8 Celebrities Who Served in the Military

Military service is a time-honored way to serve others. When you join the military, you learn the true meaning of service. You discover the meaning of other-centeredness in your aim to protect our country from harm’s way. You also develop the realization that when you give, you actually receive. By serving in the military, you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others every single day. To give people your time means you’re truly dedicated to the cause of helping others. Along with every day men and women, many celebrities have also defended our nation in the U.S. Military. For many actors and actresses, a life in the military was observed before they entered our movie theaters and our homes. In some instances, famous movie and TV stars chose to join the military at the height of their successful careers. Here are eight of the most well-known celebrity veterans.

Drew Carey

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The stand-up comedian, actor and “The Price Is Right” host served six years in the United States Marine Corp Reserves from 1980 to 1986. According to Carey, he adopted his trademark crew cut and horn-rimmed glasses during his time of service. During his service in the Marine Corp, he began performing stand-up comedy that eventually led to supporting roles on televisions. When Carey was asked how he got his start, he said, “While in the Marine Reserves, I was looking for a way to make some more money, and it was suggested that I try using my jokes.” He was paid about $10 a joke during his first stand-up. His service paved the way for his career in show business.

Montel Williams

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After graduating from high school in 1974, television personality and talk show host Montel Williams enlisted in the U.S. Marines. He took Basic Training at Parris Island, South Carolina where he was promoted to platoon guide. After Basic Training, Williams was sent to the Desert Warfare Training Center at Twenty-nine Palms, near Palm Springs, California. His superiors were so impressed by his leadership skills that he was recommended for, and accepted to, the Naval Academy Preparatory School at Newport, Rhode Island. Williams completed his one-year course and was accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. Williams was the first African American enlisted Marine to complete and graduate from both the Academy Prep School and the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. He earned the rank of lieutenant and also received various accolades and awards during his prestigious military career. He served from 1974 to 1996.

Tom Selleck

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Actor and film producer Tom Selleck learned the values of the U.S. Military from his parents at an early age. Those lessons bestowed by his mother and father shaped him into not only an actor, but also a veteran and a man of integrity. During the Vietnam War, Selleck was issued draft orders. He joined the California National Guard in the 160th infantry regiment. He served from 1967 to 1973. He later appeared on California National Guard recruiting posters. The military left a strong impression on Selleck and he looks back on his service with pride: “I am a veteran, I’m proud of it,” Selleck said. “I was a sergeant in the U.S. Army infantry, National Guard, Vietnam era. We’re all brothers and sisters in that sense.”