World War II. He flew 25 combat missions and earned a Purple Heart after being wounded. After the war, he used the GI Bill to study acting, eventually starring in The Great Escape and the Death Wish series. His hardened on-screen persona was rooted in real-life experience.
2. James Stewart
Already an Academy Award winner, James Stewart enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. A skilled pilot, he flew bombing missions over Europe and rose to the rank of brigadier general in the Air Force Reserve. He commanded large bomber groups and earned multiple decorations for bravery. Stewart remains one of the highest-ranking actors to ever serve. His quiet strength in films like It’s a Wonderful Life carried the weight of real-world leadership.
1. Adam Driver
After the September 11 attacks, Adam Driver enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served as an 81mm mortarman before a training injury led to a medical discharge. Driver later attended Juilliard and rose to prominence in Girls and the Star Wars sequel trilogy as Kylo Ren. He also founded Arts in the Armed Forces, a nonprofit that brings professional theater to military communities. His journey from Marine to actor reflects discipline, purpose, and a commitment to service that continues off-screen.
These actors remind us that fame and service aren’t mutually exclusive. Before commanding audiences, they followed orders. Before stepping into the spotlight, they stood alongside fellow service members. Their stories show that the path from military life to Hollywood isn’t unusual; it’s often transformative. And in many cases, the strength we see on screen was first forged in uniform.