Celebrities who were in the military, like Marines, or navy.?

Question

Just wondering if theres any famous actors or actresses who have been in the military. Id be more interested in current celebrities, or anyone in the 90's.

Ive always thought about being an actor, and I think I would be a good one. But I am joining the Marines and would be finished at 24, would I have a chance, or would I be too old to 'hit it big'??

Answer 1

Tony Bennett (born Anthony Dominick Benedetto) served in the Army during World War II where he served as a member of the 63rd Infantry Division (the Blood and Fire Division) where he served in France and in Germany.

George Steinbrenner - Principal Owner of the New York Yankees enlisted in the Air Force in 1952 after graduating from Williams College. He served as an aide to the commanding general at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Ohio.

Alan Alda - (Born Alphonso D'Abruzzo, known for M*A*S*H) joined the Army Reserve and completed the minimum six-month tour of duty as a gunnery officer during the Korean War.

Montel Williams - (talk show host)
Enlisted in the U.S. Marines upon graduating high school in 1974. He took basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, where he was promoted to platoon guide. After basic training, he was sent to the Desert Warfare Training Center at Twenty-nine Palms, near Palm Springs, Calif. His superiors at Twenty-nine Palms became impressed with his leadership skills, and he was recommended for, and accepted to, the Naval Academy Preparatory school at Newport, Rhode Island. He completed the one-year course, and was accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. When he arrived at Annapolis on July 6, 1976, he was honorably discharged as a corporal from the Marines, and enlisted into the navy as a midshipman. Williams graduated from Annapolis in 1980 with a degree in general engineering and a minor in International Security Affairs. Upon his graduation, he became the first African American enlisted marine to complete and graduate both the Academy Prep School and Annapolis. Williams spent the following year and a half in Guam as a cryptologic officer for naval intelligence, where he served at sea and ashore. In 1982 he was transferred to Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif., where he studied the Russian language for one year. After three years aboard submarines, Williams, now a full lieutenant, was made supervising cryptologic officer with the Naval Security Fleet Support Division at Ft. Meade. It was while counseling his crew that he discovered a gift for public speaking. In 1988, he began conducting informal counseling for the wives and families of the servicemen in his command. He was later asked to speak to a local group of kids in Kansas City, Mo. about the importance of leadership and how to overcome obstacles on the road to success - thus beginning a three-year career in motivational speaking. He left the navy with the rank of lieutenant, and received the Navy Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal.

That's just to name a few.

Answer 2

Depends. You really have to start paying your dues at an early age, but its about 3 things: who you know, how talented you are and how hard you are willing to work.

It also depends on what roles you want and what genre you want to work in. I know actors in there 20s and in there 50s that haven't gotten "big" but have a HUGE resume to show for it. So it doesn't matter what age you start in, just audition for the right roles.

I wouldn't think going into the Marines would hurt. You'll probably be in great shape, know how to take direction, and be used to working in horrible conditions for 16 hours or more a day and not knowing what sleep is. Movie making, especially independents, are not as glamourous as people think when you are actually making the film. But if you have the passion for it, and still do when you get back from serving, you still have a chance.

Answer 3

Buster Keaton served in World War I.
A lot of celebrities enlisted during World War II.
Benny Hill, Elvis Presley and Drew Carey were all in the military.

There have been a lot of celebrities that served...for some reason I'm drawing a blank...sorry.

Answer 4

I think MC Hammer is as close as you might get from the US. He was a 3rd Class Aviation Store Keeper at Moffet Field Sunnyvale CA. I think he lived in Fremont at the time too. That is where he built the mansion he ultimatley lost. He still does not meet your criteria though, I am sure he is in his 40's.

Answer 5

Congrats! U can join a theater group on base! My father was in the Army and did some acting and set design while serving. I don't know of any actors who served. You can do it though!

Answer 6

Actors who were in the Marine Corps:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Famous_Marines

Answer 7

There were many...and it depends on your definition of celebrity. There are actors and actresses in films and television or there are celebrities that are famous for being famous.

Answer 8

About the only person I have seen in recent movies/TV that is a veteran is Dale Dye. He usually portrays some sort of military person in any movie/TV show too.

Answer 9

Elvis Presley. US Army.

Answer 10

Manny "PACMAN" Pacquiao is a military. He has a special rank... :)