Actresses With Military Backgrounds

It’s surprisingly common for Hollywood and international film stars to have started their careers in the military. Many actresses served in armed forces – from the US Marine Corps to the Israel Defense Forces – before becoming performers. Their military experience brought valuable discipline and fresh viewpoints to their work. This list showcases women who served their countries and then pursued careers in entertainment.

Gal Gadot

Before becoming a famous actress, Gal Gadot spent two years as a combat fitness instructor in the Israeli army. Her time in the military gave her a strong understanding of weapons and how to move strategically, skills she later used to perform many of her own stunts in movies like ‘Fast Five’ and the ‘Wonder Woman’ films. Gadot often says her military experience taught her the discipline needed to succeed in the challenging world of Hollywood.

Bea Arthur

Before becoming famous for ‘The Golden Girls’, Bea Arthur had a noteworthy early career serving in the U.S. Marine Corps Women’s Reserve during World War II. She worked as both a truck driver and a typist at bases in Virginia and North Carolina, rising to the rank of staff sergeant. She was honorably discharged in 1945, and although she later often didn’t discuss her service, military records confirmed her time in the Marines.

Zulay Henao

After graduating high school, Zulay Henao joined the U.S. Army and served for three years. Following her service, she pursued her dream of becoming an actress at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. She’s since appeared in films and shows like ‘The Single Moms Club’ and ‘Fighting,’ and often credits her military experience with giving her the discipline needed to succeed in the challenging world of acting.

Robin Quivers

Robin Quivers is famous for being a longtime co-host on ‘The Howard Stern Show,’ but before that, she had a notable career as a captain in the U.S. Air Force. After becoming a registered nurse, she joined the military and worked as a medical officer for several years. Quivers’ nursing skills helped her care for patients, and she later transitioned to a career in broadcasting and film. Her time in the military gave her a unique and valuable background for her successful career in media.

Nichole Hiltz

I’m a big fan of Nichole Hiltz, who you might recognize from shows like ‘In Plain Sight’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’. What a lot of people don’t know is that before becoming an actress, she proudly served in the Air Force! It’s amazing to me how the discipline she gained during her service has clearly helped her succeed in the often-tough world of television. She’s talked about it herself – her time in the military really built her strong work ethic and helped her become the resilient person she is today.

Ayelet Zurer

Ayelet Zurer served in the Israeli military, fulfilling her national service requirement, before achieving international fame as an actress. Her time in the military band helped her hone her performance abilities. She’s well-known for her work in films like ‘Man of Steel’ and the TV series ‘Daredevil’. It’s fairly common for Israeli performers to begin their careers after completing military service.

Shira Haas

Shira Haas fulfilled her mandatory service in the Israeli military by performing for soldiers nationwide as part of the military theater program. This experience helped her develop her acting skills, eventually leading to her breakout role in the series ‘Unorthodox’. The military theater provided a valuable, professional setting for her to grow as an actress.

Inbar Lavi

Inbar Lavi is an Israeli actress who served in the military before moving to the United States to pursue her career. She’s best known for playing Eve in the TV show ‘Lucifer’. Lavi believes her time in the military gave her the strength and discipline she needed to succeed in a new country, and it still impacts how she prepares for challenging, physical roles.

Alona Tal

Alona Tal began her career serving in the Israeli military, even participating in a theater program while enlisted, before becoming a successful actress in the United States. She’s best known for her roles in shows like ‘Supernatural’ and ‘Veronica Mars’. Tal frequently talks about how her military experience instilled a strong sense of community and responsibility that continues to influence her life. Her journey from the military to a Hollywood career highlights the adaptability and skills of performers with diverse backgrounds.

Noa Tishby

Noa Tishby began her career as a singer performing with the Israel Defense Forces band while completing her national service. She went on to become a well-known actress and producer, appearing in popular shows like ‘The Affair’ and ‘Big Love’. Beyond her work in entertainment, Tishby is a passionate advocate and author who frequently speaks about global issues. Her time in the military continues to shape who she is as an artist and public figure.

Meital Dohan

Meital Dohan served in the Israel Defense Forces before becoming an actress in theater and film. She’s known for her appearances in the show ‘Weeds’ and many plays in Israel. Dohan frequently discusses how demanding her military service was and how it helped her grow as a person. Her acting work covers a wide range of styles, likely influenced by the varied experiences of her early life.

Yael Grobglas

Yael Grobglas, famous for her work on ‘Jane the Virgin,’ is also a veteran of the Israel Defense Forces, having completed her military service before pursuing acting full-time. She’s talked about how her time in the military helped her mature and cope with the demands of being a lead actress. Before becoming an international star, Grobglas had already built a successful career in Israeli television and media.

Esti Ginzburg

Esti Ginzburg is a model and actress known for balancing her rising career with her commitment to serving in the Israel Defense Forces. Even as she appeared in major advertising campaigns and the film ‘Twelve’, she continued her military service, publicly emphasizing the importance of fulfilling her duty. This dedication made her well-known and respected in both the entertainment industry and the military.

Niv Sultan

Niv Sultan’s time serving in the Israeli military actually helped prepare her for her role in the series ‘Tehran.’ Her experience gave her a realistic base for playing a Mossad agent, and the tough training she received in the military was useful for the physical aspects of the part. She’s part of a new wave of actors who bring genuine life experience to their work, making their performances more believable.

Daniella Kertesz

Daniella Kertesz served in the Israeli military before becoming an actress in international films. She’s best known for appearing with Brad Pitt in the movie ‘World War Z’. Her experience in the military actually helped her handle the demanding physical challenges of making such a large-scale film. Since completing her service, she’s continued to act in movies made in both Israel and the United States.

Martha Raye

Martha Raye was a beloved actress known for her decades of service to the U.S. military. She served as a nurse during World War II and continued to support troops through the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Recognized for her dedication, she was made an honorary colonel in the Army and awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Veterans affectionately called her “Colonel Maggie” for her unwavering commitment.

Josephine Baker

As a critic, I’ve always been fascinated by multi-talented performers, and Josephine Baker was truly exceptional. Beyond her dazzling stage presence, she served her adopted country during World War II in a way few know about. She wasn’t just a performer putting on a show; she was a Second Lieutenant in the French Air Force, actively working with the Resistance. What’s even more incredible is how she used her profession – smuggling vital intelligence hidden within the sheet music she carried. Her courage didn’t go unnoticed; she received both the Croix de Guerre and the Legion of Honour. Honestly, when you look at her life, it’s impossible to separate her artistic achievements from her wartime bravery – they’re completely intertwined, and it makes her legacy all the more powerful.

Sunny Anderson

Before becoming a TV personality and actress, Sunny Anderson served in the Air Force as a radio broadcaster. She worked in South Korea and San Antonio, gaining valuable skills in communication and media. Now a familiar face on television, appearing on many programs and in guest roles on TV series, Anderson often talks about how her time in the military helped prepare her for her career.

Melissa Reyes

Before becoming known on ‘The Real World,’ Melissa Reyes was a member of the California Army National Guard. She used the skills gained during her military service to launch a career in entertainment and hosting. Reyes has frequently talked about the difficulties of juggling her military commitments with her goals as a public figure. Her time in the military gave her a distinctive viewpoint that she shared in her media work.

Swell Ariel Or

Swell Ariel Or fulfilled her required military service in the Israel Defense Forces before starting her acting career, including her role in ‘The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem’. She’s discussed how her time in the military helped her mature and gain valuable life experience, which she now uses to bring depth and emotion to her characters. Following a common path for Israeli actors, she served in the military before focusing on her career.

Lihi Kornowski

Lihi Kornowski completed her mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces and then became a well-known actress in TV and film, appearing in shows like ‘Losing Alice’ and ‘The Burglar’. She frequently talks about how her time in the military instilled in her the importance of teamwork and dedication. Her success as an actress shows how experiences in national service can translate to a career in the arts.

Please share your thoughts on these talented women and their service in the comments.

2026-01-07 01:16