Actor and Comedian Rob Riggle on His Time in the Marine Corps

Before becoming a famous actor and comedian, Rob Riggle spent 23 years in the United States Marine Corps, retiring from the reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2013.

During his time with the Marines, Riggle deployed on a variety of missions all over the world. Serving in Liberia, Kosovo, Albania, and Afghanistan. When America was attacked on 9/11, Riggle worked grueling shifts at ground zero searching for survivors, by hand.

Post military service Rob found enormous success in television as a correspondent on The Daily Show. Followed by roles in hit films like Step Brothers, The Hangover, 12 Strong, and 21 Jump Street.

Interview recorded on November 4, 2022

----------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------

Video Credits:
Interviewer - Greg Corombos
Director of Photography - Jon Hambacker
Editor - Daniel Taksas

[americanveteranscenter]

HISTORY LOVERS — before you comment, be sure to subscribe to this YouTube channel and ring the notification bell so you never miss a future upload!

[colekinser]

I had no idea this guy served. He’s is in so many legendary movies along with a 23 year long military career… amazing thank you for your service to our country and contribution to the arts.

[chrisbryan]

Damn, knew he served but had no idea he did 23 years and retired. Whole new level of respect for this guy.

[erikpatterson]

It’s crazy when your whole exposure to him is his comedic characters in movies and then hear him talk out of character, he seems like a completely different person. Very educated, very articulate, and his military experience is amazing.

[familyme]

Honestly, being a Marine and a comedian aren't exactly mutually exclusive. Trust me. My fellow Marine brothers are some of the funniest SOB's I ever knew.

[jamesmills]

I served 6 years in the Corps as an 0311. I have now been an elementary teacher for 26 years. The Corps taught me discipline and to believe in myself. I took that to heart and now I have the best job in the world (a teacher). I tell all who care to hear: the Corps gave me the drive to achieve what I set out for!

[Michol]

It's not fair how humble, articulate, and hilarious this man is

[jrobiii]

I knew Rob had served in the Marine Corps, but after this interview, I appreciate him sooo much more. What a great guy with a great attitude.

[aaronfelman]

The story of 12 Strong, playing his ACTUAL commander in a movie that takes place mere DAYS from his deployment was unbelievable to listen to. God bless you Lt. Col. Riggles, from one veteran to another!!

[JoseGarcia-wlim]

I knew he served but not for that long and retired as a LTC. I always admire him and enjoy his acting 🎭. As a retired SFC and served for 24yrs in the Army I salute 🫡 Sir.

[jbeene]

I was fortunate enough to be the pilot of the C-130 that flew Rob and the other comedians from Kuwait to Baghdad as he discussed here. We were delayed departing Kuwait due to an aircraft shoot down near our destination. I got to spend a few hours talking with Rob and found him to be very friendly, just like you see him in this video.
Rob asked me if it was ok if he could shoot some video in flight and after we showed him what he couldn’t video he was all set. I knew he was a Marine vet and so I knew he wouldn’t shoot anything classified as long as he was aware of it.
Right after takeoff, I heard a lot of yelling coming from the back of the cockpit. I asked our Navigator what was going on and he said “that Riggle guy is shooting some video and yelling into the camera, no way it’ll be understandable over the engines.”
We had a few stops before Rob and his crew were to get off, but at each stop, he asked if he could get off the plane and walk around outside. I told him it was ok with me, but if he heard the engines throttle up, that meant we were about to leave him.
We watched him go to the wingtip and play around with his iPod, no idea what he was doing.
Before he left us, he told us to watch The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in a few days and it would make more sense.
We did catch the show and it was hilarious. He is truly a great American and I’m glad I could play a part in him entertaining troops that absolutely needed to laugh.

[merrittorius]

Rob is a treasure. Kept it real the whole interview. SF brother.

[Mounty]

I have mad respect for Rob and his military service and acting career. What a standup man. Thank you for your service Rob.

[capt_bry]

dude is a great story teller. no ego. concise. props to Rob Riggle.

[marvinbrooks]

Awesome!!!! I’m retired Army and just to see this great man turn Actor and Comedian is GREAT!!! Hats off to you Veteran

[JonnyDIY]

Thank you for your service you funny bastard 💕👍

[eileenheitman]

Respect to Lt. Col Riggle from an old Devildog. I’m 73. I served 19 months in ago. The Corps will always be in my heart and is daily/nightly on my mind. I enlisted at age 17 a few days after h.s. graduation. I barely graduated. High school had nothing for me. 10 months later I had a t.s. clearance doing intel work. I gave 110% and was rewarded for it. I wanted to be a man and serve my country. The Corps was the first thing I ever gave a damn about and the first thing I put my best into. I’ll be a Marine till the day I die. Semper Fidelis Dave Heitman Sgt., USMC 1967- 1970

[jinchoung]

dude's aging like fine wine. he looks better now than i've ever seen him. and seems like a nice, decent, level headed guy. kudos on his service and success.

[adamnoel]

As a veteran and artist myself, this is inspiring. I too feel like my service was my initiation into manhood. Not just adulthood, but manhood.

[WayneBell-lsod]

Thanks! Nicely Done! A side of Rob I never knew. Semper Fi