Hispanic Actors With Military Experience
Hollywood’s brightest stars often have hidden chapters in their lives that shaped who they became.
Before stepping into the spotlight, some Hispanic actors traded scripts for service, wearing military uniforms and serving their country with honor.
Their experiences in the armed forces brought discipline, courage, and unique perspectives that enriched their performances and inspired audiences worldwide.
1. Desi Arnaz
Before becoming television royalty alongside Lucille Ball, Arnaz answered his country’s call during World War II.
Drafted into the U.S. Army, a knee injury redirected his service path toward the Medical Corps.
Rather than letting the injury sideline him completely, he channeled his entertainment talents into organizing USO shows.
These performances lifted spirits and brought laughter to wounded soldiers recovering from battle, proving that serving your country takes many forms.
2. Cesar Romero
Long before painting his face white as the Joker in the 1960s Batman series, Romero wore a different uniform entirely.
In 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and headed to the Pacific Theater aboard the USS Cavalier.
His service wasn’t just ceremonial either. Romero participated in the invasions of Tinian and Saipan, two critical battles in the Pacific campaign.
Those harrowing experiences gave him a depth that translated beautifully into his later performances.
3. J.R. Martinez
Deployed to Iraq in 2003 as a U.S. Army soldier, Martinez’s life changed forever when his Humvee hit a roadside bomb.
The explosion left him with severe burns covering much of his body, requiring years of surgeries and rehabilitation.
Instead of retreating from public life, he stepped boldly into it.
Martinez became a motivational speaker and actor, even winning Dancing with the Stars in season thirteen, inspiring millions with his resilience and positive attitude.
4. David Zayas
At just nineteen years old, Zayas made the life-changing decision to join the U.S. Air Force.
Military discipline became the foundation for everything that followed in his life and career.
After his service, he applied that same structured mindset to working as a New York City police officer before transitioning to acting.
Fans recognize him best from his compelling performances in Dexter and Oz, where his authentic intensity shines through every scene.
5. Jon Huertas
Spending eight years in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft nuclear and conventional weapons specialist sounds like something from an action movie.
But for Huertas, it was real life, including deployments during Operation Just Cause and Desert Storm.
Those years taught him precision and teamwork that became invaluable assets when he transitioned to Hollywood.
6. Gilbert Roland
Born in Mexico and arriving in Hollywood during the silent film era, Roland became a leading man known for his charm and good looks.
When World War II broke out, he didn’t hesitate to serve his adopted country. Joining the U.S.
Army Air Corps, he contributed to the war effort while many of his contemporaries stayed safely in Hollywood.
After the war, he returned to acting with even greater appreciation for freedom and the sacrifices required to protect it.
