R. Lee Ermey: The Gunnery Sergeant Who Trained Us All
A United States Marine Corps Veteran and Actor
R. Lee Ermey was born on March 24, 1944, in Emporia, Kansas. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1961 and served for 11 years. He achieved the rank of staff sergeant and served as a drill instructor at Parris Island, South Carolina.
After leaving the Marine Corps, Ermey began his acting career. He appeared in small roles in a number of films and television shows before landing his breakout role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket. Hartman is a harsh and demanding drill instructor who uses unconventional methods to train his recruits for combat. Ermey's performance is both terrifying and hilarious, and it earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Ermey's Legacy
Ermey continued to act in films and television shows for the rest of his life. He appeared in such films as Apocalypse Now, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and Seven. He also had a recurring role on the television series The West Wing.
Ermey died on April 15, 2018, at the age of 74. He is survived by his wife and four children.
Ermey was a talented actor who brought a unique brand of authenticity to his roles. He will be remembered as one of the most iconic drill instructors in film history.
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