Semper Fi To Stardom: 12 Famous Celebrities You Didn't Know Were U.S. Marines

Every year, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) celebrates its birthday, a tradition that honors the dedication of every man and woman who has earned the title 'Marine.' The rigorous training and commitment instilled during their service often forge a unique character that translates into success in the civilian world, including in the highly competitive fields of entertainment, politics, and sports. This article, updated for December 2025, dives deep into the surprising and often little-known military careers of some of the world's most recognizable faces, revealing the ranks they achieved, the units they served with, and how their time in the Corps shaped their lives.

The journey from a Marine Corps recruit to a household name is a testament to the discipline, resilience, and mental toughness that the Corps demands. From Oscar-nominated actors who served as infantry grunts to beloved comedians who retired as high-ranking officers, these individuals carried the motto Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful) from the battlefield and the barracks directly onto the stage and screen.

Detailed Profiles of Notable Marine Corps Veterans in the Public Eye

The list of famous Marines spans decades, covering veterans of World War II, the Cold War, and the Global War on Terrorism. Their service details are often more impressive than their filmography or career highlights.

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• Adam Driver:
  • Service Dates: 2001–2004
  • Rank: Lance Corporal (LCpl)
  • Unit/MOS: 81mm Mortarman, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines (1/1)
  • Note: Enlisted shortly after the September 11 attacks. He was medically discharged after a sternum injury before his unit deployed to Iraq. He founded the non-profit Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF).
• Rob Riggle:
  • Service Dates: 1990–2013
  • Rank: Lieutenant Colonel (Lt.Col.)
  • Unit/MOS: Public Affairs Officer, Marine Corps Reserve
  • Note: Served for 23 years (9 active duty, 14 reserve) before retiring in 2013. He earned his wings as a naval aviator but later transitioned to public affairs, balancing his military career with his comedy work on Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show.
• Bea Arthur (Bernice Frankel):
  • Service Dates: 1943–1945 (World War II)
  • Rank: Staff Sergeant (SSgt)
  • Unit/MOS: Motor Transport Operator (Truck Driver) and Typist, Marine Corps Women's Reserve
  • Note: One of the first women to enlist in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve, rising quickly through the ranks to Staff Sergeant before her honorable discharge.
• Drew Carey:
  • Service Dates: 1980–1986
  • Rank: Sergeant (Sgt)
  • Unit/MOS: Field Artillery Reservist, Marine Corps Reserve
  • Note: The comedian and game show host credits his six years in the Marine Corps Reserve with giving him the confidence and discipline to pursue stand-up comedy. His signature look often includes military-style glasses.
• Gene Hackman:
  • Service Dates: 1947–1949
  • Rank: Corporal (Cpl)
  • Unit/MOS: Field Radio Operator
  • Note: The legendary actor enlisted at age 16 and served in China before being discharged. He later used his GI Bill benefits to study journalism and television production.
• Steve McQueen:
  • Service Dates: 1947–1950
  • Rank: Private First Class (PFC)
  • Unit/MOS: Tank Driver/Mechanic
  • Note: McQueen's rebellious nature was tempered by the Corps. He was once demoted to Private seven times but was later credited with saving the lives of five Marines during a training exercise in the Atlantic.

The Enduring Influence of Marine Corps Boot Camp on Hollywood Careers

The transition from a military environment to the chaotic world of film and television is not always easy, yet many veterans credit their time in the USMC with providing the essential tools for success. The intensity of boot camp at Parris Island or San Diego instills a level of discipline and focus that is rare in the civilian world.

For actors, the ability to take direction, work as part of a cohesive unit, and maintain mental fortitude under pressure are direct takeaways from their active duty service. Adam Driver, for example, frequently draws parallels between the teamwork required of a Marine grunt and the ensemble nature of a stage or film production.

He has stated that the sense of commitment and shared purpose he experienced as an 81mm mortarman with the 1/1 is what he strives to recreate in his professional life. This commitment is evident in his establishment of Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF), a non-profit organization that brings high-quality theatrical programming to military communities worldwide, helping bridge the cultural gap between veterans and the arts.

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From Staff Sergeant to Sitcom Star: Surprising Ranks and Roles

The public perception of a celebrity often clashes with the reality of their military past, particularly when their service predates their fame. The case of Bea Arthur is one of the most compelling examples of a celebrity with a decorated, high-ranking military service history that was largely unknown until after her death.

Bea Arthur’s rise to Staff Sergeant in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve during World War II is a remarkable feat. She enlisted at a time when women's roles in the military were just beginning to expand. Her job as a Motor Transport Operator—a truck driver—was a vital logistical role, demonstrating a hands-on, no-nonsense attitude that would later define her iconic television characters, like Dorothy Zbornak on The Golden Girls.

Similarly, Rob Riggle's career as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve is almost unbelievable. His 23-year career, which included a mix of active duty and reserve time, is a testament to his dedication to the Corps even as his comedy career took off. Riggle's ability to transition from a Public Affairs Officer to a comedic actor highlights the versatility and organizational skills learned during his time in uniform.

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Beyond Hollywood: Political and Athletic Figures Who Served

The influence of the Marine Corps extends far beyond the entertainment industry. Many influential figures in politics, literature, and sports also carry the veteran title, having served with the same commitment.

• Lee Marvin: Oscar-winning actor who served in the 4th Marine Division during World War II. He was wounded in action during the Battle of Saipan and was awarded the Purple Heart.
• George C. Scott: The acclaimed actor served in the Marine Corps from 1945 to 1949, where he was assigned to the 8th Marine Regiment and worked as a guard at Arlington National Cemetery.
• Pat Robertson: The influential television evangelist and founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) served as a First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps during the Korean War era.
• Montel Williams: The talk show host and television personality is a highly decorated veteran, having served in both the Marine Corps and the Navy. He was the first Black enlisted man to complete the Naval Academy Prep School and later graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy.
• Dusty Baker: The legendary Major League Baseball manager and former player served in the Marine Corps Reserve.

These stories reinforce the idea that the core values of the Marine Corps—Honor, Courage, and Commitment—are not just slogans but principles that drive success in every facet of life. Whether they were enlisted or commissioned officers, these famous Marines prove that the discipline of military life can be a powerful catalyst for achieving greatness in the public eye, forever bound by the brotherhood of the USMC.