Superheroes take us from the daily routine to another world where the evils of man can be fought with a kind of direct justice, which our hero prepares. This list of timeless superhero performances by actors who served their country suggests that their service may have added to their authenticity as a character and a hero. It would be great to see more of these characters played by veterans.

1. Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman

Gal Gadot breathed new life into a timeless heroine and comedic character in her portrayal of Wonder Woman. She walked out the door swinging in her first film as a lead in wonder woman and followed him with Wonder Woman 1984, which served as a great way to begin the end of the pandemic as it premiered in theaters in early 2021. She embodies the role in many ways, including with her authenticity and passion. She represents a positive heroine for all to enjoy and her acting career has continued to flourish with roles in red notice and Death on the Nile.

Gadot served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a combat fitness instructor and rose to the rank of sergeant.

2. George Reeves as Superman

Reeves portrayed the most famous comic book character of all time in the first Superman television series. The show ran for over six seasons and was seminal to 1950s Americana. Reeves starred in 104 episodes, nearly half in black and white and the second half in color. He provided the children of the day with a strong moral hero to emulate and helped Kellogg’s sell a lot of breakfast cereal in the process, as the company was a sponsor of the show. Reeves played the role straight, like back then, and with conviction. He will be remembered for flying into children’s living rooms through their televisions and giving Superman a place in live-action history that was picked up by Christopher Reeve for 1978. Superman film: You will believe that a man can fly.

Reeves served in the United States Air Force during World War II from 1943 to 1945 with the First Motion Picture Unit where he made training films.

3. Adam West as Batman

Adam West will forever be known as Batman, closely followed by Mayor Adam West in family guy. He brought the caped crusader to the television screen and into the hearts of Americans and fans alike. Although campy, it was the 1960s and it portrayed a believable Bruce Wayne/Batman. He also had the right gadget or trick for every potential disaster, especially the shark repellent. One of my favorites since I was growing up and watched it in reruns. The series has been spoofed many times and served as inspiration for The simpsons The Radioactive Man character as well.

West served in the United States Army as an announcer for the American Forces Network.

4. Bill Bixby as Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk

Bill Bixby has done a great job in his role as Dr. David Banner, the scientist and forever-changed widower, who travels the United States to help those in need. When under extreme stress or anger, Banner becomes the Hulk as his cells are forever altered in a lab experiment gone wrong. The show ran for five seasons and 80 episodes plus five additional TV movies. Bixby provided Banner with depth, character, and decency, which even made his time in Hulk all the more dynamic for audience members and fans alike.

Bixby served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in personnel management at Naval Air Station Oakland from 1952 to 1956. He attained the rank of PFC before his release from service.

5. Clayton Moore as the Lone Ranger

Okay, okay, okay, the Lone Ranger is more of an old West pulp hero, but he’s done some superhero stuff on the show. Moore portrayed the masked and honorable cowboy hero, the Lone Ranger, for five years (nine seasons) for 221 episodes and even continued to follow the Lone Ranger creed later in life. Moore gave audiences a hero to believe in and someone to look up to as well. Moore continued to make appearances as the titular character in public well into her 80s.

Moore served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II and served in the First Motion Picture Unit making training films.