Chuck Norris is famous for being totally badass. Unlike some of the other celebrities on this list, Norris's military career was a huge part of his life and eventual success in Hollywood. In 1958 he enlisted in the United States Air Force as an Air Policeman and was stationed in South Korea. Though he was born Carlos Ray Norris, it was during his time in South Korea that he was given the nickname 'Chuck' which he ended up sticking with for life.
The nickname wasn't all that Norris got out of South Korea. It was there that he began his training in Tang Soo Do, a Korean martial art similar to karate. His service with the Air Force came to an end in 1962, but his love of martial arts certainly didn't. He took part in competitions for several years before pursuing a career in acting.