“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.
“It is a terrible loss that nobody was prepared for,” he added. “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.”
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 will be greatly missed by all of us.
Semper Fi, Gunny. Godspeed.
The Kanas native was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his memorable performance in Full Metal Jacket, in which he immortalised lines such as: “What is your major malfunction?”
His co-stars Matthew Modine and Vincent D’Onofrio shared their condolences online.
Ermey was the real deal. The knowledge of him passing brings back wonderful memories of our time together. @RLeeErmey@StanleyKubrick@FMJDiary@MatthewModine@AdamBaldwin
Dear @USMC
Thank you for hour contribution in helping @RLeeErmey become the outstanding person he was. Hard working. Disciplined. Focused. Never complaining.
There’s no doubt his Marine Corp training benefited him with his second career as an actor. #SemperFidelishttps://t.co/NKVBdie4sl
— Matthew Modine (@MatthewModine) April 16, 2018
Ermey enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1961 at age 17. He served for 11 years, including 14 months in Vietnam, before he was discharged in 1972.
RTE.ie
