Let‘s dive into the life story of Adam Driver, one of the most sought-after actors today. Specifically, I want to focus on answering the question – how old is Adam Driver? As of his last birthday on November 19, 2022, he turned 39 years old. For someone with his level of fame, it may surprise you to learn he‘s still in his late 30s, soon approaching 40.
Born on November 19, 1983 in San Diego, California, Adam Douglas Driver has packed a lot into those 39 years so far. His tale contains some fascinating twists and turns, taking him from small-town America to the Juilliard School to the Marine Corps and eventually succeeding on Broadway, TV, and in major Hollywood movies.
Early Life in Indiana: Discovering a Passion for the Arts
While Adam began life in California, his family relocated to Mishawaka, Indiana when he was 7 years old. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 2001. By all accounts, Driver was introverted and uninterested in sports as a teen. But he discovered a creative passion for photography, painting, and most of all – acting.
Driver got his first taste of performing when he appeared in school musical productions. Though initially shy, he pursued roles to challenge himself and quickly realized he loved being on stage. As he told Backstage magazine:
“Once I started performing, I knew this was what I wanted to do.”
After high school, Driver attended the University of Indianapolis for two years to study fine arts. However, he ultimately dropped out, feeling unsatisfied with their program. Undeterred, he decided to aim higher – auditioning for and being accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City.
Training at Juilliard: Preparing for an Acting Career
Relocating to NYC at 18 years old, Driver was surrounded by intense competition at Juilliard. The school‘s acting program only accepts about 15-20 students per year out of thousands of applicants.
According to classmates, Driver was quiet but driven during his time there. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 2005 at age 21. Reflecting on Juilliard, he shared:
“I found myself there. I found my voice there. And I found my discipline.”
Driver credited his training at Juilliard with molding him into a serious actor:
“They really beat you down,” he laughed. “They break your spirit, and when they’ve done that, they slowly bring you back up.”
Military Service: Joining the Marine Corps
Straight out of Juilliard in 2005, many would have expected Driver to immediately pursue acting. But he had a longstanding desire to join the armed forces, having been moved by the 9/11 attacks during his senior year of high school.
Driver enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, completing basic training and being assigned to Weapons Company, 1st Battalion 1st Marines. He served for 2 years and 8 months, stationed at Camp Pendleton in California and reaching the rank of Lance Corporal.
In 2007, Driver was medically discharged after suffering an unfortunate mountain biking sternum injury. His time in the Marines was cut short, but the experience no doubt instilled in him the dedication necessary for succeeding in Hollywood. Semper Fi, Adam!
Early Stage Roles: Getting His Start Off-Broadway
When Driver returned to civilian life and settled in New York in 2007, he hit the ground running – diving back into the world of acting. He performed in off-Broadway shows like “The Retributionists” and “Slipping” while also finding work in minor TV roles.
His first major theater opportunity came in 2009, when he was cast as Baal alongside screen legend Cherry Jones in the Broadway revival of “Mrs. Warren’s Profession.” Critics took notice of the 26-year-old newcomer. The New York Times praised his “untidy volatility" and "raw inarticulateness.”
More rave reviews followed in the 2011 Broadway production of “Man and Boy” opposite Frank Langella. Driver’s star was on the rise. But his biggest breakthrough still lay ahead…
Girls Makes Him a Star: His Breakout Role as Adam Sackler
In 2012, Adam Driver landed the role that launched him to stardom – playing the eccentric, enigmatic Adam Sackler on HBO’s zeitgeist-defining series “Girls.”
As the mercurial on-again/off-again love interest to Lena Dunham’s character Hannah, Driver perfectly embodied his character‘s frustrating yet irresistible magnetism. With long hair and muscular physique, he convincingly portrayed a charismatic part-time carpenter/actor/weirdo in Brooklyn.
Critics showered praise on his utterly convincing performance:
“With his big frame, his doughy face, his flop of hair, and his modulated voice, Adam Driver is an extraordinary camera subject." – The New Yorker
Driver went from obscurity to fame almost overnight thanks to “Girls.” Film roles soon followed while he continued to star on the show until it ended in 2017. But first came his chance to join a galaxy far, far away…
Becoming Kylo Ren: How Star Wars Cemented His Movie Stardom
In 2015, it was announced Adam Driver had landed one of the most sought-after roles in Hollywood – the villain Kylo Ren in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens. This was the beginning of Disney‘s long-awaited Star Wars sequel trilogy.
Even while shrouded beneath a mask and dark costume as Kylo Ren, Driver’s acting talent shone through. His emotional unpredictability and almost childlike petulance brought depth and nuance to what could have been a simplistic villain role.
He achieved the unique feat of making audiences feel Kylo Ren‘s conflicted pain despite his awful actions. No wonder Driver was singled out as one of the highlights of the new trilogy:
“Ms. Ridley’s heroine and Mr. Driver’s villain give this mostly recycled setup the spark of appealing new talent” – Wall Street Journal
With global box office over $2 billion, The Force Awakens cemented Driver as a hot new star in blockbuster films moving forward.
Displaying Range: Transformative Film Roles After Star Wars
Rather than pursue only franchise movies in the wake of Star Wars, Driver varied his choices – working with revered directors like Martin Scorsese, Steven Soderbergh, and Spike Lee. He disappeared into new characters, displaying impressive range.
In 2016‘s "Silence", he lost 50+ pounds to play a 17th century Jesuit priest alongside Andrew Garfield. In the heist comedy "Logan Lucky", he sported bleach blonde hair and a Southern accent. “Paterson” showcased his subtle dramatic talents as a bus driver/poet stuck in mundane routine.
Driver won raves playing a singing cop opposite John David Washington in Spike Lee‘s "BlackKklansman.” But the performance that cemented him as one of the finest actors of his generation was in 2019‘s "Marriage Story."
As a self-absorbed theater director divorcing Scarlett Johansson’s character, Driver somehow made his Charlie both infuriating and relatable. For this vulnerable, nuanced turn, Driver earned Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor. Critics agreed Driver had entered the upper echelon of his profession:
“He‘s among the most talented performers of his generation.” – RogerEbert.com
Low-Key Family Life: Partnered With Joanne Tucker
Unlike many celebrities, Adam Driver has kept his personal life extremely private. But it’s known he married his longtime girlfriend, fellow actress Joanne Tucker, in 2013.
They had son in 2020, but no further details have been shared publicly per their wishes. Though Driver avoids discussing his family, he‘s mentioned how fatherhood gave him new perspective:
“Once you have a kid, you have to live life for what you believe is right.”
While he keeps a low profile, Driver credits his wife and child with providing him stability amidst the pressures of fame.
Clearing Up Some Common Misconceptions
Given Adam Driver‘s rapid rise to stardom and intensely private personal life, there are a few misconceptions worth correcting:
He is not related to actress Minnie Driver. They simply share a Driver last name by coincidence.
Despite his imposing 6-foot-2 frame, Driver wasn’t an athlete growing up. He has said he “hated sports” and lacked coordination for basketball.
Tabloids often falsely speculate on drama in his marriage to Joanne. But all signs point to the couple being happily wed for over a decade.
His deep voice leads some to assume Driver is a bass singer. But he‘s actually described as a low tenor. His vocal skills were honed at Juilliard.
Taking Creative Risks: Driver‘s Upcoming Projects
In 2021, Adam garnered praise playing the slain heir Maurizio Gucci alongside Lady Gaga in "House of Gucci." He received a SAG Award nomination for his work.
This year, he already has two very different films under his belt. In Noah Baumbach’s adaptation of Don DeLillo’s comedy classic “White Noise”, Driver shows off deadpan comedic skills as a professor obsessed with death.
Meanwhile, as a knight in the medieval epic “The Last Duel”, he displayed grittier action chops alongside Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
Up next, Driver will star in director Scott Beck‘s 65, playing a character known only as “Mills.” Plot details are scant for the sci-fi thriller, but it promises another intense character study. Filming is already underway, so expect to see Driver again on the big screen in 2024.
Analyzing Driver‘s Singular Acting Style and Skills
Having closely followed his career for over a decade now, what stands out about Adam Driver as an actor? In a word – commitment. He fully surrenders to every role, no matter how flawed or unappealing the character.
Rather than rely on quick charisma or charm, Driver disappears into his characters. He wields his tall, unconventional frame like an instrument. Leaning into his uniquely low, resonant voice and expressive features, he makes bold, surprising choices.
Driver described his philosophy:
“I find value in working on things that are challenging, and scare me and make me uncomfortable."
He possesses an unmatched ability to explore a character’s vulnerabilities and complexities. Combined with a bold willingness to take creative risks, Driver has crafted an utterly unique screen presence tailor-made for complex antiheroes.
Lasting Impact: How Driver Has Shaped Hollywood
It‘s incredible that Adam Driver has only been on the Hollywood scene since 2012. Yet in that decade, he has made an undeniable impact through his filmography and talent.
Of course, his casting as Kylo Ren immediately cemented Driver as a new A-list star to watch. But rather than play it safe, he chased challenging roles across every genre – working with iconic directors but also taking indie risks.
In the process, Driver has shaped audiences‘ definition of a leading man – proving a non-traditional actor can possess unmatched magnetism and skill. He also reminds that military veterans can not only transition back to civilian life, but reach pinnacles of success.
As Driver enters his 40s, directors are surely clamoring to work with this once-in-a-generation talent. And audiences eagerly await whatever surprising choice he‘ll make next.
Approaching 40: How Far He‘s Come
It’s hard to believe Adam Driver will turn 40 in just two years. Going from teenage musical theater to Juilliard to the Marine Corps, his early life gave no obvious clues he‘d become an A-list actor one day.
Yet through determination and risk-taking, Driver has crafted one of the most unique careers in Hollywood. He‘s shunned typecasting and comfort zones to chart his own course.
As he continues to shape cinema well into his 40s and beyond, one thing is certain – the best work of Adam Driver‘s career likely still lies ahead. He possesses that rare skill to both disappear into a role and make it unforgettable.
So the next time you see Adam Driver effortlessly commanding the screen, remember – he‘s still just 39 years old. And I for one can‘t wait to see the captivating characters he‘ll portray in the decades to come!
