Was Jon Bernthal in the Military?
Jon Bernthal is an American actor known for his intense portrayals of complex characters, but before he became an actor, he had an unusual background. Has he ever served in the military?
Initial Confusion
When first looking into Jon Bernthal’s background, it is not immediately clear whether or not he served in the military. Some sources, such as his official resume, do not mention it. However, upon digging deeper, we found an intriguing connection that sheds some light on this question.
Jon Bernthal’s Father: An Army Intelligence Officer
Jon Bernthal’s father, Eric Bernthal, was an intelligence officer in the United States Army. This family background could have potentially influenced Bernthal’s own life decisions. It is unlikely that Bernthal would ignore this aspect of his background.
Bernthal’s High School Years: Football and Leadership
At Fort Lee High School, Bernthal played football, and his father’s experiences as an Army officer reportedly influenced him to develop a strong leadership skills. Bernthal was an accomplished athlete in his teenage years, making the school’s football team. It is believed that his football experience later translated to his acting ability, particularly in roles like Frank Castle in the MCU series "The Punisher."
After High School: College and Acting Breakthrough
After high school, Bernthal attended Moorpark College in California to play football, but then transferred to Bennington College in Vermont, where he studied Shakespeare and drama. Despite initially considering a career as a football player, he began to develop his skills as an actor. Later, he honed his craft at the prestigious Neuwirth and Associates Drama Studio.
The Turn to Acting: A Life-Long Passion
Given Bernthal’s background as an athlete and his parent’s military influence, he seemed destined for a less theatrical path. Why then did he choose a life in the arts? Bernthal has himself described acting as a ‘calling’ that he stumbled upon, eventually drowning out the desire for sports. His innate ability to channel his competitive drive into his acting enabled him to take on gritty roles like Shameless, The Wire, and The Wolf of Wall Street.
Conclusion
While the direct answer to the original question is no (Jon Bernthal is not a military veteran like his father), his paternal connections to the military contributed significantly to his upbringing, skills, and ultimately the type of roles he chose to play later in life.
Early Career Breakdown
- High school: Football at Fort Lee High School in New Jersey
- Early 2000s: Studied at Moorpark College and later Bennington College
- Transfered to Neuwirth and Associates Drama Studio (prestigious acting institute)
Some of the notable roles of Jon Bernthal:
- Michael Bluth in the FXX series Arrested Development
- Silverback in the HBO drama The Pacific
- Tony Blundetto in the HBO drama The Sopranos
In conclusion, while we didn’t find evidence directly connecting Jon Bernthal with the military, his ties to the military through his father’s experiences doubtlessly influenced the course of his life, and the characters he choose to portray. Despite initially considering a career as a football player, Jon Bernthal found another competitive outlet in acting, becoming a critically acclaimed star.
