Happy Veterans Day! When you think of famous people who have served our country, names like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and even country singer Zach Bryan might come to mind.
But there are plenty of other familiar faces who once wore a military uniform. Some might surprise you!
Here are 10 celebrities you might have forgotten are also veterans.
1. Morgan Freeman
Before becoming one of Hollywood's most recognizable voices, Freeman served in the Air Force from 1955 to 1959. He worked as an automatic tracking radar repairman and eventually reached the rank of airman first class.
2. Fred Durst
The Limp Bizkit frontman might be better known for rocking out than military service, but he served in the Navy from 1988 to 1990.
3. Pat Sajak
Before spinning the wheel on Wheel of Fortune, Sajak served in the Army from 1968 to 1970. During the Vietnam War, he worked as a radio DJ for the American Forces Vietnam Network.
He even hosted the same "Dawn Buster" radio show associated with Adrian Cronauer, the real-life DJ portrayed by Robin Williams in Good Morning, Vietnam.
4. Clint Eastwood
The man who made a career out of playing tough guys was drafted into the Army in 1951 during the Korean War. Instead of heading into combat, he served as a swimming instructor at Fort Ord in California. He was discharged in 1953.
5. Sinbad
The comedian served in the Air Force from 1979 to 1983 as a boom operator. He also entered the Air Force's Talent Contest as a comedian in 1981. Apparently, making people laugh was already part of the job description!
6. Adam Driver
Before becoming a Hollywood star and playing Kylo Ren in Star Wars, Driver enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after September 11, 2001. He served from 2001 to 2004 before being medically discharged after fracturing his sternum.
7. Montel Williams
Williams has an especially impressive military background. He served six years in the Marine Corps from 1974 to 1980, followed by 16 years in the Navy from 1980 to 1996. That's 22 years of military service!
8. Mel Brooks
The legendary comedian was drafted into the Army in 1944 during World War II. He served as a corporal and combat engineer and was part of the Battle of the Bulge. His duties included clearing German land mines so Allied forces could advance.
That's quite a story behind the man who gave us Blazing Saddles and Spaceballs.
9. Bea Arthur
The late Golden Girls star was one of the early members of the U.S. Marine Corps Women's Reserve. She enlisted in 1943 during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1945 at the rank of staff sergeant.
10. Bob Ross
Before teaching millions of people how to paint happy little trees, Ross spent 20 years in the Air Force, from 1961 to 1981. He worked as a medical records technician and later as a drill sergeant.
It's hard to picture the soft-spoken painter giving military orders, but that's a pretty interesting chapter in his life!
So today, as we celebrate Veterans Day, we're remembering not only the famous faces on this list, but all the men and women who have served our country. Thank you for your service!
