Sunday, R. Lee Ermey’s long time manager informed the world a little after 6:30pm EST that the beloved R. Lee Ermey “The Gunny” passed away Sunday morning due to complications from pneumonia.
He is most well known for playing Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket, which earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Ermey, is a former United States Marine Corps staff sergeant and an honorary gunnery sergeant; during his tenure in the U.S. Marine Corps, he served as a drill instructor.
Statement from R. Lee Ermey’s long time manager, Bill Rogin:.
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 has also contributed many iconic and indelible characters on film that will live on forever.
The real R. Lee Ermey was a family man, and a kind and gentle soul. »