Rob Riggle has a familiar face. That instant recognition you feel—"I've seen this guy before, but I can't place where"— is likely a result of the widespread exposure he's earned along his unique career path.
The 49-year-old actor has appeared in countless television shows and movies since the early 2000s, playing roles as goofy as a high school gym coach who runs a drug ring and as heavy as the father of a girl with a debilitating genetic condition. Rob also has impressive comedic chops and has taken his talents to the stage with a winning stand-up routine. But long before breaking into show business, he was a dedicated member of the United States military.
Put simply, Rob is a bit of an enigma. Despite his decades-long success in the entertainment industry, the veteran-turned-comedian's road to fame was paved much differently than most of his peers'. Here's exactly how Rob got to where he is today.
Was Rob Riggle in the military?
Rob served in the military for 23 years, after first joining the U.S. Marine Corps when he was attending college at the University of Kansas. After he got his pilot's license, Rob was able to attain a guaranteed flight contract—but the young theater and film major ultimately let go of his dream of becoming a pilot to pursue a career in entertainment.
"I either was going to be Top Gun when I graduated or I was gonna be a waiter. And I thought being Top Gun sounded much sexier, much cooler. And so I did—I went through officer's candidate school, went through flight school, and the further I got along, the more I realized if I continue flying I'm not gonna be able to pursue my dream of comedy and acting," he explained to CBS.
Rob completed nine years of active duty before transferring to the Marine Corps Reserves and moving to New York City to focus on his career in entertainment. Then, 9/11 happened. Rob immediately volunteered to return to active duty and completed two tours in Afghanistan before returning to the Reserves. He retired in 2013 as a lieutenant colonel, but is still active in the Marine Corps community today.
How did Rob Riggle become famous?
Surprisingly, Rob says his military career helped him make it as an actor and comedian.
"It made me mentally tough, which is what you have to be in show business. Show business is brutal," he said. "For seven years I worked every day and night to catch a break. I heard 'no' at least 5,000 times—literally. That can be very difficult on your self-esteem. I watched as a lot of my peers quit the business."
Despite his struggles, Rob persevered and caught his big break when he was added to the cast of Saturday Night Live in 2004.
What shows and movies has Rob Riggle been in?
On the small screen, Rob is best known for his work as a cast member on SNL and a correspondent on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. In 2018, he appeared on Discovery Channel for Shark Week, where he attempted to tame sharks with Shaq. He's making a second appearance for this year's shark-focused television event, but his time with the network won't end there. The actor has reportedly signed on for a new series—starring himself—called Rob Riggle: Global Investigator.
Rob also boasts starring comedic roles in a number of movies including The Hangover, The Other Guys, Let's Be Cops, 21 Jump Street, 22 Jump Street, and Step Brothers. He has acted in more serious productions as well, such as 12 Strong and Midnight Sun.
Is Rob Riggle married?
Rob and his wife, Tiffany Riggle, have been married for nearly 19 years. Since tying the knot in 2000, the couple has had two children together: daughter Abby, 15, and son George, 11.
How much is Rob Riggle worth?
Two decades of working in show business has earned Rob a lot of money. According to CelebrityNetWorth.com, the actor has amassed a fortune of $10 million.
Watch Some of Rob's Best Movies
