Before they were household names on screen, they wore a uniform.
Hollywood is full of tough guys. There are tons of actors who play war heroes, cops, or outlaws with grit and conviction. But a select few bring something extra to the role: real-world military experience. These actors didn’t just portray members of the armed forces in some of the best military movies; no, they served their country and were forged by their service.
Here are some of the most well-known actors with military backgrounds, how their service shaped them, and why it still matters when they step on set.
Adam Driver — U.S. Marine Corps
Before rising to fame as Kylo Ren in Star Wars or delivering intense performances in Marriage Story and House of Gucci, Adam Driver was a U.S. Marine.
- Branch: United States Marine Corps
- Enlistment: Shortly after 9/11
- Unit: 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, Weapons Company
- MOS: 0351 Infantry Assaultman
- Injury: Medically discharged before deployment due to a mountain biking accident
Driver has spoken publicly about how the Corps gave him discipline, confidence, and purpose — things he later brought to the Juilliard School and every film set since. He also founded Arts in the Armed Forces, a nonprofit that brings theater to active duty service members.
“Oh, totally. Being in the military was the best acting training.” Driver once told Time Out. “You’re in a team. Acting is the same, it’s not just about you.”
Ice-T — U.S. Army
Yes, that Ice-T — the rapper, actor, and long-running Law & Order: SVU star — was once a soldier.
- Branch: United States Army
- Enlistment: 1977
- Unit: 25th Infantry Division (Schofield Barracks, Hawaii)
- Service Length: Four years
- Discharge: Honorably discharged in 1983
Ice-T joined the Army after high school to support his girlfriend and newborn daughter. While in service, he began writing lyrics and experimenting with music — a creative outlet that eventually launched his career.
Today, he credits the Army with saving his life and giving him structure when he needed it most.
“When I had my daughter, I was like, man, I'm going to go to jail, I got to do something, and I went to an enlistment office. Next thing you know, I'm in the military, four years infantry.”
Morgan Freeman — U.S. Air Force
Academy Award-winner Morgan Freeman might be one of Hollywood’s most respected voices, but his career almost took a very different path — flying fighters for the Air Force.
- Branch: United States Air Force
- Enlistment: 1955
- Role: Radar technician; turned down pilot training
- Discharge: After four years of service
Freeman originally enlisted to become a fighter pilot, but had a change of heart after seeing real jets up close. He left the service and pursued acting — but never forgot the discipline and structure the Air Force gave him.
“When I was getting close to being accepted for pilot training, I was allowed to get in a jet airplane. I sat there looking at all those switches and dials, and I got the distinct feeling that I was sitting in the nose of a bomb.” Freeman once told AARP Magazine. “You are not in love with this; you are in love with the idea of this.”
Jesse Ventura — U.S. Navy SEAL
Before he was Governor of Minnesota — or starring in action flicks like Predator — Jesse Ventura served as a Navy Frogman.
- Branch: United States Navy
- Service: 1969–1975
- Unit: Underwater Demolition Team (UDT), predecessor to Navy SEALs
- Nickname: “The Body” (later used in wrestling)
Ventura’s military background gave him physical credibility in films and professional wrestling — but he’s also been a vocal advocate for veteran issues throughout his political career.
Rob Riggle — U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Known for comedic roles in The Hangover, 21 Jump Street, and as a correspondent on The Daily Show, Rob Riggle also spent over two decades in the Marine Corps Reserve.
- Branch: USMC Reserve
- Rank: Retired as Lieutenant Colonel
- MOS: Public Affairs and aviation
- Deployments: Kosovo, Albania, Afghanistan
- Service Length: 23 years
Riggle even kept his commission while filming in Hollywood, often drilling between shoots. He’s said that balancing comedy with combat duty helped him keep things in perspective and that he felt serving was an essential part of being a United States citizen.
“I thought it's an American duty. It didn't have to be the military, but I just thought service of some kind is important ... for citizenship,” Riggle explained to People in 2022. "I just think it's important to give back, whether it's locally in your own community or statewide or national."
Drew Carey — U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Before he hosted The Price Is Right or headlined his own sitcom, Drew Carey wore the eagle, globe, and anchor.
- Branch: USMC Reserve
- Rank: Sergeant
- MOS: Field Radio Operator
- Service: 1980–1986
Carey credits the Corps with building his confidence and helping him break out of his shell. He still wears Marine Corps pins and attends veteran charity events.
Bea Arthur — U.S. Marine Corps (Yes, Really)
Decades before The Golden Girls, Bea Arthur served during WWII — one of the first women to enlist.
- Branch: United States Marine Corps Women’s Reserve
- Enlistment: 1943
- Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Roles: Truck driver, typist, dispatcher
- Discharge: Honorably discharged in 1945
While she downplayed her military past during her acting career, her service record was confirmed in 2005 through official documents.
Why It Matters
Actors with military experience bring more than realism to the screen. They bring perspective, discipline, and authenticity. In a business built on pretending, these veterans have lived the real thing — and it shows.
For the military community, they’re more than celebrities. They’re proof that service can shape any career path — and that toughness isn’t just an act.
Honorable Mentions
- James Earl Jones – U.S. Army
- Chuck Norris – U.S. Air Force
- Harvey Keitel – U.S. Marine Corps
- Tony Curtis – U.S. Navy (WWII, USS Proteus)
- Tom Selleck – California Army National Guard
