Hollywood actors are usually known and loved by fans for their ability to deliver memorable performances in movies and TV shows. But there are a few Hollywood legends who may have never risen to stardom without their military service.
Every year, on Veterans Day, many former servers of the military who later became Hollywood legends are celebrated by fans in the United States of America.
With that said, on Veterans Day 2023, here are six Hollywood legends who served in the military before becoming stars.
1. Steve McQueen
What’s a better way to kick off the list than talking about the “King of Cool,” Steve McQueen? McQueen rose to stardom with his portrayal of antihero roles in movies, primarily during the 1960s and 1970s. The late Hollywood legend was also a fashion icon and enjoyed racing motorbikes and cars.
On top of that, Steve McQueen served in the Marines at the age of just 17. According to Plethora of Pop, McQueen joined the Marines only because he was tired of lying in the sun and watching girls go by. No, we are not even kidding!
“It was all very pleasant just lying in the sun and watching the girls go by, but one day I suddenly felt bored with hanging around and went and joined the Marines.”
McQueen’s rebellious nature got him into trouble several times during his three-year stint with the Marines. He received a few promotions and demotions throughout his time in the military.
The future “King of Cool” was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1950. Despite a few ups and downs, McQueen claimed he liked his time with the Marine as it taught him how to live life with discipline.
Also Read: “You still have to put food on the table”: Paul Newman Was in Serious Pain in a Movie That is Infamous For His Ugly Rivalry With Steve McQueen
2. Elvis Presley
If the “King of Cool” served in the military, so did the “King of Rock & Roll.” But there were a few key differences between their stints with the military. For starters, when Elvis Presley received his army draft call-up in 1958, he was already a huge name in the industry.
Despite his huge stature as a superstar, Presley wanted to treat everyone in the Army to treat him like any other soldier. Presley served in the Army for two years before getting honorably discharged from active duty in 1960.
At the time, Presley had already become an Army Sergeant. Presley showed his huge heart as he not only donated his Army salary to charity but also bought extra uniforms and equipment for his comrades.
All things considered, Presley described his time with the Army as “funny.” Most expected him to struggle with basic chores, but Presley went above and beyond to prove them wrong.
3. Morgan Freeman
Today, Morgan Freeman is a beloved actor and gives his 100% for every role that he accepts. But in 1955, Freeman was in love with the idea of becoming a fighter pilot. Keeping that in mind, Freeman joined the U.S. Air Force that year.
Freeman was so confident in his future as a fighter pilot that he let off a scholarship from Jackson State University in 1955. However, when Freeman joined the U.S. Air Force, it opened his eyes.
He realized the actual job was nowhere close to what he imagined it would have been and decided to leave in 1959. The decision led to Freeman struggling as an actor for two decades, but he ultimately became a Hollywood star.
In 2023, Morgan Freeman is a huge name and has appeared in several cult classics over the course of his acting career.
4. Clint Eastwood
So far, every name on the list wanted to serve in the military in one way or another. But Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood received his Army call-up during the Korean War in 1951. Considering it was just five years after the end of World War 2, Eastwood understandably didn’t want to join the Army.
However, as fate would have it, Eastwood became a Hollywood star essentially due to this service in the Army. A Navy torpedo bomber running out of gas led to Eastwood, and the pilot used the life raft to swim to the shore.
Clint Eastwood was introduced to Hollywood at Fort Ord. Eastwood was instantly loved for his good looks, but it took him studying drama at L.A. City College to land his first contract in 1954. It was the start of a phenomenal acting career.
As for his Army stint, Eastwood was discharged from his position in the military in 1953 as the Korean War ended.
5. Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris is one of the most well-known actors/martial artists to ever appear in Hollywood movies. Norris became hugely popular due to a series of hysterical memes. But did you know Norris joined the U.S. Air Force in 1958?
Norris served in the U.S. Air Force for four years before being honorably discharged in 1962. Chuck Norris was stationed in Korea, where he became a martial arts master.
It was none other than Steve McQueen who encouraged Chuck Norris to pursue a career in acting. Norris achieved huge success as an actor in movies like Way of the Dragon, Delta Force, and Good Guys Wear Black, among others.
6. Humphrey Bogart
Casablanca star Humphrey Bogart was one of the biggest movie stars during the 1940s and 1950s. But before becoming a huge movie star, Bogart served in the U.S. Navy in 1918.
At the time, World War 1 was still going on, and Bogart received his signature scar as a member of the Navy. Bogart was discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1919, and he was a boatswain’s mate third class before his exit.
Also Read: Mark Wahlberg’s Lone Survivor & 8 More Must-Watch Movies on Veterans Day
