What do Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Alba, and Julianne Moore have in common? Aside from their talent and stunning good looks, they also all come from military families. This Veterans Day, we thought we’d take a look at more surprising celebrities who have parents in the military, and experienced firsthand what it’s like to have their loved ones devote their lives to military service.
Every year, Veterans Day is a day to honor those who have served in the US Armed Forces. It’s an important moment for us as a nation, but it has a deeply personal side for many Americans too. When your family and loved ones are serving this country, it’s impossible not to feel emotional about the sacrifices they’ve made and the dangers they face in the line of duty.
These celebrities understand that better than anybody. Here’s a list of all the stars you may not have known come from military families.
Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon‘s father, John Witherspoon, was a lieutenant colonel in the US Army Reserve.
Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba‘s father, Mark Alba, was in the US Air Force. The family traveled often for his work, and the actress grew up in Mississippi, Texas, and California.
Julianne Moore
Julianne Moore‘s father, Peter Moore Smith, was a paratrooper in the US Army. Later, he was a colonel and military judge.
Steve Carell
Steve Carell’s father, Edwin A. Carell, was in the 100th Infantry Division in WWII. “That very specific relationship he had with those other veterans is something I really can’t understand,” the Morning Show star has said of his father. “I don’t think it’s something anyone can understand unless you have that particular bond and experience. It was beyond camaraderie.”
Amy Adams
Amy Adams’s father, Richard Adams, was a US serviceman. The actress was born in Vicenza, Italy, where her father was stationed at the time.
Mary-Louise Parker
Mary-Louise Parker‘s father, John Morgan Parker, was a US Army judge. The Parkers traveled often, spending time in Tennessee, Texas, Germany, Thailand, and France.
Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera’s father, Fausto Xavier Aguilera, was a US Army soldier. The family traveled as far as Japan for his work.
Sharon Tate
Sharon Tate’s father, Paul Tate, was a lieutenant colonel in Army Intelligence. He launched his own investigation into his daughter’s death shortly after her murder.
Ciara
The singer’s father, Carlton Harris, served in the US army. The family traveled to Germany, Utah, California, and more before settling in Atlanta, GA.
Tia & Tamera Mowry
The Sister, Sister twins’ father, Timothy John Mowry, served in the US Army. He was stationed in Germany when the twins were born.
Tiger Woods
The golf pro’s father, Earl Woods, was a lieutenant colonel in the US Army. He served in the Vietnam War.
Peter Sarsgaard
The actor’s father, John Dale Sarsgaard, was an Air Force engineer. Peter Sarsgaard was born at an Air Force Base in Illinois.
Michael J. Fox
The Back to the Future star’s father, William Fox, was in the Canadian Armed Forces for 25 years.
Marcia Gay Harden
The actress’s father, Thad Harold Harden, was an officer in the US Navy.
Pink
Pink’s father, Jim Moore, served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Her brother is also a member of the US Air Force.
Heather Locklear
The actress’s father, William Locklear, was a colonel in the Marine Corps.
Kathie Lee Gifford
The TV host’s father, Aaron Epstein, was an officer in the US Navy.
Wiz Khalifa
Both of Wiz Khalifa’s parents, Laurence Thomaz and Peachie Wimbush, served in the military.
Vanessa Minnillo
Vanessa Minnillo’s father, Vince Minnillo, was a US Air Force aircrew member.
Michelle Rodriguez
The actress’ father, Rafael Rodriguez, served in the US Army.
Faye Dunaway
Faye Dunaway’s father, John MacDowell Dunaway Jr., was a career officer in the US Army.
Bruce Willis
The actor’s father, David Willis, was a soldier in the US Army. He was stationed in Germany at the time Bruce was born.
Mia Hamm
The soccer star’s father, Bill Hamm, was a colonel in the US Air Force.
Tilda Swinton
The actress’s father, Sir John Swinton of Kimmerghame, was a Major-General in the British Army.
Natalie Morales
The Today host’s father, Mario Morales Jr., was a lieutenant colonel in the US Air Force.
Elton John
The singer’s father, Stanley Dwight, was a flight lieutenant in the Royal Air Force.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal’s stepfather, Phillip A. Harrison, was an Army drill sergeant.
Leave a Comment