Adam Driver

Adam Driver is an American actor known for his commanding screen presence and extraordinary range, equally at home in massive franchise blockbusters and intimate independent films. Born on November 19, 1983, in San Diego, California, Driver was raised in Mishawaka, Indiana. After the September 11 attacks, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served for nearly three years before being medically discharged due to a mountain biking injury. He then attended the Juilliard School in New York City, graduating in 2009 and launching his acting career.

Driver first gained widespread recognition for his role as Adam Sackler in the HBO series “Girls” (2012-2017), created by Lena Dunham. However, it was his casting as Kylo Ren/Ben Solo in the Star Wars sequel trilogy — “The Force Awakens” (2015), “The Last Jedi” (2017), and “The Rise of Skywalker” (2019) — that made him a global star. His complex, emotionally layered portrayal of the conflicted villain became one of the most discussed performances in the franchise’s history.

Alongside his blockbuster work, Driver has built an impressive resume of acclaimed dramatic performances. He earned Academy Award nominations for Best Actor for Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story” (2019) and Best Supporting Actor for Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman” (2018). He has collaborated repeatedly with prestigious directors including Jim Jarmusch (“Paterson,” “The Dead Don’t Die”), Ridley Scott (“The Last Duel,” “House of Gucci”), and Michael Mann (“Ferrari”). His performance as Enzo Ferrari in Mann’s 2023 film showcased his ability to completely transform for a role.

With an estimated net worth of $16 million in 2026, Driver’s income comes from his substantial film salaries, including significant paychecks from the Star Wars franchise, as well as producing credits and stage work. He is also the founder of Arts in the Armed Forces (AITAF), a nonprofit organization that brings high-quality theater and entertainment to military communities. Driver’s combination of commercial success and artistic integrity has established him as one of the most respected actors of his generation.