10 Surprising Marines Who Became Actors

For some, service in the military is a life-long ambition and goal. For others, it helps to make life clearer. Still for others, it’s a civic duty at a critical time in the nation’s history. Regardless of the reason, the time in the Corps leaves an indelible mark on those who have served in its ranks. It’s no different for Marines who become actors after they take off the uniform. Enjoy these 10 surprising Marines who became successful actors on TV and film:

Gene Hackman

Even though he’s well known for his roles as an admiral in Behind Enemy Lines and a submarine captain in Crimson Tide, Gene Hackman spent time as a Marine. When he left home at 16, he lied about his age, joined up, and served for four years as a radio operator.

Harvey Keitel

Also joining the Marines at 16, Harvey Keitel served in Lebanon during Operation Blue Bat in 1958. He’s best known for his roles in Taxi Driver and Reservoir Dogs. Interestingly, he was originally cast as Captain Willard in Apocalypse Now, but was replaced after artistic differences. He also supports a mandatory draft, once saying, “We, the people, should participate in the privileges we have in this democracy that we live in, and we should all share in the dangers and the risks with our lives to protect the freedoms that we have.”

Don Adams

Born Donald  Yarmy, Don Adams served as a Marine in World War II, contracting malaria during the Battle of Guadalcanal. While he began his acting career as a stand-up comic, Adams is best known and most loved for his character Maxwell Smart, a bumbling secret agent in the TV show Get Smart.

David Eigenberg

David Eigenberg enlisted in the Marine Reserves and found that his time as a Marine left a deep impression on him.  Best known for his role as Miranda’s husband, Steve, on Sex and the City, Eigenberg is now a principle character in NBC’s Chicago Fire. Eigenberg is married to his wife, Chysti, who he met at a USO gala event at Fort Monroe, Virginia, where she was an Army specialist.

Barry Corbin- WarGames

Barry Corbin, best known for his role as Maruice Minnifield on Northern Exposure, spent time as a Marine before pursuing his acting career. He left Texas Tech University and spent two years at Camp Pendelton where he trained South Vietnamese officers. He moved back to Texas and served in the USMC Reserve’s 40^th Rifle Company in Lubbock.

Glenn Ford

A close friend of William Holden, Glenn Ford was already pursuing a career in acting when World War II interrupted his plans. Joining the USMC during the 40s, eventually left the military as a captain in the Naval Reserve. Ford had a 50-year career in movies including those such as 3:10 to Yuma, The Blackboard Jungle, and Gilda. He was awarded Legion d’Honneur and given the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor by France to honor his contributions during World War II.

Christopher George- The Rat Patrol

Another future actor who lied to enlist in the Marines, Christopher George’s fabricated date of birth (1929), which was a year older than his actual date of birth, followed him for most of his career. George was the skipper for a crash boat and was a gunner on rescue aircraft during the Korean War. He originally had a 3-year enlistment, but ended up serving another year.  In acting, George is known for acting alongside John Waye in The Train Robbers, El Dorado, and Chisum.

Drew Carey

The host of Whose Line is it Anyway? and star of The Drew Carey Show enlisted in the Marine Reserves for six years.  After his service, he began his comedy career as a stand-up comedian. Now, he hosts The Price is Right and keeps sick kids who are home from school company.

Jacques “Jock” Mahoney

Jock Mahoney enlisted in the Marines and served as a fighter pilot and instructor during World War II. After the war, he was a stunt man who doubled for the likes of Hollywood notables John Wayne, Gregory Peck, and Errol Flynn. In addition to a long career in film and television, he was Tarzan in 2 movies and played the lead in the TV series The Range Rider.

George Peppard

George Peppard is best known for 2 roles: Audrey Hepburn’s love interest in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith on the popular TV series The A-Team. He joins the list of Marines who enlisted before 18—he was 17.

Surprised by some of these familiar (and not-so-familiar) faces? If you’re a movie and television buff, make sure that you read our next installment of more talented, successful actors and actresses who spent time serving our country as Marines.

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Jo is the author of Jo, My Gosh! a blog about her journey as a newlywed military wife. When she’s not working from home, she’s writing, reading, trying new recipes, watching sports or cross stitching. Catch her on Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook and say hi!