Black Celebrities Who Served in the Military

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On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 (November 11, 11:11am), World War I officially ended when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. Since then, countries all around the world observe the anniversary of the end of the Great War and honor those who served in the military before and since. In the United States, we call this celebration Veterans Day.

Black Celebrities Who Served in the Military

To commemorate Veterans Day, it’s important to recognize the many people who have served our country—some of whom may surprise you. Many of our favorite Black celebrities who went on to have illustrious careers on the screen, in music, or in entertainment, started out in the military. Some joined because they felt called to serve. Others were looking for an escape from daily life. Regardless of their individual paths, each of these below celebrities’ military service would have a lasting impact on their lives and their future careers.

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1. Morgan Freeman

Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman turned down a scholarship to Jackson State University to instead enlist in the Air Force where he was trained as an automatic tracking radar repairman. Freeman served for four years after which he relocated to Los Angeles and began taking acting classes. The rest is history. 

2. Sheryl Underwood

Comedian and talk show host Sheryl Underwood enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a field medic in 1981. She hasn’t forgotten her military service in her work as an entertainer; she’s performed at USO shows entertaining the troops in Afghanistan and Kuwait.

3. Earnest Pugh

Gospel artist Earnest Pugh enlisted in the Army in his late teens, serving for 15 years and reaching the rank of first sergeant. He told the Washington Post that he was often called on to sing at funerals during his enlistment. He retired from service in 2000 to pursue his career in music.

4. Marvin Gaye

Legendary crooner Marvin Gaye dropped out of high school at 17 years old to enlist in the military. He served in the Air Force for one year where he was considered to be “uncooperative” and “lackadaisical.”

5. Jokia

Gospel singer Jokia has been vocal about her experience in the U.S. Army. In an Instagram post posted for Veterans Day, she wrote,  “As an Army veteran myself, I hold this day close to my heart, remembering the bonds, the battles, and the bravery of those who served alongside me. Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve our country. We are forever grateful.”

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6. Ice T

Ice T joined the Army in 1979 after graduating from Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles. He left in 1983 to pursue his music career and would go on to be one of the pioneers of West Coast Rap with his 1989 hit, “Cop Killer.” Ice T is now most recognizable for his long standing role as a detective on Law and Order: SVU handling New York’s most sensitive crimes.  

7. Nate Dogg

Prior to his career in the music industry, rapper and singer Nate Dogg served in the Marines, signing up shortly after graduating from high school in 1987. Nate Dogg served four years as an ammunitions specialists and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He said he wanted to join the Marines and endure the challenging service training “to see if I was a man.”

8. Sinbad

Sinbad got his start making people laugh while serving in the Air Force. He even joined a touring comedy troupe of active duty airmen called Top Blue.

9. Richard Pryor

In an attempt to escape a rough childhood in Peoria, Illinois, a 18-year-old Richard Pryor enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1958. He was stationed in Germany where he was involved in a racial incident with a white soldier and was jailed and discharged in 1960. 

10. Jimi Hendrix

After being arrested for car theft, young James “Jimi” Hendrix was given a choice: go to jail or join the Army. Hendrix chose the Army and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division however, not even the military could quell his rebellious spirit. He frequently frustrated his captain, slept on duty, and disturbed the other men in the barracks with his constant guitar strumming. Hendrix was honorably discharged after serving one year.

11. MC Hammer

Before donning his famous parachute pants, rapper MC Hammer served as an aviation storekeeper third class in the U.S. Navy. 

12. Montell Williams

Talk show host Montell Williams served in the Marine Corps and later graduated from the Naval Academy with a degree in engineering and a minor in international affairs. He would serve 22 years in the Navy ith an 18 month-long tour in Guam as a cryptologic officer for naval intelligence. He retired with the rank of lieutenant commander. Throughout his career, he’s advocated for mental health care among veterans and active duty servicemen and women.

13. Sunny Anderson

Radio personality and Food Network star Sunny Anderson got her start on television serving as Air Force broadcast journalist in Seoul, South Korea.