Ace Levy
A loyal infantryman in the Roughnecks who fights alongside Johnny Rico against the Arachnids.
Ace Levy is an infantryman in the Mobile Infantry, portrayed by Jake Busey in the 1997 film *Starship Troopers*. He serves alongside Johnny Rico and Dizzy Flores in the Roughnecks squad under Lieutenant Jean Rasczak. Ace is present during the disastrous invasion of Klendathu and later participates in the mission on Planet P, where the Roughnecks are ambushed by Arachnids. He is part of the squad that rescues Carmen Ibanez from an underground tunnel system, and he escapes with Rico and Watkins after Watkins detonates a miniature nuclear bomb to hold off the Arachnids. Ace survives the film and continues to serve under Rico's command.
- Character Type
- Human / Terran Federation Citizen
- First Appearance
- Starship Troopers (1997 film)
Lore & Background
Ace Levy is introduced as a member of the Mobile Infantry who joins the Roughnecks, a standard Mobile Infantry squad led by Lieutenant Jean Rasczak. He fights alongside Johnny Rico and Dizzy Flores in several key battles, including the invasion of Klendathu, where hundreds of thousands of human casualties occur due to underestimating the Arachnids' defenses. On the disputed planet Planet P, Ace participates in the mission where Rico defeats a gigantic Tanker Bug, earning Rico a promotion to corporal. During the mission on Planet P, the Roughnecks are deliberately ordered into a trap by General Dienes based on intelligence from Colonel Carl Jenkins to confirm the existence of a Brain Bug. Ace survives the ambush, which results in the deaths of Dizzy and Rasczak. Later, Ace joins Rico and Watkins in rescuing Carmen Ibanez from a surface facility/bunker, where the Brain Bug has attacked Zander Barcalow, leaving him with brain damage. Watkins sacrifices himself by detonating a miniature nuclear bomb, allowing Ace and Rico to escape with Carmen. Ace is present when Sergeant Zim captures the Brain Bug on the surface, and he rejoices with the assembled troops as Jenkins psychically detects the Bug's fear.
In Their Own Story
The dropship shuddered as it descended through Planet P's thick atmosphere. Ace Levy gripped his rifle, sweat beading on his brow despite the climate control. Beside him, Johnny Rico checked his gear, Dizzy Flores a few seats away. 'Remember the plan,' Rasczak's voice crackled over the comm. 'In and out.' But Ace knew better. The outpost below was silent, too silent. When the first Arachnid burst from the ground, tearing through the squad, Ace fired without thinking, plasma bolts lighting up the chaos. He saw Dizzy fall, impaled, and heard Rico's scream as he mercy-killed Rasczak. Later, in the tunnels, Ace held his breath as the Brain Bug loomed over Carmen. 'Now,' Rico whispered, and Ace threw the miniature nuke, buying them seconds. On the surface, watching Zim's team drag the captured Brain Bug into a cage, Ace felt nothing but exhaustion. The war wasn't over. It never would be.
Reader's Guide
Ace Levy is a supporting character in the 1997 film *Starship Troopers*, played by Jake Busey. He is a member of the Mobile Infantry and later joins the Roughnecks, an elite unit led by Lieutenant Jean Rasczak. Ace appears in several key battles: the invasion of Klendathu, where he survives the massive human casualties; the mission on Tango Urilla, where he witnesses Rico defeat a Tanker Bug; and the operation on Planet P, where the Roughnecks are ambushed. He is part of the squad that rescues Carmen Ibanez from an underground tunnel system, alongside Rico and Watkins. Ace survives the film and is present when the Brain Bug is captured. His defining traits are his loyalty and combat effectiveness, serving as a reliable infantryman under Rico's command.
Did You Know?
- Ace Levy is portrayed by Jake Busey in the 1997 film *Starship Troopers*.
- Ace is a member of the Roughnecks, a standard Mobile Infantry squad led by Lieutenant Jean Rasczak.
- Ace survives the ambush on Planet P that kills Dizzy Flores and Rasczak.
- Ace helps rescue Carmen Ibanez from a surface facility/bunker on Planet P.
- Ace is present when Sergeant Zim captures the Brain Bug at the end of the film.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ace Levy?
Ace Levy is a Mobile Infantry soldier portrayed by actor Jake Busey in the 1997 film Starship Troopers. He serves as a close comrade to Johnny Rico within the Roughnecks special forces unit.
What are Ace Levy's powers or role?
Ace does not possess any special powers, serving instead as a standard infantryman within the Mobile Infantry. His role involves utilizing heavy weaponry and tactical cooperation with his squad during combat operations.
How does Ace Levy's story end?
Ace survives the final battle on Planet P by escaping an underground tunnel system with Johnny Rico and Sergeant Watkins. He makes it out alive after Watkins detonates a miniature nuclear bomb to cover their retreat.
Why is Ace Levy important?
He represents the loyal foot soldier who remains steadfast alongside the protagonist throughout the war against the Bugs. His presence highlights the camaraderie within the Roughnecks unit during critical missions like Klendathu and Planet P.
Does Ace Levy die in Starship Troopers?
No, unlike many of his fellow soldiers, Ace Levy survives the events depicted in the 1997 movie. He is one of the few original Roughnecks seen alive after the climax on Planet P.
More in Characters & Personnel
Related in Starship Troopers
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