May 05, 2025

Stars in Uniform: Famous Celebrities Who Served in the Military

Before they lit up the silver screen or topped the music charts, some of the world’s most famous celebrities wore military uniforms and served their countries with honor. From heroic wartime efforts to humble beginnings in boot camp, these stars have stories that go beyond the stage and camera lens.

1. Elvis Presley – U.S. Army
The King of Rock and Roll was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958 at the height of his fame. Rather than seeking special treatment, Elvis served as a regular soldier in Germany for two years. His service earned him respect from both fans and skeptics, proving that even a music legend could answer the call of duty.

2. Morgan Freeman – U.S. Air Force
Before narrating documentaries and playing God on screen, Morgan Freeman enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 18. He served as a radar technician from 1955 to 1959. Though he initially dreamed of being a fighter pilot, Freeman later said the reality of military life helped him pivot toward acting.

3. Clint Eastwood – U.S. Army
Long before his “Dirty Harry” days, Clint Eastwood was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He served as a lifeguard and swimming instructor at Fort Ord in California. Famously, Eastwood survived a plane crash into the Pacific Ocean and swam over a mile to shore — an experience that sounds straight out of one of his films.

4. Ice-T – U.S. Army
The rapper and actor best known for his role on Law & Order: SVU served four years in the U.S. Army in the 1980s. Ice-T was part of the 25th Infantry Division and credits his time in the military for instilling discipline and helping him turn his life around.

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5. Adam Driver – U.S. Marine Corps
Before gaining fame as Kylo Ren in Star Wars, Adam Driver served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He joined shortly after 9/11 and trained for over two years before a mountain biking accident led to a medical discharge. Driver has since founded Arts in the Armed Forces, a nonprofit that brings theater to active duty service members.

6. Bea Arthur – U.S. Marine Corps
Before her iconic role as Dorothy on The Golden Girls, Bea Arthur was one of the first women to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. She served as a typist and truck driver in 1943, when women in uniform were a rare sight.

7. James Earl Jones – U.S. Army
The voice behind Darth Vader and Mufasa served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Though he never saw combat, Jones used the opportunity to hone his craft in speech and performance — skills that would define his legendary career.

8. Mr. T – U.S. Army
Known for his larger-than-life persona and signature gold chains, Mr. T served in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps. His commanding officer reportedly once described him as one of the best soldiers he’d ever seen, and he was even named “Top Trainee of the Cycle” during basic training.

These celebrities prove that fame doesn’t exempt one from duty — and in many cases, the discipline, leadership, and resilience learned in the military helped shape their paths to success. Their stories are a powerful reminder that patriotism and creativity often walk hand in hand.