Sam Elliot

Known for playing so many heroic roles, it might not come as a surprise to you to find out that popular actor Sam Elliot was once in the military. After all, all that heroics need to have come from somewhere, right?

Before becoming an actor, Elliot was a part of the Califonia Air National Gard and served in the 163rd Airlift Wing. He even received a Spirit of America award in 2002 from the National Guard Association. So next time you watch a Sam Elliot film, bear this in mind ─ the real deal is not that much different from the heroic figure you see on screen.