Adam Driver really lived up to his last name—driving forward with relentless determination through every phase of his life and career. As a teenager in suburban Indiana, Adam was an occasional performer in school theater and even dabbled in singing, showing early signs of the talent that would later define him. But back then, Adam was intense yet unsure of his path—until 9⁄11 reshaped his direction. Motivated by a sense of duty, Adam Driver enlisted in the Marines shortly after the attacks, dedicating nearly three years to rigorous combat training before being honorably discharged.
Once he transitioned out of military service, Adam set his sights on acting, eventually gaining admission to the prestigious Juilliard School. That’s where Adam refined his craft and developed the darkly magnetic presence that would soon catch the attention of casting directors. His early career included a string of minor TV appearances, but it wasn’t long before Adam landed roles in notable projects like HBO’s “You Don’t Know Jack” (2010), a biopic about Dr. Kevorkian, and Clint Eastwood’s “J. Edgar” (2011), though the latter didn’t quite hit the mark critically.
It was Adam Driver’s breakout role as Adam Sackler on HBO’s “Girls” (2012–2017) that truly thrust him into the spotlight. Playing Lena Dunham’s emotionally turbulent boyfriend, Adam delivered a performance that was raw, unpredictable, and utterly compelling—proving he could hold his own in complex, layered storytelling. From there, Adam’s momentum only grew. He appeared in Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed “Lincoln” (2012), brought quiet intensity to the Coen Brothers’ “Inside Llewyn Davis” (2013), and charmed audiences in Noah Baumbach’s indie darling “Frances Ha” (2012).
But it was Adam Driver’s portrayal of Kylo Ren in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015) and “The Last Jedi” (2017) that catapulted him to global fame. The character’s inner turmoil and volatile energy resonated with fans, making Adam a household name across continents. Yet despite this blockbuster success, Adam never strayed far from the independent film world he loved. He continued to choose thoughtful, challenging roles—like the quiet poet in Jim Jarmusch’s “Paterson” (2016), the estranged son in Baumbach’s “The Meyerowitz Stories” (2017), the clever brother in Steven Soderbergh’s “Logan Lucky” (2017), and the sharp-witted detective in Spike Lee’s powerful “BlacKkKlansman” (2018).
Away from the camera, Adam Driver remained deeply committed to giving back. Alongside his wife, he co-founded Arts in the Armed Forces, a nonprofit that brings live theatrical and musical performances to active-duty service members—a meaningful way for Adam to bridge his past in the military with his present as an artist. Through every chapter, Adam Driver has stayed grounded, curious, and fiercely dedicated—not just to his craft, but to using his platform with purpose.
When it comes to Adam Driver’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to Paterson (2016) as his highest rated movie. The quiet, poetic storytelling paired with Adam Driver’s nuanced performance earned widespread acclaim, making it a standout in his career. On the other hand, 65 (2023) ended up being one of the lower points in terms of critical reception. While Adam Driver brought his usual intensity to the role, the film itself didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or reviewers. So, when you look at the range of Adam Driver’s work, it’s clear that projects like Paterson truly highlight his talent, while something like 65 shows even top actors can have uneven results. Adam Driver continues to take on diverse roles, and that journey—from high notes to low—keeps his career dynamic and interesting.