Seven stars who served in the military - and one will surprise you

As Britain honoured its war dead from the 1914-18 First World War on Armistice Day and the United States marked its 71st Veterans Day on November 11th, we're spotlighting celebrities whose military service might surprise you.

Every year on 11 November, Great Britain remembers those who died in the Great War and America honours Veterans Day, a federal holiday that pays tribute to former military personnel, expressing gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

In celebrations that are in contrast to the solemnity of the UK, across America, Veterans Day is marked with parades, ceremonies, complimentary meals and discounts, along with the annual national ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Many Americans also enjoy a day off work, including government offices, banks, post offices, schools, and more.

However different the two countries' approach to honouring the dead may be, in both the UK and US, each nation is united in joining to remember those servicemen and women of the past who made the ultimate sacrifice for the present generation.

Meantime, we delved deeper into the list of celebrities who served in the military before they found fame. This includes renowned Hollywood actors and chart-topping singers who served across various branches of the military such as the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard, reports the Mirror US.

Adam Driver

Star Wars actor Adam Driver served in the United States Marine Corps from 2001 to 2004. The Hollywood star enlisted shortly after finishing high school but was medically discharged after two years and eight months due to a fractured sternum, which he sustained in a mountain biking accident.

Adam joined the military following the September 11th attacks and served as an 81mm mortarman with the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines at Camp Pendleton in California. The Girls actor continues to support the U.S. military and founded his own non-profit organisation, Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF), which brings theatre performances to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.

Gal Gadot

Gal Gadot, the star of Wonder Woman, is indeed a veteran. The actress dutifully served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for two years from 2005 to 2007.

At the tender age of 20, Gal enlisted in the military and took on the role of a combat fitness and gymnastics instructor, imparting strength training to soldiers.

Her stint with the IDF was a compulsory service requirement for Israeli citizens. Since her time in the IDF, Gal has been an outspoken supporter of Israel, using her social media platforms to champion her homeland, even during recent skirmishes with Hamas.

Zach Bryan

Country music star Zach Bryan served in the U.S. Navy from 2013 to 2021, enlisting at just 17 years old. The singer behind the hit 'Something in the Orange' was honourably discharged from the military in 2021 to pursue his dream of being a musician.

During his time in the military, Zach achieved the rank of Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class and completed tours in Bahrain and Djibouti. Following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he enlisted in the military.

His experiences during this period have greatly influenced his music, with military themes often featuring in his lyrics, including in his two hit songs Quittin' Time and El Dorado. Since gaining fame, Zach has used his influence to raise awareness for veteran mental health and has supported military families by donating to organisations such as Folds of Honor.

Willie Nelson

Country music icon Willie Nelson also served in the military, specifically the U.S. Air Force, for approximately nine months after finishing high school in 1950. The singer underwent basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, before being medically discharged due to back issues.

Throughout his illustrious career, Willie has consistently shown his support for the military, often performing concerts for military personnel, including those in military hospitals. He has also campaigned for issues supporting the military, such as improved medical care and assistance for homeless veterans.

ICE-T

Rapper ICE-T, real name Tracy Lauren Marrow, served in the U.S. Army for four years after finishing secondary school, having enlisted in 1977. During his service, ICE-T was a member of the Army's 25th Infantry Division and was stationed in Hawaii.

The budding singer was just 18 when he signed up, partly motivated by the need to provide for his daughter.

Throughout his music career, ICE-T has made donations to military-related causes and collaborated with organisations that assist veterans. In 2014, he became part of the "Veterans Matter" initiative, aimed at providing housing for homeless veterans.

He has also partnered with firms like ICEY-TEK Coolers, which contribute a portion of their profits to charities 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 programmes and legislation. During his tenure, he initiated the "Honor a Hero, Hire a Vet" scheme, which encouraged employers to hire veterans.

He also established Operation Welcome Home, which significantly invested in homes for veterans in California.

Hugh Hefner

Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy magazine, served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946 after completing secondary school. He was honourably discharged in 1946.

Whilst serving in the U.S. Army, he underwent basic infantry training, which encompassed marksmanship, and was awarded a sharpshooting badge. During his service, he was stationed at camps in Oregon and Virginia, where he worked as an infantry clerk.

In this role, Hugh would pen and illustrate cartoons for military newspapers.