Celebrities That Served In the Military Before Hollywood Fame

Johnny Carson

Before he was America's favorite funnyman, Johnny Carson was serving in the US Navy. During World War II, the soon-to-be television host worked as an apprentice seaman in the V-5 program. He became a gifted boxer on the sea, winning 10-0 matches on his ship. He was en route to the combat zone during the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which ended the war. 

Mel Brooks

During World War II, Mel Brooks served in the Army Corps of Engineers. His role in the Army was a dangerous but very vital one to the effort. He was the person who deactivated enemy land mines leading into Nazi Germany. He also had a role in organizing variety shows for the troops and served as a corporal in the 1104 Engineer Combat Battalion, 78th Infantry Division.