Starting his career as an actor in the 60s, Morgan Freeman has become one of the most loved and respected names in Hollywood. He has shared that he has been passionate about drama and acting from a very young age. However, there was a specific genre he enjoyed more than the others. Freeman was quite fascinated by the war movies, especially the ones with planes and fighter pilots, which added to his dream to become a fighter pilot.
To pursue a career in the Air Force, he even turned down the scholarship to study drama at Jackson State University. However, there came a time when he realized that it was not something he wanted to do, leading him to quit after serving four years in the force.
Morgan Freeman Left the Air Force After Four Years of Service
After graduating high school in 1955, Morgan Freeman reportedly received a scholarship to study drama at Jackson State University. Although he loved acting, he was also passionate about flying and turned down the scholarship to join the Air Force.
Before he got a chance to take the pilot’s seat, he worked as a radar repairman in the Air Force. And he spent more than a year waiting before he eventually got that opportunity. However, once he came close to achieving that, something did not feel right.
The Street Smart actor shared that he was allowed to get in a jet airplane as he was close to being accepted for pilot training. However, when he got in the cockpit, he realized it was not where he wanted to be. “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,” he shared, as per Military.com.
He added, “You are not in love with this; you are in love with the idea of this.” It was then he decided to quit the force and follow his other passion, acting. After quitting the Air Force, Morgan Freeman moved to Los Angeles, and the rest is history.
Honoring Veterans on Veterans Day: Actors Who Served in Military
Observed on November 11th of each year, this weekend is dedicated to honoring and expressing gratitude to all military veterans for their service. Originally known as Armistice Day, it has been around since the end of World War I. It has become a day to celebrate and thank veterans through various ceremonies, parades, and events that are held across the country.
Along with Morgan Freeman, many other famous actors have also served in the military. Here are some notable actors who are also veterans.
Clint Eastwood
The legendary actor and Oscar-winning filmmaker Clint Eastwood served in the Army before he became a prominent name in the film industry. He trained and served as a swimming instructor at the Fort Ord in California. Eastwood was drafted into the Army in 1951 and honorably discharged in 1953.
James Earl Jones
Before he gained worldwide recognition for voicing the character of Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise, the actor James Earl Jones also served in the military. He joined the Army right after college during the Korean War and was sent to Fort Benning, Georgia, as per Military.com. He was also promoted to first lieutenant before he decided to quit and pursue his dreams to become an actor.
Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris joined the Air Force as an air policeman right after completing his high school. He served at Osan Air Base in South Korea, where he started training in martial arts, which would go on to become his trademark as an action star in Hollywood. After being discharged from the military, he trained Hollywood actors like Priscilla Presley and Steve McQueen. Norris reportedly pursued acting at the suggestion of the late actor Steve McQueen.
Bea Arthur
The Golden Girls star Bea Arthur enlisted in 1943 and served as a typist and truck driver in the Marine Corps for two years. She went on to be one of the first members of the Women’s Reserve and was reportedly a force to be reckoned with. After being discharged in 1945, Arthur pursued a successful Broadway career. Her late Golden Girls co-star Betty White was also recognized for her service to the U.S. Army.
Adam Driver
Adam Driver has gained worldwide recognition, playing the role of Kylo Ren in Star Wars. The actor joined the Marine Corps following the tragic incident of 9/11. The two-time Oscar nominee served in the military for two years before he injured his sternum during mountain biking. He has shared that he loved being in the Marines.
