Hollywood’s Hidden Heroes: You Won’t Believe Which Celebrities Served in the Military!
Don Rickles – Seaman First Class, Navy
Don Rickles, famously known as “Mr. Warmth” for his sharp-tongued comedy, wasn’t always cracking jokes on stage. During World War II, he swapped punchlines for a uniform, serving in the U.S. Navy. Enlisting in 1941, just after the Pearl Harbor attack, Don found himself aboard the USS Cyrene as a Seaman First Class.
He sailed the ship across the deep blue, experiencing the Pacific Theater’s intensity. His time in the Navy shaped his life, giving him stories he often sprinkled into his acts. Though known for roasting celebrities, Don’s naval service reminds us of his depth beyond the laughs.