Many Hollywood experts agree that Adam Driver is one of the finest actors of his generation. But long before he became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after performers, he was serving his country. Let’s break down Driver’s remarkable rise to fame.
His Marine Days Were Cut Short
Shortly after 9/11, a young Adam Driver enlisted in the US Marine Corps. About three years into his service, the man from Indiana suffered a pretty bad accident while mountain biking, breaking his sternum in the process.
As a result, his time in the Marines was cut short and he was medically discharged. It was at that point that he reached a crossroads…
Adam Joins Juilliard
With his world thrown upside down, Adam Driver was unsure of what to do next with his life. But it soon became clear that he was interested in pursuing a career in acting.
In a twist of good luck, the aspiring actor was accepted into one of America’s most prestigious acting schools – New York City’s Juilliard School.
Although Driver struggled to transition from his time in the Marines, he was fortunate enough to meet his future wife in one of his classes.
Girls – His First Big Break
After graduating from Juilliard, Driver managed to land some roles both on Broadway and Off-Broadway. But then, in 2012, he managed to make his first entry point into TV acting.
He landed the breakout role of Adam Sackler on Lena Dunham’s HBO series “Girls.” His performances earned him rave reviews from viewers and critics alike.
Becoming the New Star Wars Villain
It took Adam Driver just a couple of seasons of “Girls” to earn the attention of some of Hollywood’s biggest studios. Around 2013, he was cast in what would prove to be the defining role of his career (so far), as Kylo Ren, the petulant villain of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
This blockbuster role took Driver’s star to dizzy new heights. And it springboarded him into all kinds of incredible opportunities.
Working With Hollywood’s Best Filmmakers
Either Adam Driver has an incredible agent, or he has managed to win the hearts of Hollywood’s very best directors. The list of visionaries he has collaborated with over the last decade or so is quite staggering.
These include the likes of Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach, Martin Scorsese, the Coen Brothers, Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, Spike Lee, Michael Mann, and Francis Ford Coppola. For a man who just entered his 40s, that’s a pretty remarkable list!
Giving Back to the Marines
While Adam Driver’s rise to fame is unquestionable, he hasn’t forgotten his roots – specifically his time in the Marines. That’s why he founded the non-profit Arts in the Armed Forces, which aims to provide Americans in the military with free arts programming.