20 Celebrities You Never Knew Were Marines

20 Celebrities You Never Knew Were Marines

The United States Marine Corps is known for its rigorous training and unwavering commitment to duty. It’s a path not typically associated with glitz and glamour, but you might be surprised to learn that some well-known personalities once donned the Marine uniform. Here’s a look at 20 celebrities who served as Marines before they made their mark in various fields, including our featured star, Harvey Keitel.

Harvey Keitel

Actor Harvey Keitel, renowned for his intense performances in films like “Taxi Driver” and “Pulp Fiction,” has a surprising backstory as a Marine. Enlisting at 16, Keitel’s time in the Marine Corps during the 1950s was transformative, instilling in him discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of self. These traits profoundly influenced his acting career, contributing to his ability to portray complex, gritty characters with authenticity and depth. Keitel’s military experience provided the foundation for his powerful and versatile performances, making him a respected figure in Hollywood.

Gene Hackman

The two-time Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman is another surprising Marine veteran. He enlisted at the age of 16, lying about his age to join the Corps. Hackman served four and a half years as a field radio operator. His time in the Marines was far from glamorous, but it instilled in him a toughness and perseverance that would later serve him well in his acting career.

Drew Carey

Comedian and game show host Drew Carey might be best known for making audiences laugh, but before he found fame, he served in the Marine Corps Reserves. Carey enlisted in 1980 and served for six years, an experience that he has said helped him develop the confidence and discipline needed to succeed in the entertainment industry.

Montel Williams

Talk show host Montel Williams enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1974 after graduating from high school. He was trained as a communications officer and achieved the rank of corporal before being accepted into the Naval Academy. Williams went on to have a successful military career, eventually serving as a naval intelligence officer before retiring to become a television personality and motivational speaker.

Adam Driver

Before becoming Kylo Ren in the Star Wars franchise, Adam Driver was a Marine. He enlisted shortly after the 9/11 attacks and served for nearly three years before a medical discharge. Driver has often spoken about how the discipline and camaraderie of the Marines profoundly impacted his life and career, giving him the determination to pursue acting at Juilliard.

Rob Riggle

Comedian and actor Rob Riggle is known for his roles in films like “The Hangover” and “21 Jump Street,” but he also served in the Marine Corps Reserve for 23 years. Riggle reached the rank of lieutenant colonel and was deployed to Kosovo and Afghanistan during his service. His military background often surprises fans who know him only for his comedic work.

Lee Marvin

Legendary actor Lee Marvin, known for his tough-guy roles in films like “The Dirty Dozen” and “Point Blank,” was a decorated Marine. He enlisted during World War II and saw action in the Pacific, where he was wounded in battle. Marvin was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery, and his wartime experiences deeply influenced his career and his life.

Bea Arthur

Golden Girls star Bea Arthur might not be the first person who comes to mind when thinking of the Marines, but she served as one of the first members of the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve during World War II. Arthur enlisted in 1943 and worked as a typist and truck driver. Her service in the Marines was a formative experience that she rarely spoke about publicly.

Shaggy

Grammy-winning reggae artist Shaggy, born Orville Richard Burrell, served as a Marine during the Gulf War. He enlisted in 1988 and served as a field artillery cannon crewman. Shaggy credits the discipline he learned in the Marines with helping him manage his music career and achieve global success with hits like “It Wasn’t Me” and “Angel.”

Steve McQueen

The “King of Cool,” Steve McQueen, had a rebellious youth that led him to join the Marine Corps. McQueen served in the late 1940s and was known for his rebellious streak even during his military service, spending time in the brig for insubordination. However, his time in the Marines helped him develop the tough-guy persona that would later make him a Hollywood icon.

James Carville

Political consultant and media personality James Carville, known for his sharp wit and strategic mind, served in the Marine Corps from 1966 to 1968. His time in the Marines helped shape his tenacity and resilience, traits that would later define his successful career in political consulting and media commentary.

Jonathan Winters

Comedian and actor Jonathan Winters, famous for his improvisational humor and wild characters, served in the Marine Corps during World War II. Winters enlisted at 17 and saw action in the Pacific Theater. His experiences in the Marines provided him with a wealth of material and a unique perspective that influenced his comedic style.

Ted Williams

Baseball legend Ted Williams, one of the greatest hitters in MLB history, interrupted his career to serve as a Marine pilot during both World War II and the Korean War. Williams’ dedication to his country and his prowess as a pilot earned him a place in both the Baseball Hall of Fame and the annals of military history.

George Peppard

Actor George Peppard, best known for his roles in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “The A-Team,” served in the Marine Corps after World War II. Peppard enlisted in 1946 and served as a corporal, an experience that imbued him with the discipline and confidence that would later shine through in his acting career.

Ed McMahon

Television personality Ed McMahon, beloved as Johnny Carson’s sidekick on “The Tonight Show,” served as a Marine fighter pilot during World War II and the Korean War. McMahon’s military service was distinguished, and his ability to connect with audiences can be traced back to the leadership skills he honed in the Marines.

George C. Scott

Academy Award-winning actor George C. Scott, known for his powerful performances in films like “Patton” and “Dr. Strangelove,” served in the Marine Corps from 1945 to 1949. Scott’s time in the Marines was pivotal, helping him develop the intensity and presence that would define his acting career.

Captain Kangaroo

Bob Keeshan, best known as Captain Kangaroo, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1945, just as World War II was coming to a close. He was still in basic training when the war ended, and as a result, he never saw combat. Keeshan’s time in the Marines was brief, and he was honorably discharged without having been deployed overseas. His experience in the Marine Corps Reserve marked a transitional period in his life before he went on to build his iconic television career, bringing joy and education to generations of children.

Brian Dennehy

Veteran actor Brian Dennehy, known for his roles in “First Blood” and “Tommy Boy,” served in the Marine Corps from 1959 to 1963. Dennehy’s time in the Marines helped shape his rugged, commanding presence, traits that would become hallmarks of his performances.

Freddy Fender

Before becoming a celebrated Tejano and country music star, Freddy Fender served in the Marine Corps. Born Baldemar Garza Huerta, Fender enlisted at the age of 16 and spent three years in the Corps during the 1950s. His time in the Marines shaped his discipline and resilience, qualities that later contributed to his success in the music industry. Known for hits like “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights” and “Before the Next Teardrop Falls,” Fender’s rich, soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics won him fans worldwide.

Steve Zahn

Actor Steve Zahn, known for his comedic roles in films like “Saving Silverman” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” served in the Marine Corps Reserves. Zahn’s military service is a lesser-known aspect of his life, but it helped him develop the discipline and work ethic that would fuel his success in Hollywood.

These personalities highlight the broad spectrum of individuals who have served in the Marine Corps, showing that military service can be a formative experience that contributes to success in a wide array of careers. Their stories continue to inspire, proving that the skills and values learned in the Marines can be applied to achieve greatness in various fields.

Semper Fi!