He Was Celebrated As An American Hero Before He Gained Fame As An Actor. Can You Guess Who He Is?

The journey to fame for actors varies greatly from one person to another. Some start honing their craft early in life, while others discover their talents later or even after formal education. It’s unusual for someone to first serve in the military before pursuing an acting career, but this was the path taken by actor Adam Driver.

After finishing high school and lacking a clear direction for his future, Driver’s life changed dramatically following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. The profound impact of the tragedy motivated him to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. His time in the military instilled a sense of discipline that would later benefit his acting career.

During his service, Driver suffered a biking accident that prevented him from being deployed to combat zones. After leaving the Marines, he embarked on an acting career, landing a role in HBO’s “Girls.” This breakthrough led to his casting in the latest Star Wars installment, “The Force Awakens,” set for release soon. In an effort to merge his military background with the arts, Driver established the non-profit organization Arts in the Armed Forces, which provides free theater performances to military personnel, including shows tailored to their interests. In some instances, performances are brought to those in military hospitals.