Rob Riggle Reveals Unexpected Marine Corps Inspiration

Actor Rob Riggle, 55, recently shared the surprising story behind his decision to join the Marines. During an appearance on 'Club Random with Bill Maher,' Riggle explained that while he always had a desire to serve, his path to the military wasn't initially a firm plan.

An FBI Agent's Casual Suggestion

Riggle recounted how he once contacted the FBI seeking information about career paths. “I had dreams of maybe being an FBI agent,” he said. “I called the local office and said, ‘What do you guys look for?’” A special agent responded, listing lawyers and accountants as desirable backgrounds.

The agent then added, “Oh, by the way, we also like Marine officers. We tend to hire a lot of those guys.” This comment sparked Riggle’s consideration of military service. He realized he “wasn’t going to be a lawyer or accountant” and thought, “Well, maybe I could do the Marine thing.”

From Marine to Comedian

Riggle ultimately served in the Marines for 23 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He completed deployments in Afghanistan, Albania, Liberia, and Kosovo. Despite initially studying theater and film, he “just didn’t see a path to becoming an actor” at the time.

He found that his time in the Marines fostered confidence. “This is what I thought my limits were. Then they showed me my new limits,” Riggle explained. This newfound confidence led him to pursue a career in comedy and acting.

A Successful Transition to Entertainment

Riggle’s career includes a stint on 'Saturday Night Live' (2004-2005) and a breakthrough as a correspondent on 'The Daily Show.' He has since appeared in numerous popular comedies, including 'New Girl,' 'Arrested Development,' 'The Office,' and 'Modern Family,' where he played Gil Thorpe.

In a November 2025 appearance on 'The View,' Riggle described performing stand-up comedy as a different kind of challenge, stating it was the most vulnerable and terrifying experience he’d ever had. He also discussed his experiences in a new Fox Nation series, 'Courage & Commitment: USMC 250,' emphasizing the importance of earning the title of Marine.

“You have to earn the title Marine,” Riggle told Eric Shawn of Fox News. “You don’t sign with a recruiter and show up to boot camp, and you’re a Marine. No, you have to finish boot camp.”