10 Modern Hollywood Actors Who Served In The Military: From Combat To The Red Carpet

The world of Hollywood often feels like a bubble, disconnected from the realities of everyday life, especially the disciplined world of military service. Yet, a surprising number of today's most recognizable and successful actors traded their fatigues for film scripts, having served with distinction in the United States Armed Forces. This article, updated for December 2025, dives deep into the biographies of these modern veterans, exploring how the rigor, teamwork, and unique experiences of military life—from the Marine Corps to the Army—forged the resilience and discipline required for a demanding career in the entertainment industry.

The transition from active duty to the bright lights of a movie set is a testament to incredible versatility and drive. These actors, many of whom served in the post-9/11 era, bring an authenticity and grounded perspective to their roles, whether they are playing soldiers or civilians. Their stories are not just footnotes in a biography; they are core to understanding the dedication that propelled them from the battlefield and the barracks to becoming A-list stars and beloved comedic icons.

The New Guard: Contemporary Actors with Combat and Long-Term Service Records

1. Adam Driver: The Marine Corps Mortarman Turned A-Lister

Adam Driver is arguably the most famous modern actor whose career is intrinsically linked to his military service. Born in San Diego, California, Driver enlisted in the United States Marine Corps shortly after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, a decision he has frequently discussed as a pivotal moment in his life.

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His service was with the 81mm Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. Driver reached the rank of Lance Corporal before a sternum injury sustained during a mountain biking accident prevented him from deploying to Iraq with his unit. This injury ultimately led to his medical discharge.

The discipline he learned in the Marine Corps—the focus, the teamwork, and the commitment to a mission—is what he credits for his success at The Juilliard School and in Hollywood. Driver has since funneled his passion for the arts and his commitment to veterans into founding the non-profit organization, Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF). AITAF brings high-quality, contemporary theater programming to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families, bridging the cultural gap between the military and the arts communities.

2. Rob Riggle: The Lieutenant Colonel of Comedy

While best known for his comedic roles in films like *The Hangover* and his time as a correspondent on *The Daily Show*, Rob Riggle boasts one of the most extensive military careers in modern Hollywood. Riggle served for 23 years across both active duty and the Reserves in the United States Marine Corps.

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His service began in 1990, and he was a Marine aviator before transitioning to a Public Affairs Officer. Riggle retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2013, a full 23 years after he first enlisted. His deployments included Liberia, Albania, and Afghanistan. Riggle often credits the Marine Corps with instilling the confidence and work ethic necessary for the highly competitive world of comedy and acting, proving that a serious military background is no obstacle to a successful career in entertainment.

3. Jake McLaughlin: From Iraq Veteran to *Quantico* Star

Jake McLaughlin's journey is a direct and powerful example of a combat veteran transitioning into a major acting career. Born in Paradise, California, McLaughlin enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school. He served as an infantryman with the 3rd Infantry Division and was deployed to the Iraq War.

During his tour in Iraq, he received the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Upon his return, photographs of him from the war were featured in a newspaper, which caught the attention of a casting director. This unique entry into the industry led to his breakout role in the film *In the Valley of Elah* (2007), where he fittingly played a soldier. He has since starred in the TV series *Quantico* and *Believe*, often leveraging his authentic experience to inform his performances in military and law enforcement roles.

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The Enduring Influence: Other Notable Modern Veterans

The list of contemporary actors who have served extends beyond the most prominent names, adding depth to Hollywood's veteran community. These individuals bring a wealth of life experience to their craft, often surprising fans who only know them from their on-screen personas.

• David Eigenberg (U.S. Marine Corps): Best known for his long-running roles as Steve Brady on *Sex and the City* and Christopher Herrmann on *Chicago Fire*, Eigenberg enlisted in the Marine Corps fresh out of high school. His service is a point of pride, and he has participated in USO tours to support active-duty service members.
• Scott Glenn (U.S. Marine Corps): A veteran actor known for his intense, grounded performances in films like *The Silence of the Lambs* and *Apocalypse Now*, Glenn served for three years in the Marine Corps in the early 1960s. His military training and discipline are often cited as foundational to his acting career.
• Ice-T (U.S. Army): Before his groundbreaking career in music and his long-running role as Detective Fin Tutuola on *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*, Ice-T (Tracy Marrow) served four years in the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division. He has openly discussed how he joined to support his family, and his time in the military was a turning point that led him to his artistic pursuits.
• Montel Williams (U.S. Marine Corps & U.S. Navy): While primarily a television host, Montel Williams had a distinguished 22-year military career, serving both as a Marine and a Naval officer, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. He was the first Black enlisted man to be admitted to the Naval Academy Prep School.

The Military to Hollywood Pipeline: Discipline and Authenticity

The common thread among these actors is the profound impact their military service had on their professional lives. The skills honed in the Armed Forces—such as extreme focus, resilience under pressure, and the ability to work as a cohesive unit—translate directly to the demands of a high-stakes film or television production. This is the essence of the "military to Hollywood pipeline."

The Value of System and Structure

Adam Driver frequently draws parallels between the military and acting, noting that both involve a diverse group of individuals working together to achieve a common goal, whether it's a mission or a performance. The structure and system of the military provide a framework that many veterans carry into their civilian careers, giving them an edge in the chaotic, high-pressure environment of a movie set. This discipline allows them to approach complex roles with a focused intensity that is often palpable on screen.

Authenticity in Military Roles

For actors like Jake McLaughlin, their combat experience lends an undeniable authenticity to the military roles they portray. While Hollywood often relies on technical advisors, veterans bring an inherent understanding of the physical and psychological toll of service. This lived experience ensures that their performances are respectful, accurate, and deeply resonant with real-life service members and their families. This commitment to realism is highly valued by directors and audiences alike.

Giving Back: The Veteran Community in the Arts

The establishment of organizations like Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF) by Adam Driver highlights a commitment to giving back to the veteran community. These actors use their platform not just for personal gain, but to ensure that service members have access to enriching cultural experiences and resources. Their success stories serve as powerful examples for other veterans seeking purpose and a new career path after their service concludes, proving that the skills and character developed in the military are transferable to virtually any field, including the arts.