15 War Heroes who went on to become wealthy celebs

Written by Mariano Montagna on January 15, 2026 updated January 14, 2026

A black-and-white photo of a man with long hair, a full beard, and large glasses. He is wearing a T-shirt and a necklace, looking slightly upwards with an expressive face.

Some people start out as heroes in war and later become stars in everyday life. They showed bravery on the battlefield, and when the fighting was over, they found success in movies, music, sports, or business. The following figures prove that courage and hard work can lead not only to honor in war but also to fame and wealth in peace. Their journeys remind us that resilience and discipline can open doors far beyond the front lines, turning veterans into household names and wealthy icons.

1. Audie Murphy

A young man with dark hair wearing a decorated World War II U.S. Army uniform poses for a formal portrait against a light blue background. — zuzahin/reddit.com

Audie Murphy was one of the most decorated American soldiers of World War II, earning the Medal of Honor for his bravery. After the war, he became a Hollywood star, acting in over 40 films. His transition from soldier to actor made him both famous and financially successful.

2. James “Jimmy” Stewart

Black-and-white portrait of a man in a suit and polka dot tie, with neatly combed hair, looking slightly to the side against a plain background. — Wikimedia Commons

Jimmy Stewart was already a rising actor when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He flew combat missions and rose to the rank of Brigadier General. After the war, he returned to Hollywood, starring in classics like It’s a Wonderful Life, cementing his fame.

3. Clark Gable

A smiling man in a dark suit and tie sits beside a woman in a light-colored suit. They are holding hands and seated outdoors in front of a white house covered in greenery. — KafkaZola/reddit.com

Known as the “King of Hollywood,” Clark Gable joined the Army Air Forces after his wife’s tragic death. He flew combat missions over Europe. After the war, he resumed acting, becoming one of the wealthiest stars of his era.

4. Kirk Douglas

A man with slicked-back hair wears a costume with a metallic, armored shoulder strap and a leather belt, standing in a dramatic pose against a backdrop of gold and white curtains. — BandsToMakeHerDance/reddit.com

Kirk Douglas served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before becoming a legendary actor. His career in Hollywood spanned decades, with hits like Spartacus. His military discipline helped shape his success.

5. Bea Arthur

A woman with short gray hair and wearing a white outfit stands at a podium with a hand on her chest, speaking into a microphone, with an Emmy Award trophy in front of her. — deleted/reddit.com

Before starring in The Golden Girls, Bea Arthur served in the Marine Corps during World War II as a truck driver. Her military service showed her toughness, which later translated into her strong screen presence.

6. Elvis Presley

A man in a striped shirt and dark jacket poses in front of two jail cell bars, standing with legs apart and knees bent, as if dancing or performing. — Wikimedia Commons

Elvis Presley was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958, serving in Germany. His military service boosted his public image, and when he returned, he became one of the richest and most famous entertainers in history.

7. Drew Carey

A man in a black tuxedo with a bow tie and glasses smiles while standing in front of a "Mercy For Animals" event backdrop. — Wikimedia Commons

Comedian Drew Carey served in the U.S. Marine Corps before finding fame as a stand-up comic and TV star. His discipline and resilience from military life helped him succeed in Hollywood.

8. Morgan Freeman

A close-up of a man smiling — Wikimedia Commons

Morgan Freeman served in the U.S. Air Force before becoming one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. His military background gave him the grounding to pursue acting with determination.

9. Clint Eastwood

A black-and-white photo of a shirtless man with short, styled hair, sitting outdoors against a tree. He looks thoughtfully into the distance, with sunlight casting shadows across his face. — tinaismediocre/reddit.com

Clint Eastwood was drafted into the Army during the Korean War, where he worked as a lifeguard. Afterward, he built a career as an actor and director, becoming one of Hollywood’s wealthiest figures.

10. Bob Ross

A man with curly hair and a beard smiles while painting a landscape with mountains, trees, and water on a canvas. He holds a palette and paintbrush, standing in front of an easel against a dark background. — via youtube.com

Before becoming a beloved TV painter, Bob Ross spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. His vow never to shout again after military service shaped his calm, gentle persona that made him famous.

11. Prince Harry

A man with red hair and a beard, wearing a dark suit and tie, stands on stage holding a microphone, smiling, with a dark background and green light streaks behind him. — Wikimedia Commons

Prince Harry served as an Apache helicopter pilot in Afghanistan. After leaving the military, he became a global celebrity, building wealth through media deals and philanthropy.

12. Ice-T

A man wearing a dark green sleeveless shirt, gold chains, and a dark green LA baseball cap stands against a blue, out-of-focus background, looking slightly to the side with a neutral expression. — Wikimedia Commons

Rapper and actor Ice-T served in the U.S. Army before launching his music career. His military experience gave him structure, which helped him succeed in entertainment.

13. Chuck Norris

A man in a black suit jacket and light shirt laughs and shakes hands with another person in front of a purple backdrop decorated with official-looking emblems and star-shaped awards. — Wikimedia Commons

Chuck Norris served in the U.S. Air Force before becoming a martial arts champion and Hollywood action star. His military background gave him the discipline to build his career.

14. Hugh Hefner

An older man in a colorful shirt and dark blazer sits on an orange striped sofa in an elegant, warmly lit room decorated with framed paintings and a table lamp. — Wikimedia Commons

Before founding Playboy, Hugh Hefner served in the U.S. Army during World War II. His military service preceded his rise to fame and fortune as a publishing mogul.

15. George Carlin

A bearded man with long hair and large glasses sits casually, wearing a t-shirt, jeans, and a necklace. He looks slightly upwards with an expressive face. The photo is black and white and appears vintage. — Wikimedia Commons

Comedian George Carlin served in the U.S. Air Force before becoming one of the most influential stand-up comics. Though his time in service was rocky, it shaped his worldview and later success.

Eager for more?

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