Celebrities You Never Knew Were in the Marines: Learn About Their Service Before Fame
Celebrated actor and Marine veteran Adam Driver continues to help his fellow servicemen and women nationwide
When we think of celebrities, we often picture glamorous red carpets, dazzling performances and jet-setting lifestyles. But what if we told you that some of Hollywood’s biggest stars once traded their designer suits for military uniforms? That’s right—before they became household names, these celebrities served in one of the most disciplined and revered branches of the U.S. military: the Marine Corps. Their time in the Marines not only shaped their character but also instilled in them a sense of duty, resilience and perseverance that they carried into their successful careers. From legendary actors to beloved musicians, these stars have fascinating backstories of courage and commitment that might surprise you. Join us as we take a closer look at the famous faces who once marched to the beat of a different drum and discover how their experiences as Marines influenced their journeys to stardom.
Adam Driver
Before he was wielding lightsabers, Adam Driver could be found at Camp Pendleton, California, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
“I found I loved the Marine Corps the most for the thing I was looking for the least when I joined, which was the people — a weird motley crew of characters from a cross-section of the United States that, on the surface, I had nothing in common with,” he said during a TEDx Talk about his time in the service branch. “[But] over time, all the political and personal bravado that led me to the military dissolved. And for me, the Marine Corps became synonymous with my friends.”
Driver was discharged after serving for two years and eight months due to his broken sternum, which meant he couldn’t go to Iraq with the rest of his unit.
Said Driver, “I wanted to go so much. I mean, you were training to do this job for two years with these people. The idea of not going, someone else going in your place or not being there, is not really an easy thing to sit with.”
Now, Driver uses his platform to help Marine veterans find solace and comfort through the arts and has even created a nonprofit to help accomplish that. “I thought, how great would it be to create a space that combines these two seemingly dissimilar communities that brought entertainment to a group of people that, considering their occupation, could handle something a bit more thought-provoking than the typical, mandatory fun events that I remember being ‘voluntold’ to in the military.”
Gene Hackman
Before becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, Gene Hackman served in the United States Marine Corps. Enlisting at just 16 years old after lying about his age, Hackman joined the Marines in 1947. He served as a radio operator, traveling across China, Japan and Hawaii during his three-year stint.
Hackman’s time in the Marines was marked by discipline and resilience, qualities that would later define his acting career. After leaving the military, he struggled to find his path, working various jobs before finally deciding to pursue acting. Despite early setbacks and being told he didn’t have what it took to succeed in Hollywood, Hackman’s perseverance—fostered during his Marine years—helped him push through the doubts.
Hackman eventually found success, winning two Academy Awards and becoming known for iconic roles in films like The French Connection and Unforgiven. In interviews, Hackman often reflected on how his time in the Marines gave him the grit and determination to succeed in a competitive industry, calling himself a “Marine for life.” His military background not only provided him with invaluable life lessons but also a depth of experience that enriched his on-screen performances, making him a beloved and enduring figure in Hollywood history.
Steve McQueen
Before becoming a Hollywood icon, Steve McQueen served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the late 1940s. Known for his rebellious streak, McQueen initially clashed with authority and even spent time in the brig for insubordination. However, his time in the Marines ultimately helped him channel his energy and focus. McQueen earned redemption by rescuing five fellow Marines from a tank that had fallen into the icy Arctic Sea during a training exercise. The experience not only earned him the respect of his peers but also shaped the determination and charisma he brought to his acting roles.
Drew Carey
Before he began asking people if the price was right, Drew Carey served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for six years. He even credits the Marine Corps for making him the man he is today, saying, “It instilled a great sense of discipline that I can call on when I need to.”
He further elaborated on his time as a Marine reservist, recalling, “The Marines was a fresh start – that is why they shave your head. I wish they would let you change your name”
Bea Arthur
Before she was a Golden Girl, Bea Arthur served in the U.S. Marine Corps, joining the ranks as Private Frankel as she joined under her legal name, Bernice Frankel. She enlisted just five days after the Marine Corps announced it was enlisting women to help with the World War II effort, writing in a letter to her first husband, Robert Aurthur, of her desire to help, “I was supposed to start work yesterday, but heard last week that enlistments for women in the Marines were open, so decided the only thing to do was to join.”
In classic Golden Girl style, Arthur didn’t always conform to the rules, with a special note on one of her assignments reading, “Officious — but probably a good worker if she has her own way!”
Rob Riggle
Comedian and actor Rob Riggle is not only known for his roles in The Hangover and 21 Jump Street but also for his impressive 23-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps. Riggle joined the Marines in 1990 and served as a public affairs officer, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was deployed to Afghanistan, Kosovo and Liberia, balancing his military duties with his growing passion for comedy. Riggle retired from service in 2013, but his time in the Marines continues to inspire him, and he often uses humor to support veterans and raise awareness for military causes.
Shaggy
Rapper and singer Shaggy can never say “it wasn’t me” in the U.S. Marine Corps because it was him! The famous early 2000s singer joined the Marines and enlisted under his birth name, Orville Burrell, and worked in the 10th Marines as a field artillery cannon crewman during Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War from 1990 to 1991.
Ed McMahon
The late game show host answered the call and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1941 until 1966, before deciding he was better off having a career in comedy instead of combat. During his time in the Marines, though, Ed McMahon worked as a carnival baker and bingo caller, both of which served as good practice for the longstanding hosting jobs he would go on to have.
John Glenn
Before he could jet off to space, John Glenn served in the Marines during World War II and the Korean War in the aviation department. He would later become the third-ever American in space and a senator for the state of Ohio.
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