Actors With Military Backgrounds

Many household names learned discipline and grit in uniform long before they stepped in front of a camera. Their service stories span different branches, countries, and eras, and the details show how varied military life can be. From aviators and infantry Marines to fitness instructors and intelligence officers, these performers brought lessons from barracks and bases to sets and stages.

This list gathers twenty actors who served and then built lasting screen careers. Each entry includes key facts about their branch, roles, and service highlights, along with a short note on the acting work audiences know them for. It is a reminder that the path to a memorable performance often starts far from the spotlight.

Adam Driver

Adam Driver enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after high school and served for almost three years with 1st Battalion 1st Marines. He trained as an infantry Marine and was medically separated following an injury that occurred before a planned deployment.

After leaving the Marines he studied at Juilliard and began stage work that led to screen roles. He gained wide recognition on television and in films such as ‘Girls’ and ‘Marriage Story’ and also starred in the sequel trilogy of ‘Star Wars’.

Rob Riggle

Rob Riggle earned his commission in the United States Marine Corps in the 1990s and later transitioned to the Marine Corps Reserve. He deployed overseas during his career and retired at the rank of lieutenant colonel after more than two decades of service.

While continuing his reserve duty he built a comedy and acting career on television and in films. Audiences know him from shows and movies such as ‘Saturday Night Live’, ‘The Daily Show’, ‘The Hangover’, and ’21 Jump Street’.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman joined the United States Air Force in the 1950s and trained as a radar technician. He reached the rank of airman first class during a four year enlistment and worked on ground based tracking systems.

He later pursued acting on stage and screen and developed a reputation for measured, precise performances. Notable credits include ‘Driving Miss Daisy’, ‘The Shawshank Redemption’, and ‘Million Dollar Baby’.

Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris served in the United States Air Force as an air policeman and was stationed in South Korea. It was during that assignment that he began formal martial arts training and earned his first belts before returning stateside.

After the service he became a champion martial artist and then moved into acting. He is known for action roles in ‘Way of the Dragon’, ‘Missing in Action’, and the long running series ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood was drafted during the Korean War era and served in the United States Army at Fort Ord in California. He worked as a lifeguard and swimming instructor on the base and completed his period of service before turning to acting.

He went on to a distinguished career as both actor and director. His screen work spans westerns, police dramas, and prestige films including ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’, ‘Dirty Harry’, ‘Unforgiven’, and ‘Gran Torino’.

Ice-T

Ice T enlisted in the United States Army and served with the 25th Infantry Division for four years. His duties included field training and unit support activities that shaped his understanding of teamwork and leadership.

He later became a recording artist and actor and built a long run in scripted television. Viewers know him for his role on ‘Law and Order SVU’ as well as appearances in films such as ‘New Jack City’ and ‘Trespass’.

Gene Hackman

Gene Hackman joined the United States Marine Corps as a teenager and served as a field radio operator. He spent part of his enlistment overseas and learned communications skills that required precision under pressure.

After his discharge he trained as an actor and began stage and film work that led to major roles. His filmography includes ‘The French Connection’, ‘The Conversation’, ‘Superman’, and ‘Unforgiven’.

James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones completed ROTC at university and received a commission in the United States Army. He served stateside during the Korean War period as a training officer and left the service as a first lieutenant.

He then turned to theater and film and developed a distinctive voice career along with live performances. His work includes ‘The Great White Hope’, ‘Field of Dreams’, ‘The Hunt for Red October’, and voice roles in ‘Star Wars’ and ‘The Lion King’.

Paul Newman

Paul Newman served in the United States Navy during the Second World War. He trained as an aviation radioman and turret gunner on torpedo bombers and served in the Pacific with a carrier based replacement unit.

Following the war he studied acting and quickly moved into stage and screen roles. His notable films include ‘The Hustler’, ‘Cool Hand Luke’, ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’, and ‘The Color of Money’.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot completed mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces and worked as a combat fitness instructor. She trained soldiers in physical readiness and weapons familiarity and supported combat units with instruction.

After her service she began modeling and acting and then entered major film franchises. She portrayed Gisele in ‘Fast and Furious’ entries and became widely known for the lead role in ‘Wonder Woman’ and its sequel.

Mr. T

Mr. T, born Laurence Tureaud, served in the United States Army as a military policeman. He earned recognition as top trainee in his cycle and later worked as a squad leader responsible for discipline and security.

He transitioned into entertainment through bodyguard work and then into television and film. He is remembered for playing B A Baracus on ‘The A Team’ and for roles in projects such as ‘Rocky III’.

Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley was drafted into the United States Army in 1958 and served in Germany with the 3rd Armored Division. He trained as an armor crewman and lived off base for part of his tour while maintaining regulations required of active duty soldiers.

He balanced his music and acting careers after returning to the United States. His film work featured musical and dramatic roles including ‘Jailhouse Rock’, ‘King Creole’, and ‘Viva Las Vegas’.

Michael Caine

Michael Caine served in the British Army with the Royal Fusiliers and deployed to Korea and later to Germany. His service included duty near the front lines during the Korean War where infantry skills and fieldcraft were essential.

He later shifted to acting and rose to prominence in British cinema before international success. Audiences know him from ‘Zulu’, ‘The Ipcress File’, ‘Alfie’, and later roles in ‘The Dark Knight’ trilogy.

Sean Connery

Sean Connery enlisted in the Royal Navy as a young man and served for several years before a medical discharge. He trained in seamanship and naval operations and gained experience in disciplined team environments at sea.

He then pursued acting and found international fame in a long running spy franchise. His work spans ‘Dr No’, ‘From Russia with Love’, ‘Goldfinger’, and acclaimed later performances in ‘The Untouchables’ and ‘The Hunt for Red October’.

Christopher Lee

Christopher Lee volunteered for service during the Second World War and joined the Royal Air Force before transferring to intelligence work due to a medical issue. He supported special duties in North Africa and Italy and coordinated with units engaged in hazardous operations.

After the war he built a prolific acting career across genres. Notable roles include classic horror in ‘Dracula’, epic fantasy in ‘The Lord of the Rings’, and a major space saga appearance in ‘Star Wars’.

Steve McQueen

Steve McQueen served in the United States Marine Corps after high school. His record included a period of discipline issues followed by a turnaround that led to responsibilities such as guarding military property and participating in training exercises.

He later studied with the help of veterans education benefits and moved into television and film. His standout projects include ‘The Magnificent Seven’, ‘The Great Escape’, and ‘Bullitt’.

James Stewart

James Stewart joined the United States Army Air Corps before America entered the Second World War and qualified as a pilot and instructor. He flew combat missions over Europe with bomber units and continued in the Air Force Reserve after the war, eventually reaching the rank of brigadier general.

He maintained a long acting career while serving in the reserve. His films include ‘Mr Smith Goes to Washington’, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, ‘Rear Window’, and ‘The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance’.

Charles Bronson

Charles Bronson served in the United States Army Air Forces as an aerial gunner on a B 29 crew. He flew missions in the Pacific theater and earned decorations after being wounded in action.

He began acting after the war and built a reputation in intense roles across westerns and action films. Notable titles include ‘The Dirty Dozen’, ‘Once Upon a Time in the West’, and ‘Death Wish’.

Lee Marvin

Lee Marvin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and fought with the 4th Marine Division in the Pacific. He was wounded during the Battle of Saipan and received the Purple Heart before being medically discharged.

His acting career featured tough, authoritative characters in film and television. Audiences know him from ‘The Big Heat’, ‘The Professionals’, and ‘Cat Ballou’.

Audie Murphy

Audie Murphy served in the United States Army during the Second World War and became one of the most decorated American soldiers of the conflict. He received the Medal of Honor for actions in France and later continued service as a commissioned officer in the Texas Army National Guard.

After the war he moved into acting and often appeared in westerns and war dramas. He starred in ‘To Hell and Back’, which dramatized his wartime experience, and appeared in films such as ‘The Red Badge of Courage’.

Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us which service stories or roles stood out to you.