‘Full Metal Jacket’ actor, Marine icon R. Lee Ermey dies at 74 (2024)

R. Lee Ermey, legendary Marine and one of the most memorable actors from the movie “Full Metal Jacket,” died Sunday.

Ermey passed away from complications of pneumonia, Bill Rogin, Ermey’s long-time manager, said in a statement on Twitter.

“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. He will be greatly missed by all of us,“ Rogin wrote.

Image 1 of 14

R. Lee Ermey, known to most fans simply as the ÒThe GunnyÓ was host of The Sportman ChannelÕs series ÒSaving Private K-9.Ó (Photo courtesy Sportsman Channel.)

In a statement to Marine Corps Times, Rogin added that nobody was prepared for the “terrible loss” of Ermey.

“He has meant so much to so many people. And it is extremely difficult to truly quantify all of the great things this man has selflessly done for, and on behalf of, our many men and women in uniform,” Rogin said. “He has also contributed many iconic and indelible characters on film that will live on forever.”

Ermey “was a family man, and a kind and gentle soul. He was generous to everyone around him. And, he especially cared deeply for others in need.”

Rogin asked Ermey’s fans to honor him with “hope and kindness,” and by supporting the men and women in the military.

“That’s what he wanted most of all,” Rogin said.

Ermey is best known for his pivotal role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in “Full Metal Jacket.” He would go on to star in television shows and inspire Marines everywhere.

The role of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman earned Ermey a Golden Globe nomination for best supporting actor and led to dozens more on-screen appearances and several off-screen ones, where he provided voices for characters in the “Toy Story” franchise, “The Simpsons” and other properties.

RELATED

Clash of Characters: Gunny Hartman takes title, R. Lee Ermey thanks his fans

The drill instructor that made "Full Metal Jacket" famous has claimed this year's Battle Bracket crown.

By KevinLilley

He also hosted Outdoor Channel’s ” GunnyTime with R. Lee Ermey” and ” Military Makeover,” from the producers of Lifetime’s “Designing Spaces.”

He also wrote a book and established a million-strong Facebook following.

Ermey, a former drill instructor, served from 1961 to 1972. He left the Marine Corps as a staff sergeant, and later received an honorary promotion to gunnery sergeant from then-Commandant Gen. James Jones in 2002.

In Other News

Military pharmacies resume regular operations after cyberattack

Military pharmacies no longer have to manually process prescriptions following a February cyberattack that disrupted pharmacy operations around the world.

Empty shelves at commissaries? Officials aim to beef up the supply

"What grocery store runs out of potatoes?" asked one military wife in South Korea.

Defense, VA budget work begins on Capitol Hill as Congress returns

Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of April 8, 2024.

Meet the 700-pound pig who raised $19 million for the Navy in WWII

By war’s end, King Neptune had brought in over $19 million for the Navy — roughly $320 million today.

Marine recruit who died at boot camp in 2023 had asthma, Corps finds

The death of Pfc. Noah Jamar Evans on April 18, 2023, during a physical fitness test prompted the Marine Corps to open an investigation.

Chinese national detained after breaking onto Marine base in California

A chief patrol agent with the Border Patrol said the man was in the country illegally.

Deployed troops inhaled toxic air even while off-duty, study finds

Lung samples from service members they tested found traces of toxic vaporized metals and other hazardous items, well above that of non-deployed personnel.

Troops at 14 bases to begin testing new approach to military moves

Troops at 14 installations will soon try out a new system for shipping their belongings to their next base.

No snakes in couches: What to know for a smooth PCS move in 2024

Read up on tips and tricks in Military Times' 2024 Permanent Change of Station Guide ahead of peak moving season.

US military plans for Gaza unchanged after killing of aid workers

Pentagon officials mourned seven aid workers in Gaza killed by an Israeli air strike but said they will move ahead with U.S. military aid in the region.

Load More