From SEAL Team Three To Hollywood: 5 Shocking Facts About Kevin Lacz’s Movie Career And Life After ‘American Sniper’

The story of Kevin "Dauber" Lacz is one of the most unique transitions from real-life combat to the silver screen in modern Hollywood history. Unlike most military consultants who step onto a film set, Lacz was asked to portray a version of himself in a major motion picture, working alongside A-list actors like Bradley Cooper. This incredible journey from the sands of Ramadi to the bright lights of a Clint Eastwood production is a testament to his resilience and dedication to honoring the legacy of his fallen comrades, most notably his close friend, Chris Kyle.

As of December 2025, Lacz continues to build a multi-faceted career that extends far beyond his brief but impactful time in front of the camera. He has successfully transitioned into a New York Times bestselling author, a highly sought-after professional speaker, and a licensed healthcare professional, making his professional life one of the most compelling updates in the post-American Sniper era.

Kevin "Dauber" Lacz: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Kevin Lacz, known by his Navy SEAL callsign "Dauber," has built a career defined by service, courage, and a commitment to veteran advocacy. His life story is a powerful narrative of a corpsman who became a sniper, a warrior who became an author, and a veteran who became an actor and physician's assistant.

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• Full Name: Kevin Lacz
• Callsign: "Dauber"
• Born: December 26, 1981
• Place of Birth: Middlefield, Connecticut, U.S.
• Military Service: United States Navy SEAL (2004–2010)
• SEAL Team: SEAL Team Three (Charlie and Delta Platoon)
• Combat Deployments: Two tours in the Iraq War, including the Battle of Ramadi (2006)
• Military Roles: Navy SEAL Sniper, Breacher, and Combat Medic/Corpsman
• Key Military Award: Bronze Star with Combat 'V'
• Spouse: Lindsey Lacz (Co-author of The Last Punisher)
• Post-Military Career: Actor, Technical Advisor, New York Times Bestselling Author, Professional Speaker, and Licensed Physician’s Assistant (PA-C)
• Notable Book: The Last Punisher: A SEAL Team Three Sniper's True Account of the Iraq War (2016)
• Charity Work: Founder of Hunting for Healing, a non-profit organization focused on helping veterans and their families.

The Unexpected Hollywood Career: From Technical Advisor to Co-Star

The core of Kevin Lacz's involvement in the film industry centers on the 2014 blockbuster, American Sniper. The movie, directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, was a massive commercial and critical success, and Lacz’s participation was instrumental to its authenticity.

1. The Dual Role: Actor and Technical Advisor

Lacz's initial role on the set of American Sniper was not as an actor, but as a crucial SEAL Technical Advisor. His job was to ensure that every detail, from the tactical movements and gear placement to the dialogue and military jargon, was authentic to the experience of a Navy SEAL in combat.

Director Clint Eastwood, in a move to further enhance realism, asked Lacz to portray himself in the film, playing the character "Dauber," a close friend and fellow SEAL of Chris Kyle. This direct connection to the real-life events, where a genuine Navy SEAL veteran was acting out his own experience, gave the film an unparalleled level of emotional and tactical truth.

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2. The Controversial Cameo in a Marvel Film

Following the tremendous success of American Sniper, Lacz made a surprising and low-key appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In the 2015 film Ant-Man, Kevin Lacz is credited with the role of Vault Guard #1.

This minor, yet official, acting credit shows Lacz’s brief foray into mainstream Hollywood beyond the military genre. It is a little-known fact that this decorated combat veteran has a connection to the world of superheroes, even if his screen time was minimal compared to his impactful role as "Dauber."

3. The True Filmography: Beyond the Big Screen

While his narrative is dominated by his two major acting credits, Lacz's filmography also includes appearances as himself in various documentaries and television programs, often discussing his military service, the legacy of Chris Kyle, and his New York Times bestselling memoir. These appearances reinforce his status as a key voice for the veteran community.

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• American Sniper (2014): Actor (Dauber) and SEAL Technical Advisor.
• Ant-Man (2015): Actor (Vault Guard #1).
• 20 Years Later: A Remembrance of our...: (Likely a documentary or short film, noted in early search results).
• Television Appearances: Numerous "Self" credits on shows like ET Entertainment Tonight, speaking on veteran issues and the film.

The Last Punisher: Kevin Lacz’s Most Important Work

For those seeking the most in-depth and personal account of Kevin Lacz's experience with SEAL Team Three, his acting career takes a backseat to his work as an author. In 2016, Lacz released his memoir, The Last Punisher: A SEAL Team Three Sniper's True Account of the Iraq War, co-authored with Ethan E. Rocke and his wife, Lindsey Lacz.

A New York Times Bestseller

The book quickly became a New York Times Bestseller, offering a raw, firsthand account of the intense combat Lacz experienced in Ramadi, Iraq, alongside his comrades like Chris Kyle, Marc Lee, Ryan Job, and Mikey Monsoor. The memoir provides a detailed look at the brotherhood, the extreme dangers of urban warfare, and the psychological toll of two combat tours.

The title itself is a nod to the iconic skull logo worn by SEAL Team Three's Charlie Platoon, which Lacz was a part of, further establishing his topical authority on the subject of elite military operations and the true stories behind the headlines.

Life After Hollywood: Physician’s Assistant, Speaker, and Philanthropist

The most recent and perhaps most inspiring update to Kevin Lacz's professional life is his successful pivot into the healthcare field. After his naval service, Lacz earned his certification and became a licensed Physician’s Assistant (PA-C).

This career path is a direct continuation of his original role as a Corpsman and combat medic in the Navy SEALs, where he was responsible for treating his teammates on the battlefield. His work as a PA-C demonstrates a continued commitment to service and helping others, a key aspect of his personal brand.

Today, Lacz is also a highly sought-after keynote speaker, traveling the country to share his experiences on leadership, resilience, high-performance teams, and overcoming adversity. His speaking engagements draw heavily from his time in SEAL Team Three and his work on the set of American Sniper, connecting his military past to his business and motivational present.

Furthermore, his philanthropic efforts through his non-profit, Hunting for Healing, show his dedication to the veteran community, providing outdoor activities and support for service members and their families. This diverse professional profile solidifies Kevin Lacz’s legacy as a true American warrior and multi-talented professional whose impact extends far beyond the few movies he has appeared in.