‘Full Metal Jacket’ star R. Lee Ermey, dies aged 74

The silver screen’s most iconic army sergeant has left the building. R. Lee Ermey, best known for his role as Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in Stanley Kubrick’s iconic Full Metal Jacket, died at the weekend, aged 74, his long-time manager Bill Rogin confirmed.

“It is with deep sadness that I regret to inform you all that R. Lee Ermey (‘The Gunny’) passed away this morning from complications of pneumonia.,” Rogin tweeted. “He will be greatly missed by all of us.”

His death is a tremendous lost to the film and television industry. Ermey appeared in more than 60 feature films throughout his career, appealing to a wide range of cinema audiences. His film Full Metal Jacket was nominated for an Oscar, while Erney was nominated as best supporting actor at the Golden Globes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j3_iPskjxk

In addition to playing a member of the military in many of his films, army life was also a huge part of his own background.

Ermey previously served as a United States Marine Corps staff sergeant, as well as an honorary gunnery sergeant and a drill instructor for the Marines. He also spent time in Vietnam and Japan as part of his services. In total, he was in the military for 11 years.

https://twitter.com/RLeeErmey/status/985651917870202883

One of his first appearances on the big screen was in the 1979 movie Apocalypse Now, where he starred as a helicopter pilot. Some of his other iconic films include The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Fletch Lives and Se7en. Ermey’s iconic voice also made him perfect for animated films. He provided voices for characters in Disney Pixar’s Toy Story and Spongebob Squarepants. 

Fans have flooded Facebook and Twitter to pay their respects to Ermey.

One person wrote: “God never takes someone early, they’re just needed in heaven for a higher purpose, godspeed R. Lee Ermey”.

Another comment read: “Such sad news. Always loved watching him on TV. He will be very much missed. Semper Fi, Gunny. #RIPGunny,” while another fan added: “You know your life sucks when you hear that @RLeeErmey has died and you have no one to share the news with or ‘remember when…..’ with”.

A further message read: “RIP R. Lee Ermey. Your performance in Full Metal Jacket was one of the best performances I have ever seen. You will be greatly missed”.

What was your favourite R. Lee Ermey movie? Is there a film quote that particularly stands out for you?