Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.
11 famous women you had no idea served in the military
11 famous women you had no idea served in the military
Gabbi ShawNov 11, 2020, 21:08 IST
Bea Arthur.Lennox McLendon/AP Photo
Women have been serving in the military in some capacity, officially or unofficially, since the Revolutionary War.
Just as there are famous men who are veterans, there are famous women vets as well.
Gal Gadot served in the Israel Defense Forces, as is compulsory in Israel.
While there are many notable male celebrities who served, less focus seems to be on the women — of both today and throughout history — who have fought for their countries.
"Golden Girl" Bea Arthur was a staff sergeant for the Marines, and Gal Gadot was in the Israel Defense Forces for two years, which actually led to her big break in Hollywood.
Keep scrolling to see other famous females who have served — and learn how it helped them succeed in the long run.
Melina Glusac contributed to a previous version of this article.
Advertisement
"Wonder Woman" Gal Gadot served in the Israeli Defense Forces for two years.
Gal Gadot.
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Ruth Westheimer, better known as the sex therapist Dr. Ruth, trained as a sniper in the IDF.
Dr. Ruth.
Donna Svennevik/Walt Disney Television/Getty Images
Advertisement
"Golden Girl" Bea Arthur was one of the first members of the Marine Corps' Women's Reserve.
Bea Arthur.
Lennox McLendon/AP Photo
Food Network star Sunny Anderson was in the Air Force.
Sunny Anderson.
Jim Spellman/Getty Images
Advertisement
Harriet Tubman was a military leader and Union spy during the Civil War.
Harriet Tubman.
MPI/Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth was a military truck driver during World War II.
Queen Elizabeth outside a first aid truck during World War II.
Keystone/Getty Images
Advertisement
NASA's Eileen Collins was one of the first female pilots in the Air Force — and in space.
Eileen Collins.
NASA
Actress Zulay Henao served in the US Army for three years.
Zulay Henao.
JB Lacroix/ Getty Images
Advertisement
"Stranger Things" actress Jennifer Marshall served in the US Navy for five years.
Jennifer Marshall as Susan Hargrove on "Stranger Things."
Netflix
Olympic medalist Shauna Rohbock was in the National Guard.
Shauna Rohbock.
Harry How/Getty Images
Advertisement
Radio talk show host Robin Quivers was a captain in the Air Force.
Robin Quivers.
Walter McBride/WireImage via Getty Images