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My parents were incredibly strict, almost military style.

I loved the Army as an institution and loathed every single thing it required me to do.

My dad always had huge respect for the British Army. He always thought it was one of the best. And I think it changed his life - those seven years in that Army.

My dad being an Army officer, I was just born to it. I was raised in a military manner, and it was a given that Army brats went to West Point, so I went to West Point in 1941. And being in the military has been my life.

Because my father was often absent on naval duty, my mother suffered me to do much as I pleased.

So when I told my parents I wanted to go into acting because I was flunking out of my first year of junior college, they were relieved that I had picked something other than joining the army. But I can't imagine how they had high hopes for me.

My parents actually wanted me to join the service.

I've come to admire our military kids more than you all will know, because you guys are heroes. And the only way your parents are able to serve is because you guys hold it down, and you do it with maturity beyond your years.

Certainly my parents were a huge influence. They always expected the most out of all of us. And expected us to do our very best. I'm thankful to them for allowing me to do what I wanted to do.

My father and brothers were in the military.