Eight living celebrities who served in the military

Morgan Freeman One of the most recognizable names on this list, Morgan Freeman, served as a radar technician in the United States Air Force for a handful of years. 

2. Ice T

Although most people are aware of Ice T’s career as both an Actor and Rapper, many are unaware of his brief service in the U.S. Army. The Law & Order: SVU star originally enlisted due to financial struggles, and, in some ways, overcame them by conning the system for new recruits. Out of his four-year-enlistment, Ice T only served for 26 months. He was honorably discharged after going AWOL at the end of his Infantry Training at Fort Benning, which he apparently planned for as he knew that the rules were more lenient for single fathers.

3. Sinbad

Well-known standup comedian Sinbad first began testing his comedic talents while he was enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. According to an interview with Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs, Sinbad joined Tops In Blue, a touring comedic ensemble made up of active duty Airmen, back in 1980. From that point on, Sinbad’s comedic endeavors remained successful.

4. Mr. T

The A-Team and Rocky III actor, Mr. T, was enlisted in the U.S. Army before becoming the household name he is today. The “Bad Attitude” Baracus actor originally signed onto the Army in the mid-1970s, and eventually served in the Military Police Corps. And by the end of his service, Mr. T was promoted to the position of Squad Leader. This promotion gave him the credibility to become a well-paid celebrity bodyguard, which provided him with the connections necessary for his success as an actor.

5. Chuck Norris

As a young man, the Karate legend wanted to enlist in the United States Navy at age 17, but later decided that the Air Force was a better option. Norris actually earned his nickname “Chuck” at basic training. While stationed at Osan Air Base, he started to practice Tang Soo Do, the Korean martial art of empty-hand fighting. Presumably, this is where he learned the skill of hitting someone hard enough to make their blood bleed.

6. James Earl Jones

James Earl Jones, the booming voice of Darth Vader, is yet another recognizable figure that started out his working life in military service. Following enlistment, Jones completed Ranger School and was officially considered a graduate. By the time of his discharge, Jones was a first lieutenant.

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7. Mel Brooks

While nearing the end of a psychology degree from Brooklyn College, comedy iconoclast Mel Brooks was drafted into the Army to fight in WWII. Following his draft, Brooks served as a corporal in the 1104 Engineer Combat Battalion, 78th Infantry Division as a combat engineer. Brooks even fought at the Battle of the Bulge, and gained plenty of material for his comedy writing later in life. Some of his experiences inspired portions of his movie, The Producers, which was based on the Broadway flop, “Springtime for Hitler.”

8. Adam Driver

The youngest on this list, Adam Driver, is well known at this point for portraying the villainous Kylo Ren in the most recent extension of the Star Wars franchise. Driver originally decided to join the United States Marine Corps following the attacks on September 11, 2001. While ecstatically looking forward to his first deployment, Driver injured his sternum while mountain biking. The injury ultimately led to a medical discharge. Since leaving the military, Driver has operated the non-profit Arts in the Armed Forces which attempts to bring various stage plays to service members.