Hollywood Stars - Veteran Patriots

Dolly Howard | November 11, 2005 | DollyCali

[DollyCali]

With "JAG," "Navy CIS," "MASH," and other military television shows being quite popular, one might consider with how military service has enhanced the fame of veteran actors in Hollywood or vice versa.

During our distinguished history, some Hollywood actors have taken a break from their careers while they defended our country oftentimes to battle in war.

These hereos include Charles Bronson, Gary Cooper, Glenn Ford, Henry Fonda, Clarke Gable, Lee Marvin, Elvis Presley, and Jimmy Stewart.

More recent editions of entertainment veterans include "Limp Bizkit" lead singer Fred Durst who did service with the United States Navy.

Up until just recently, we could find James Reynolds on NBC's afternoon soap opera "Days of Our Lives." He starred as "Abe Carver" on the show from October, 1982 through September, 2003. Reynolds served for the U.S. Marine Corps and was wounded while in the Vietnam War ending his military career. Upon returning from the war and enrolling in Topeka's Washburn University, he was advised that the theatre department was the best place on campus to meet girls. Many of you might agree that this inducement is still true today. Reynolds listened and his career was off and running.

Dennis Franz, who portrayed detective "Andy Sipowicz" on "NYPD Blue," served in the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army's 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions. Says Franz of his tormenting 11 months over in Vietnam, "it was one of those experiences that you never want to experience again, but it was life altering. It was a very maturing time for me. I came back a much different person than when I left, maybe much more serious. I was very frivilous before I left. I left my youth over there. I left it behind." Remembering the friends that he made over there, he said, "I had seen many friends get wounded or lose their lives." He added that in this environment, "they become all important to you. So when something happens to them, it really hurts."

Chuck Norris performed as the lead character "Walker" for many years on "Walker, Texas Ranger." Norris served in the U.S. Air Force as a military policeman. He said that, "my years in the military changed my life. It helped me to get my focus." While in the service, he also took up Judo.

Don Bellisario, producer of "JAG," "Navy CIS," and "Magnum P.I," is himself formerly of the U.S. Marine Corps.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has military experience as well. He served his native country in the Austrian Army working with armored tanks. This well known action hero and body builder explains that he joined up to receive fresh meat for his rigorous training appetite.

A further review will find additional celebrity actors who have donned the uniform of the U.S. armed forces. Briefly naming a few, Charleton Heston was a Sergeant with the Army Air Corps during World War II. JesseVentura saw action in the Vietnam War as a Navy SEAL. Clint Eastwood served in the U.S. Army while being stationed at Ft. Ord, CA. Montel Williams first enlisted into the Marine Corps and later attended the U.S. Naval Academy. He consequently earned a commission and became a Navy Intelligence Officer. Alan Alda was a combat officer with the Army while fighting in the Korean War. Jay North from "Dennis The Menace" served in the Navy. Drew Carey was with the Marine Corps for 5 years.

Women are now getting into the act more and more. Robin Quivers, longtime a sidekick of Howard Stern, was a Captain and nurse in the military. T.J. Myers served in Operation Desert Storm with the Army. Darva Conger, who was briefly married to Rick Rockwell after "earning the opportunity" on the reality TV show "Who Wants To Marry A Millionaire," was a nurse Staff Sergeant with the Air Force. Former Navy petty officer Sherry Lynne White's career includes appearing on several episodes of "Baywatch Hawaii." Coincidentially, both Conger and White have posed for Playboy." Speaking of Playboy, Editor-in-Chief Hugh Hefner was in the Army as an infantry clerk from 1944 - 1946.

J. Scott Davis, enlisted into the Navy, held the Gunner's Mate- Guns petty officer rating, specialty of Surface Rescue Swimmer, and served in the Persian Gulf War aboard a naval destroyer.He has built a very interesting web page listing those famous Hollywood celebrities who are veterans of the military. Please take a moment to view it enclosed below:

http://www.geocities.com/entertainmentveterans/chiseled.html

Remember to never take for granted your freedom.
Always appreciate the contribution those provide you
in the armed forces year around 24 hours per day.

[DollyCali]

thank you for the additional info.

[pookie18]

Happy birthday, Phil!!!

[Churchillspirit]

Happy Birthday, Phil Potter!

BTW Who is he?

[DollyCali]

You don't know who Phil Potter is? ...

Harry's dad???

;-)

FReepmail

[ilovew]

[MEG33]

*PHIL POTTER*

Have a Great Day!

[cyborg]

Robin Quivers was a captain and a nurse??? WoW! She was my favorite HS sidekick.

[norton]

"...a close friend of mine was a a Navy seal in Viet Nam and participated in many clandestine missions with Senator Kerrey..."

You might want to illuminate the rest of us about that one....must have made for some interesting talk a couple of years back(?)

Other: I'm still working on the image of James Durning climbing the cliffs at Normandy; but he always did play a good tough guy.

[Petronski]

Too bad you're can't see the television right now. Fox News has live coverage of the demonstrations in Paris. Right now (5:23 pm), the situation is teetering toward violence.

[Badray]

Actually, he's much better looking (;-) sorry Phil. Just the facts.) and quite smart and the nicest guy I know. Since he's my step son, I can brag like that and yes, I am very proud of him.

He was 8 years old when I met his mother back in 1982. He's now 32 and recently made me a grandfather too as did his sister the year before.

[Minutemen]

Nice post.
Chuck Norris had a younger brother Weiland, who was killed in Vietnam in 1970, serving our country.
Chuck Norris later dedicated his Missing in Action films to his brother's memory.

[DollyCali]

thank you. I didn't know that about chuck norris

[Supernatural]

Happy Birthday to Phil, and many happy returns to him.

Enjoy your big day, Phil.

[rightwingintelligentsia]

Happy Birthday, Phil! Here's a global birthday greeting:

[Young Werther]

Steve is a retired Chief, E-9. His son flew F-14s and took his Dad up for a fling. Steve's last major engagement was the Gulf War where he was part of the advanced guard who drove those cool dune buggies and wreaked havoc behind enemy lines.

Steve told many tales. One of his other Jungle Buddies was Jesse Ventura. I asked him if Ventura was always the loud mouthed blowhard that he displayed as wrestler and Governor. Steve answered, "Yes, but there was no one he would rather have covering his back!"

[radiohead]

Audie Murphy is and always will be "THE MAN".

Absolutely.

I was surprised to see that he has a very unassuming marker at Arlington; no big statue or tombstone.

[Maximus_Ridiculousness]

Wow! Happy Brithday and best wishes!

Great graphics again!

[Majie Purple]

Phil! We don't know eachother but I'm getting to know your friend Dolly and she asked to come to this Thread to send you Birthday Greetings...Always happy to do so! Take Care...I hope your day is filled with happy laughter and unexpected surprises and fond memories!

[Supernatural]

Tom Bosley, who played the father in the TV series "Happy Days" is a vet too.

Tom was born in Chicago in October 13th 1927. After the military service (he joined the Navy at the age of 17 during World War II), he tried to study law at "De Paul University".

[Victoria Delsoul]

Happy Birthday, Phil.