The Oscar winner with the iconic voice, Morgan Freeman was intrigued by war films growing up, which inspired him to join the Air Force in 1955. He served as a radar technician, and, realizing that flying in the Air Force was not for him, left the military almost four years later.

What did Morgan Freeman do in war?

When Freeman was 16 years old, he contracted pneumonia. Freeman graduated high school in 1955, but turned down a partial drama scholarship from Jackson State University, opting instead to enlist in the United States Air Force. He served as an Automatic Tracking Radar repairman, rising to the rank of airman first class.

Did Clint Eastwood serve in the military?

Stationed at Fort Ord, California, Eastwood donned the uniform not only as a soldier but also as a swimming instructor. Beyond the military duties, Eastwood, with his towering height and striking looks, took on the role of a bouncer at local bars during evenings and weekends.

What actor was in the Air Force?

Actor and martial artist Chuck Norris got his start in the martial arts while serving in the military. In 1958, Norris enlisted in the Air Force and was given the military occupational specialty of air police, which today is called Air Force security forces. His goal was to have a career in law enforcement.

Where was Morgan Freeman stationed?

A few years later, his family moved back south—this time to Greenwood, Mississippi, where he went to high school—and Freeman decided he wanted to become a fighter pilot. “I shifted. I wanted be a warrior. That was just glamorous.” At eighteen, he joined the Air Force and got stationed in Southern California.

Extended interview: Morgan Freeman on serving in the military and more

Is Morgan Freeman a war veteran?

The Oscar winner with the iconic voice, Morgan Freeman was intrigued by war films growing up, which inspired him to join the Air Force in 1955. He served as a radar technician, and, realizing that flying in the Air Force was not for him, left the military almost four years later.

How many years of service did Morgan Freeman serve?

Prior to this success, he served four years in the U.S. Army with the 25th infantry division in Hawaii. Morgan Freeman, a world famous actor whose amazing award-winning work in movies like Glory, Invictus and Shawshank Redemption have been recognized over the years with many awards and accolades.

What actor was a fighter pilot?

Wayne Morris (born Bert DeWayne Morris Jr. February 17, 1914 – September 14, 1959) was an American film and television actor, as well as a decorated World War II fighter ace. He appeared in many films, including Paths of Glory (1957), The Bushwackers (1952), and the title role of Kid Galahad (1937).

Was Denzel Washington in the Air Force?

Was Denzel Washington ever in the military? Denzel Washington attended the prep school Oakland Military Academy when he's 14, but he was never in the military.

What actor joined the military?

Despite being offered a scholarship for drama from Jackson State University, Morgan Freeman instead joined the U.S. Air Force in 1955. At first, he felt right at home in the military, but when he was able to train as a fighter pilot, the reality of the job began to take its toll.

Did Tom Selleck serve in Vietnam?

No, Tom Selleck did NOT serve in Vietnam, and upon receiving his draft notice in 1967, Selleck joined the California National Guard and served in the 160th Infantry Regiment of the California Army National Guard from 1967 to 1973. He also served six months active duty status in the United States.

Did Chuck Norris serve in Vietnam?

Once he turned 18, Norris joined the United States Air Force immediately after graduating from high school. Upon enlisting, Norris was quickly sent to serve in South Korea and was stationed at Osan Air Base as an air policeman. It was there in the midst of the war that Norris ignited his love for martial arts.

Did Bob Ross serve in Vietnam?

Bob enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1967 and after training and initial stateside assignments was assigned to 1^st FSR in Vietnam where he was immediately sent to the 26^th Marines in Khe Sahn in January 1968. After returning from Vietnam, Bob held varied communications and other billets rising to the rank of MSgt.

What are 3 interesting facts about Morgan Freeman?

What is Morgan Freeman remembered for?

In 2005 Freeman won the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his role in “Million Dollar Baby.” Freeman also received an Academy Award nomination in 1987 for Best Supporting Actor for “Street Smart,” in 1994 for Best Actor for “The Shawshank Redemption,” and in 2010 for Best Actor for “Invictus.” He also won the ...

Why did Morgan Freeman leave the Air Force?

Freeman turned down a drama scholarship to join the Air Force but eventually realized it wasn't his passion and left after four years of service. Other actors, such as Clint Eastwood, James Earl Jones, Chuck Norris, Bea Arthur, and Adam Driver, have also served in the military before pursuing successful acting careers.

Was Kevin Costner in Air Force One?

Kevin Costner was offered the role of James Marshall but turned it down as he had other commitments, and the script was given to Harrison Ford who accepted it.

What degree did Denzel Washington get?

He sought out one of Fordham's leading drama professors, Robinson Stone, to learn as much as he could about his new passion. He graduated in 1977 with a degree in drama and journalism. With the help of a scholarship, Washington went to San Francisco to study at the prestigious American Conservatory Theatre.

Did any celebrities serve in Vietnam?

Actor Dennis Franz is best known for portraying a TV detective and starring in numerous blockbuster films in the 1970s through the 1990s. Dennis Franz in South Vietnam in 1968. Less known, is that Franz was a soldier who served in combat during the height of the Vietnam War.

Which famous actor fought in a real war?

Audie Murphy (1925 – 1971) was an American soldier and actor. He was one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II. Audie Murphy received the Medal of Honor for valor that he demonstrated at the age of 19 for single-handedly holding off a company of German soldiers for an hour in France in 1945.

What actor flies his own jet?

John Travolta is much more than just a Hollywood star. The actor is well known for his love of aviation and has quite the history with flying machines. He began taking flying lessons at just 15 and earned his first certification by age 22.

Was Tom Selleck a marine?

Before his hit TV show MAGNUM P.I. made him a household name, Tom Selleck served in the National Guard as a sergeant in the U.S. Army infantry. Before his time in the Army, Selleck started as a business major at the University of Southern California, then pursued acting at the encouragement of a drama coach.

Was Clint Eastwood in combat?

"He always dropped the Korean War reference, hoping everyone would conclude that he was in combat and might be some sort of hero. “Actually, he'd been a lifeguard at Fort Ord in northern California for his entire stint in the military," said Eastwood's former longtime companion Sondra Locke .

Did Bob Ross serve in the military?

But before Ross was a television staple in homes across the country, he was a U.S. Air Force military training instructor. And Bob Ross' time in the military wasn't short-lived. He enlisted at age 18 and spent 20 years in the service, ultimately rising to the rank of master sergeant.