What Bronson Really Did In The Military
Celebrities In The Military
Most celebrities fully embrace their stardom when they first become discovered. But have you ever wondered what these celebrities did before they became famous? Surprisingly, a lot of them have served in the military.
Here is a look at some celebrities with military pasts! Do you know why Charles Bronson’s time in the military has never been mentioned?
Amazing Actor
Public Domain
In 1921, Charles Bronson was born in Ehrenfeld, Pennsylvania. Barely any English was spoken in Bronson’s household. To everyone around him, he sounded foreign, despite being born in the U.S.
Bronson began acting in the 1950s and he was an amazing actor. By the time the 1970s hit, everyone knew his name.
Leave It Behind
Public Domain
It comes as no surprise that Bronson wanted to leave his military past behind. War is brutally traumatizing, especially to the soldiers who fought in the largest war yet.
That’s right, Bronson fought in the largest war of all time. Many people don’t know this, but there is more to his military past than you might think.
Poor Household
Public Domain
Bronson grew up in a poor household. According to him, he once had to wear one of his sister’s dresses to school because his parents couldn’t afford to buy him clothes. After high school, he worked as a miner until he was drafted to serve in the army, right at the height of World War II.
But during his time at war, he did a lot more than the average soldier.
Purple Heart
Public Domain
He was trained as the gunner of a B-29 Bomber. He gained a ton of experience as he flew 25 combat missions. These combat missions took place in the South Pacific, right over Japanese territory.
By the time the war had ended, he received a Purple Heart because of his injuries while in service.
Odd Jobs
Public Domain
Once he returned home from World War II, he tried to find work anywhere and everywhere he possibly could. He worked a few odd jobs here and there before he found himself in a theatrical group.
That was when he began acting in small roles. In 1954, he got his first film credit.
Adam Driver
YouTube – WatchMojo
Adam Driver is known for playing Kylo Ren in the newest Star Wars films. He has been a lot more forthcoming with his military background than other celebrities.
He was a marine before he became an actor. He was never deployed as a marine, but he still trained on a daily basis.
James Blunt
YouTube – WatchMojo
It’s true, James Blunt played a big role in the military before he became the musician we see and love today.
His tuition was funded by the British military. Blunt has been vocal about his time in the military, he says it has inspired a bunch of his music. He was in the army for at least four years.
Jimi Hendrix
YouTube – WatchMojo
Jimi Hendrix is seen as one of the most legendary musicians of all time. In the 1960s, he played the electric guitar in ways that no one had ever heard before. But before he was playing sold-out shows, he served in the military.
Jimi was found in a stolen car for the second time in his life when he was given the option to either serve in the military or go to jail. He chose the military.
Ice T
YouTube – WatchMojo
The popular hip-hop artist, Ice T, also served his time in the military. After he graduated from high school in 1979, he went straight into the military.
He served for four years before he left and released his first album, “Rhyme Pays.”
George Carlin
YouTube – WatchMojo
George Carlin was an amazing stand-up comedian that wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. He’s said to be ahead of his time in many aspects. But before his time on stage talking about the “words you can’t say on the radio,” he was actually in the military.
He served as a radio technician and was court marshaled three times!
Bob Ross
YouTube – WatchMojo
Of all the people on this list, Bob Ross definitely doesn’t seem like the military type. Funnily enough, he was in the military for a staggering 20 years before picking up his paintbrush.
He worked his way up to drill sergeant, and by the time his service was over, he vowed to never shout again.
Elvis Presley
YouTube – The Mighty
Elvis Presley was one of the first to commercialize “rock n’ roll” and bring it to a wider audience. He kept good relationships with the government, unlike many groups at the time, and became something of an icon to look up to.
In 1958 Elvis decided to join the military and complete a full service of two years.
Rob Riggle
YouTube – The Mighty
Between 1992 and 2013, Rob Riggle served in the U.S. military and deployed in four countries, including Afghanistan. He was mainly a public affairs officer during his time in the military and got an honorable discharge.
From there, he picked up the acting career we know and love today.
Morgan Freeman
YouTube – National Geographic
Morgan Freeman is prominently known for his acting career.
His iconic voice is recognizable anywhere since he played God in “Bruce Almighty.” But in 1955, he served as a radio technician in the military until he was discharged in 1959.
