Some Hollywood stars only know how to handle weapons and war machinery for the filming process. However, some celebrities have actually used weapons and operated machinery in their military careers in service to their country.
Vote Now: Who Is Your Favorite Actor of All Time?
Here are 7 Hollywood stars that are also military veterans:
1. Jimmy Stewart
Stewart enlisted in Army Air Corps a year after winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in The Philadelphia Story.
According to history.com, he was initially rejected until he packed on a few more pounds to meet the weight requirement. Stewart flew 20 combat missions and won the Distinguished Flying Cross after leading bombing missions in Germany and France.
He was also promoted from a colonel to brigadier general in 1959.
2. Mel Brooks
An actor, screenwriter, and director known for Young Frankenstein, Blazing Sadles, and Robinhood: Men in Tights, Brooks enlisted in the army in 1944 before serving in the 1104th Engineer Combat Battalion and risking fire to deactivate landmines and build bridges,
according to history.com
3. Morgan Freeman
Freeman, who is known for his narrating skills and his roles in Glory, The Dark Knight Trilogy, and The Shawshank Redemption, rejected a scholarship to Jackson State University to enlist in the Air Force in 1955 before rising to the rank of Airman 1st Class,
according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Tell Us: Which Actress Is Your All-Time Favorite?
4. Humphrey Bogart
Bogart, known for his iconic leading roles in Casablanca, Sabrina, and The Maltese Falcon, was a sailor in the U.S. Navy who ferried troops back from Europe during WWI,
according to Moviefone News.
He purportedly received his trademark scar and lisp from a shrapnel wound.
5. Chuck Norris
Norris enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1958 and served in South Korea, where he was inspired to learn judo and Tang Soo Do after watching some locals practicing the martial arts,
according to Business Insider.
Norris went on to become a famous martial artist, found his own style (Chun Kuk Do), and star in Walker, Texas Ranger and Way of the Dragon with Bruce Lee.
6. Paul Newman
Newman hoped to enroll in the Navy as a pilot, but couldn’t due to his color blindness. Instead, he became a radioman and gunner in the Navy stationed to torpedo bombers during WWII.
He took part in the Battle of Okinawa on the USS Bunker Hill,
according to Moviefone News.
Newman became well known for his roles in The Color of Money, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Cool Hand Luke.
7. Clint Eastwood
Eastwood served as a lifeguard and swimming instructor at for the U.S. Army at Fort Ord before his promotion to corporal.
In 1951, Eastwood swam over two miles to shore after his aircraft’s intercommunications system failed and the plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean,
according to Business Insider.
Eastwood went on to star in the Dirty Harry films and Million Dollar Baby, as well as many Westerns.
Vote Now: Which of These Actors Stands the Test of Time?
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.