Ronald “R.” Lee Ermey, a Golden Globe-nominated actor best known for his role as Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket, has passed away at the age of 74.
What happened?
The news was announced on Twitter by the actor’s manager, Bill Rogin, who wrote the following statement:
“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. Semper Fi, Gunny. Godspeed.”
Rogin expanded on what had happened on Ermey’s Facebook page:
“He will be greatly missed by all of us. It is a terrible loss that nobody was prepared for. 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. He has also contributed many iconic and indelible characters on film that will live on forever. Gunnery Sergeant Hartman of ‘Full Metal Jacket’ fame was a hard and principled man. The real R. Lee 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.”
“There are many Gunny’s, but this one was OURS. And, we will honor his memory with hope and kindness. Please support your men and women in uniform. That’s what he wanted most of all.”
A native of Kansas, Ermey joined the military, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, before ultimately becoming an actor. Throughout his career, he appeared in films, television, video games and even commercials.
What is R. Lee Ermey’s official cause of death?
According to Rogin’s earlier statement on Twitter, Ermey’s passing is believed to be related to pneumonia complications, although it is unknown if an official autopsy had confirmed this. He was 74 at the time of his death.
As this story is developing, more information will be updated as made available.
