topic Re: ACTORS WHO SERVED in TV and Movies

ACTORS WHO SERVED

Oznell — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 01:12:32 GMT

It was interesting to see the list of over 50 performers who served in World War II. This is just a partial list below. An online search brings up more.

Most served in uniform. Some are very well-known for their laudable military careers in harm's way, like Jimmy Stewart, or Audie Murphy.

A few served in dangerous World War II roles outside the military-- Audrey Hepburn in the Dutch Resistance, and Josephine Baker in the French Resistance.

Re: ACTORS WHO SERVED

spiderw — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 01:43:25 GMT

So impressive and most of all, heroes along with all who served. Bea Arthur, Audrey Hepburn, Josephine Baker , so many women who also served and fought for freedom. I am always thankful for those who put their lives on the line so that we may be free.

Re: ACTORS WHO SERVED

drizzellla — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 02:08:22 GMT

You look at all those people and understand and admire why they are called "The Greatest Generation".

Re: ACTORS WHO SERVED

Etoile308 — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 03:21:27 GMT

And speaking of those serving outside the military I think Leslie Howard can be added to that list.

@Oznell, I'm sure you're aware of how he died.

Howard had been involved in what now is refered to as promoting British propaganda, but there were rumors he was also coordinating resistance groups in Europe or other clandestine activities.

He had been a passenger on a commercial Dutch aircraft returning to England when the Luftwaffe shot down the plane killing all onboard. It's believed they knew he was on the plane.

Re: ACTORS WHO SERVED

jlkz — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 11:35:04 GMT

@Oznell

Wow, What a Roll of Honor !!!

Every time I hear or see Tom Brokaw's phrase, The Greatest Generation, I feel so sad about present times and the hatred, divisiveness and gun violence in our country.

Where would the next greatest generation come from?

Re: ACTORS WHO SERVED

Carolina925 — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 11:37:42 GMT

I love this information, @Oznell . Today's performers seem to be known more for what drugs they take or how many marriages they have. The times they are a'changin'.

Re: ACTORS WHO SERVED

Oznell — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 11:52:06 GMT

I'd forgotten the details of Leslie Howard's death, @Etoile308 . What a legacy!

Re: ACTORS WHO SERVED

cheriere — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 11:52:44 GMT

@Oznell

I love learning things like this about actors too. Such honorable men!

Thanks for posting this information. 😃❤️❤️

Re: ACTORS WHO SERVED

Judaline — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 12:36:10 GMT

Just wondering..........did they draft movie stars or was that a no-no. I have no idea. I know a lot of them volunteered. I'm just wondering if the draft included our beloved stars, lol.

Re: ACTORS WHO SERVED

They CallMe MRWILKES — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 15:37:53 GMT

Somewhat related, Veronica Lake was asked by the government to change her hairstyle during the War, as women took on factory jobs.

In a publicity shot she demonstrates the dangers of her long "peek a boo" style with a drill press!

She adopted what became known as a V-Roll, which gained popularity. V for Victory!

Re: ACTORS WHO SERVED

songbird — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 13:30:28 GMT

@Judaline wrote:
Just wondering..........did they draft movie stars or was that a no-no. I have no idea. I know a lot of them volunteered. I'm just wondering if the draft included our beloved stars, lol.

I would think they volunteered. Many of them were a bit older then what the draft age was then. Takes a while fo an actor to establish themselves. Certainly at that time. So many were a bit older. Same thing with the British actors. Christopher Lee, Sir Alex Guinness, David Niven, etc.

Coco Chanel volunteered for Germany in France. Typically, after WW2 the French looked the other way and allowed her to return to Paris.

Re: ACTORS WHO SERVED

They CallMe MRWILKES — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 15:59:15 GMT

Shortly after Pearl Harbor Congress required all men 18-64 to register.

Only those 18-45 were actually subject to conscription.

Most of these major Hollywood stars, many near the upper conscription age volunteered for a variety of services (if they were able to pass physical requirements.)

One huge star actually drafted was Mickey Rooney, when he was 24. He completed basic training and was assigned to a Special Services Battalion. His role was to entertain troops in different war theaters and was often right on the front line.

Louis B. Mayer was not happy, as Mickey was basically MGM's top box office star at the time and appealed to the draft board. But he was convinced that the optics were not good and dropped the fight.

Re: ACTORS WHO SERVED

Judaline — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 16:47:53 GMT

@They CallMe MRWILKES wrote:
Somewhat related, Veronica Lake was asked by the government to change her hairstyle during the War, as women took on factory jobs.

In a publicity shot she demonstrates the dangers of her long "peek a boo" style with a drill press!

She adopted what became known as a V-Roll, which gained popularity. V for Victory!

I loved those 'rolls'! One time I bought a roll and wanted to put my hair in one, hahaha. I just couldn't do it and my friends who never watched the old movies didn't know how to help me. I think I still have that somewhere. It takes two, that's for sure. But I wasn't crazy about the V-shaped one. Just one along the neck.