As the U.S. and Israel continue their strikes against Iran, we’re spotlighting celebrities whose military service might come as a surprise.
In the early hours of February 28, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. had launched military strikes on Iran in an eight-minute video statement posted to social media. He said the U.S. was undertaking a “massive and ongoing operation” to end the Iranian threat and he called for regime change in Tehran.
“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world,” the 79-year-old Commander-in-Chief said.
As the operations in Iran continue, we’re highlighting celebrities who served in the military before achieving stardom, including renowned Hollywood actors, successful recording artists, and even royalty.
Some of these well-known personalities served across various military branches, encompassing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Meanwhile, others served in foreign nation’s various branches of military.
Elvis Presley
The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, was drafted into the Army in 1957, in the middle of his blossoming music career. Throughout his service, he rose to the rank of sergeant, and was discharged in 1960. At least being in the Army allowed him to meet Priscilla Beaulieu, his future wife.
Prince Harry
Prince Harry served in the British Army for 10 years, taking on two tours in Afghanistan. In the wake of his service, he has championed wounded servicemen and women with the creation of The Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick veterans.
Prince Harry has spoken about the isolation service members often feel when returning home. He reflected on the importance of supporting veterans at the 2021 Salute to Freedom gala.
“My experience in the military made me who I am today, and I will always be grateful for the people I got to serve with — wherever in the world we were,” said Harry, adding that he created the Invictus Games “to honor the legacy of those who have given so much” as well as to show “that the men and women who have experienced service injuries, as well as their families, are the strongest people in the world…and they deserve a platform to be seen, a platform to be recognized, and a platform to be truly celebrated.”
Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman, who died in February 2025, enlisted in the Marines at age 16, having lied about his age in order to join. According to Defense.gov, Hackman served from 1947-1952 as a radio operator and broadcast journalist stationed in China, Japan and Hawaii. He helped destroy Japanese military equipment.
After his time in the Marines, Hackman used his GI Bill benefits to enroll in the University of Illinois to study journalism and television production. Then, he moved to Hollywood to begin his career as an actor.
Jimi Hendrix
Rock legend Jimi Hendrix enlisted in the Army in 1961, but it was sort of a forced choice. He had been caught up in a case involving a stolen car, and was given the option of prison time or joining the Army. He chose the latter and served in the 101st Airborne Division. However, Hendrix reportedly fell asleep on duty, and he was discharged in 1962 following an injury.
Zach Bryan
Country music star Zach Bryan enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2013 at just 17-years-old, serving until 2021. The Something in the Orange artist received an honorable discharge that year to pursue his aspirations as a musician.
Zach reached the rank of Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class during his military career, completing deployments in Bahrain and Djibouti. His decision to enlist followed a family tradition, with his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all having served.
His time in uniform has profoundly influenced his songwriting, with military references woven throughout his lyrics, notably in chart-toppers Quittin’ Time and El Dorado. Leveraging his celebrity status, Zach champions veteran mental health initiatives and backs military families through contributions to groups like Folds of Honor.
Adam Driver
Hollywood heavyweight Adam Driver enlisted in the United States Marine Corps from 2001 to 2004. The Star Wars actor joined immediately after high school graduation but received a medical discharge after two years and eight months when he sustained a fractured sternum in a mountain biking incident.
Motivated by the September 11th attacks, Adam trained as an 81mm mortarman with the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. The Girls alum remains committed to supporting service members through his nonprofit Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF), which delivers theatrical productions to active-duty personnel, veterans, and their loved ones.
Gal Gadot
Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot is a veteran, though not of the United States military. The actress previously served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for two years from 2005 to 2007.
Gal joined the military at 20 years old and worked as a combat fitness and gymnastics instructor, teaching soldiers strength training. Her service with the IDF was compulsory for Israeli citizens. Since her time in the IDF, Gal has been an outspoken and public supporter of Israel and has utilized her social media platforms to advocate for her homeland, including during recent conflicts with Hamas.
Willie Nelson
Country music icon Willie Nelson served in the U.S. Air Force for approximately nine months after graduating from high school in 1950. The singer was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, where he completed basic training.
He was subsequently medically discharged due to back problems. Willie has remained a steadfast supporter of the military throughout his career and has regularly performed concerts for military personnel, including at military hospitals. He has also championed issues benefiting the military, such as enhanced medical care and support for veterans facing homelessness.
ICE-T
Rapper ICE-T, whose real name is Tracy Lauren Marrow, served in the U.S. Army for four years after high school, enlisting in 1977. During his service, ICE-T was a member of the Army’s 25th Infantry Division and was stationed in Hawaii.
The budding musician was just 18 when he enlisted, partly motivated by the desire to provide for his daughter.
Throughout his music career, ICE-T has contributed to military-related causes and collaborated with organizations that assist veterans. In 2014, he joined the “Veterans Matter” initiative aimed at housing homeless veterans.
He has also partnered with companies like ICEY-TEK Coolers, which donate a portion of their profits to non-profits focused on veterans.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger is also a veteran, having served in the Austrian army. In 1965, Arnold fulfilled his mandatory service in his home country by working as a tank driver for a year.
As the former Governor of California, Arnold demonstrated his support for the military by launching various programs and legislation. During his tenure, he initiated the “Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet” program, which encouraged employers to hire veterans.
He also established Operation Welcome Home, which made significant investments in California’s veteran homes.
Hugh Hefner
Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy magazine, served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946 after finishing high school. He was honorably discharged in 1946.
During his service in the U.S. Army, he completed basic infantry training, which covered marksmanship skills, and earned a sharpshooting badge. Throughout this period, he was based at military installations in Oregon and Virginia, where he served as an infantry clerk.
In this role, Hugh contributed written content and illustrated cartoons for military publications.
