Before Chuck Norris popularized the roundhouse kick, filled our childhood with innumerable Karate chops, and became a hero in the world of meme creation, he served in the military as part of the security police. This American martial artist, actor, film producer, and screenwriter joined the United States air force, which is where he first took an interest in enhancing his self-defense skills. Norris served the armed forces from 1958 -1962, and it was during those years that he earned many of the black belts that would later form the foundation of his career as an actor.
After his service, he also studied Tang Soo Do and Taekwondo, and eventually became a middleweight karate champion. He was untouchable, as it were, on the big screen and in real life.
Sean Connery
Voted by People Magazine as both the “Sexiest Man Alive” and the “Sexiest Man of the Century” in 1999, Sean Connery was a true legend before passing away in 2020. He will forever be known as one of the best James Bond actors in the history of the franchise but, of course, that’s just stating the obvious.
Sean Connery's smooth portrayal of Bond and the natural way he handled his weapon in the franchise is suggestive of previous experience and training. At 16 years old, he served in the Royal navy. This is where he learned the craft and his way around it, in the face of genuine hostility. He was taught all kinds of battle tactics, but he had struggled with his health for three years while serving his time, which is why he was eventually discharged. Luckily, he then discovered his love for acting and modeling and decided to pursue a new career.
Walt Disney
The gentle, mild-mannered Walt Disney, creator of Mickey Mouse, and Donald Duck, among many other affable characters, actually contributed special services to the US Military during the two world wars. He cheated his way into the first war by amending his birth certificate to qualify for the age requirement, and eventually served as a driver for the Red Cross, American Ambulance corps.
He was assigned to create propaganda cartoons and instructional videos in World War II, putting his talents to good use. It was a foretaste of his lifelong career. His role was so unique back then that they even named a special unit after him: the “Walt Disney Training Films Unit.”
Tony Bennett
Before Tony Bennett took to the stage, singing “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Stranger in Paradise,” and others that formed the soundtrack lovers of the era cooed to in dim and cosy corners, he actually sang for the military. In 1944, Bennett was drafted into the US Army and served in the “Blood and Fire” division in France and Germany.
He was demoted over an incident of insubordination, and was consequently transferred to special services, which later on proved to be for the best. With more idle time on his hands to develop his love of singing, he studied music before his repatriation to the United States, using his GI Bill to study voice.
Alan Alda
Alan Alda is an American actor, director, screenwriter, comedian, and author who is well known for his role as Hawkeye Pierce in the popular TV series, M*A*S*H. He has won several Golden Globe Awards, and Emmy Awards, and is beloved for his excellent acting skills and the popular characters he played, that have become synonymous with his friendly persona.
He joined the US Army reserve straight from Fordham University and served for six months in Korea as a gunnery officer just after the Korean War. It was because of his direct experiences there that he was able to fully embody his all-too-familiar role on screen where, as Captain Hawkeye Pierce, he played a medic stationed overseas in the Korean War.