Mel Brooks

Served in: U.S. Army
Rank: Corporal
Best Known For: Young Frankenstein, The Producers, Spaceballs
Est. Net Worth: $85 million

When Mel Brooks was in high school, he was hired by the army. He joined the Army’s training program at the Virginia Military Institute. Brooks was a battle engineer in charge of landmines diffusion during World War II. He also engaged in the Bulge Battle. When the Germans played propaganda records on the speakers, Brooks replied by making his sound system. Music performed by a Jewish artist, Al Goulson.

Brooks would go on to write, direct and produce some of the most beloved comedy classics of all time, including The Producers, Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles, Spaceballs and Robin Hood: Men in Tights (oh admit it, you love Men in Tights). His smash box office sales gave Brooks the necessary capital to open his own production company, Brooksfilms, through which he could co-finance his own projects.