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My journey from Marine to actor | Adam Driver | TED

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Visit http://TED.com to get our entire library of TED Talks, transcripts, translations, personalized Talk recommendations and more. Before he fought in the galactic battles of Star Wars, Adam Driver was a United States Marine with 1/1 Weapons Company. He tells the story of how and why he became a Marine, the complex transition from soldier to civilian — and Arts in the Armed Forces, his nonprofit that brings theater to the military. Because, as he says: "Self-expression is just as valuable a tool as a rifle on your shoulder." Followed by a spirited performance of Marco Ramirez's "I am not Batman" by Jesse J. Perez and Matt Johnson. (Adult language) The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more. You're welcome to link to or embed these videos, forward them to others and share these ideas with people you know. Follow TED on Twitter: http://twitter.com/TEDTalks Like TED on Facebook: http://facebook.com/TED Subscribe to our channel: http://youtube.com/TED TED's videos may be used for non-commercial purposes under a Creative Commons License, Attribution–Non Commercial–No Derivatives (or the CC BY – NC – ND 4.0 International) and in accordance with our TED Talks Usage Policy (https://www.ted.com/about/our-organization/our-policies-terms/ted-talks-usage-policy). For more information on using TED for commercial purposes (e.g. employee learning, in a film or online course), please submit a Media Request at https://media-requests.ted.com

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Top Comments
@Andrew-ez6gr
He can play a young professor snape
24919 likes
@flappypancake85
It sounded like he was holding back tears when the crowd laughed.
8406 likes
@nicholaslennon
Being medically separated is devastating. It's like being kicked out of a family.
2038 likes
@ellafearless9700
He speaks so solidly and surely.. he doesnt hesitate
14631 likes
@iiballisticpanda
Imagine some guy in your platoon getting injured right before deployment, and years later, at home, you think you recognize Kylo Ren but can’t remember where from.
41495 likes
@jacksuarezkimmel909
Never thought Kylo Ren would do a ted talk. Cool guy.
17524 likes
@therootofeverything3623
The fact that a marine would eventually carry the Star Wars sequel trilogy is extremely strange.
6224 likes
@Subdood04
I spent 20 years in the Navy on Submarines. I consider myself well read and well spoken. When I retired I was absolutely terrified to get out. That transition has been much more difficult than I imagined. Adam Driver put words to that I never even considered. Thank you so very much Mr. Driver!
746 likes
@jayrock1869
He also injured his back from carrying the whole trilogy since 2015
23175 likes
@arthurtelf
I like Adam Driver a lot more now. He speaks openly and honestly without shame.
10560 likes
@femto2168
Adam after 9/11 was probably like: *"The map to Bin Laden. Where is it?"*
15061 likes
@Sabamonster
As a 40 year old disabled combat veteran - I have a newfound level of respect for this man.
417 likes
@Othenali
He’s wearing three different shades of black and I respect it
10272 likes
@charlesbentley6033
The line: "he held his gun up at the sky like he was holding Jesus hostage" is perhaps one of the most well delivered lines I've seen in a long time
5396 likes
@BodegaMouse
Damn. I want to be this articulate.
7163 likes