22 famous people who served in the military

Associated Press

While some famous names are well-known for their stint in the military, like Elvis and Chuck Norris, others on this list might surprise you.

Here are 22 famous people who served in the US military in some capacity:

Drew Carey

In 1981, Drew Carey entered the United States Marine Corps Reserve, a stint that lasted six years.

It was during his service that he first started performing stand-up comedy.

"While in the Marine Reserves, I was looking for a way to make some more money, and it was suggested that I try using my jokes," he later said.

Carey, who teamed up with the United Services Organization, has since visited military bases in Iraq to perform comedy for troops.

Hugh Hefner

Before Playboy existed, Hefner had a successful career in the military.

In 1944, after graduating high school, Hefner enlisted in the Army as an infantry clerk.

He frequently contributed cartoons for various military newspapers before he was discharged in 1946.

Bea Arthur

Before she landed a lead role in "Golden Girls," Bea Arthur served in the Marine Corps.

Though she once flat out denied it, The Smoking Gun dug up files proving the actress had served 30 months in the Marines as a typist and truck driver.

According a personal account detailing her reasons for joining, a then 21-year-old Arthur said she "heard last week that enlistments for women in the Marines were open, so decided the only thing to do was to join."

On an obtained personality appraisal sheet, Arthur was described as both argumentative and frank.

She was initially a typist in Washington D.C., and was then stationed at air stations in Virginia and North Carolina. Arthur was honorably discharged in 1945 with the title of staff sergeant.