R.I.P. R Lee Ermey

[Drago]

The actor that played Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket has died, aged 74. The story goes he was hired as a technical advisor on FMJ, having served in the marines as a real drill pig. He then suggested to Kubrick that he could play the part of Hartman. Kubrick refused, and Ermey launched into an uninterrupted 10 minute tirade of abuse at Kubrick's face. Once he finally run out of steam Kubrick hired him on the spot to play Hartman.

From there he had a successful and award finning film career, and even fronted a documentary series about military weapons.

Because of his work promoting the military in general and the marines in particular, he was honouraily promoted post retirement from staff sergeant to gunnery sergeant, the only person every to be bestowed the honour in the US.

Sadly passed away from complications arising from pneumonia.

 

[ianrauk]

He was simpmy brilliant in FMJ.

 

[Levo-Lon]

As above

 

[Drago]

Aye, he made the film. To be fair, he wasn't that far removed from my first drill pig, the delightful Sergeant Salter, known as Sgt Slaughter to us.

 

[Beebo]

Here he is, doing drill with an 80’s musical backing. It is how I first knew him. I was too young to watch FMJ.

View: https://youtu.be/W47Vxd1O4lU

 

[Bollo]

The man responsible for introducing the "Read Around*" to the film-going public.

*Reach Around.

 

[Cycleops]

Thought I'd just remind everyone of his fine performance in Full Metal Jacket. RIP.

View: https://youtu.be/3j3_iPskjxk

His manager described him as a kind and gentle soul. Apart from playing military and police roles he also did voices for toy soldiers in Toy Story films.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

"Read Around"

?

Your autocorrect has created a bizarre image in my head now...

 

[Bollo]

?

Your autocorrect has created a bizarre image in my head now...

Oh crivens! I'll leave it but add a correction. OSX's autocorrect is really beginning to grip my colon. Time for the off-switch......

Ther. Spel chek disalbed so shudent hav a problam noww.

 

[Accy cyclist]

I could have sworn he died a few years ago and it was mentioned on CC. Anyway,on the subject of swearing i wonder how many times he said mother f..k.r in the film?

 

[Joey Shabadoo]

Wasn't he quite senior in the NRA?

 

[Drago]

He was certainly very active within the NRA.

 

[winjim]

I can't help thinking that 'show me your war face' foreshadowed the rise of selfie culture by about twenty years.