Wait ’til You See the 13 Celebs Who Served in the Military

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You may be surprised by the number of celebrities who are military veterans. We’ve compiled a list of 13 celebs who served in the military at some point before their Hollywood careers. Many stars can attribute their enlistment for jump-starting their career in the entertainment industry. Read their stories below.

1. Drew Carey

The popular television host of shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway? and The Price is Right began his career by performing stand-up comedy during his stint in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Carey had six years of service, from 1980-1986, and says his signature look of a crew-cut and horn-rimmed glasses comes from that military experience.

2. Hugh Hefner

Playboy magazine’s creator and publisher enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduating from high school in 1944. Hefner served as an infantry clerk during in World War II. He was posted at Camp Adair in Salem, Oregon, and Camp Pickett in Virginia, where he drew cartoons for Army newspapers.

3. Chuck Norris

The Walker, Texas Ranger star enlisted in the U.S. Air Forces after high school. While stationed in Korea, Norris trained in Tang Soo Do and later created his own form of martial arts called Chun Kuk Do. While serving in the military he also became the first westerner to be awarded eighth-degree Black Belt in Tae Kwan Do. Norris has served as a spokesman on behalf of the Veteran’s Administration and hospitalized veterans.

4. Ice-T

The rapper turned Law and Order: Special Victims Unit actor served four years in the U.S. Army in the 25th Infantry Division. Ice-T enlisted for financial benefits directly after high school, to support his girlfriend and their daughter.

5. Bill Cosby

The comedy legend served in the U.S. Navy from 1956-1960. Cosby rose to the rank of hospital corpsman third class and served in naval hospitals, where he helped Marines recover from Korean War injuries. In 2010, he was awarded the Lone Sailor Award, given to Navy and Marine vets for lifetime accomplishments. Cosby, who’s facing allegations of drugging and sexual assaulting women decades ago, had his status as an honorary chief petty officer revoked in December 2014.

6. Arnold Schwarzenegger

The former Mr. Universe, Terminator star and California governor served one year in the Austrian Army in 1965, a minimum service required of all 18-year-old Austrian males at the time. During his army service, he won the Junior Mr. Europe contest. Schwarzenegger told the Army, “I’ll be back” and went AWOL during basic training so he could take part in the competition. Schwarzenegger spent a week in military prison for this.

7. Sean Connery

The Academy Award-winning Scottish actor best know for his role as ‘007, dropped out of school at age 15 to join the British Royal Navy. Connery served aboard the HMS Formidable. Although he signed up for a seven-year service, he was discharged after three because of a duodenal ulcer.

8. Montel Williams

Television host and motivational speaker, Montel Williams, enlisted in the U.S. Marines after graduating high school in 1974. Williams completed basic training and was recommended for, and accepted to, the Naval Academy Preparatory school. He completed his course, and was accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis where he was honorably discharged as a corporal from the Marines, and enlisted into the Navy as a midshipman. At Annapolis, Williams studied Mandarin Chinese and graduated with a degree in general engineering and a minor in International Security Affairs. Upon his graduation, he became the first black enlisted Marine to complete and graduate both the Academy Prep School and Annapolis.

9. Rob Riggle

Riggle, who’s best known as a corespondent on The Daily Show as well as starring in hit films like The Hangover, Let’s Be Cops and 21 Jump Street, is also a retired U.S. Marine Corps Reserves officer. Riggle served as a Lieutenant Colonel in Liberia, Kosovo, Albania, and Afghanistan. Riggle joined the Marines in 1990 after getting his pilot’s license intending to become a Naval Aviator, but left flight school to pursue his comedy career.

10. MC Hammer

The hip-hop star best known for the 90’s hit, “U Can’t Touch This,” joined the Navy following high school. MC Hammer served for three years in Kapolei, Hawaii as a Petty Officer Third Class Aviation Store Keeper until his honorable discharge in 1984.

11. Gene Hackman

The two-time Oscar winning actor, best known for his roles in films like The French Connection and Unforgiven served in the U.S. military for four and a half years. Hackman left home at age 16, lied about his age and joined the U.S. Marines. Hackman served as a field radio operator at posts in China and Hawaii.

12. Psy

The South Korean pop sensation best known for his 2012 hit, Gangnam Style, was enlisted in the South Korean military as part of mandatory service, in 2003. Psy was later excused from military duty because he worked at a software developing company. He was released from the army in 2005 and today holds the record for “Most Viewed YouTube Video.”

13. Clint Eastwood

The Academy Award winning actor/director was drafted into the Korean War in 1950. Eastwood was stationed at Fort Ord in California where he served as a swimming instructor. Following his discharge in 1953, Eastwood attended L.A. City College to study drama, and today he’s considered a cinematic icon.

Did any of these celebs who served in the military surprise you?