'Full Metal Jacket' Star R. Lee Ermey Laid To Rest at Arlington with Full Military Honors
Actor R. Lee Ermey was laid to rest on Friday at the Arlington National Cemetery.
The actor who was known for his role in the 1987 film “Full Metal Jacket” was buried with full military honors. He was a former U.S. Marine drill instructor.
Ermey enlisted in the Marines in 1961. He became a drill instructor in San Diego, California, and was later sent to Asia, serving an array of tours in Okinawa and Vietnam, according to KTVK.
Ermey continued his service with the Marines until he was medically discharged in 1972 due to injuries he sustained.
By this time, Ermey had climbed the ladder to staff sergeant within the Marine division.
After his time in the service, Ermey went on to become an actor. He studied drama at the University of Manila in Vietnam, using his GI benefits to fund his studies.
He played a few minor roles in the Vietnam-style films “Apocalypse Now” and “The Boys in Company C.”
Emery would then rise to fame as Gunnery Sergeant Hartmann in “Full Metal Jacket.”
The critically acclaimed film made Ermey recognizable as the movie gained quick traction with fans.
While Ermey would serve as the film’s technical advisor, it wasn’t until his skills and screen presence were recognized that he was put into the role of Gunnery Sgt. Hartman.
Ermey was known for his yelling-manner and colorful insults that made him a complete natural for the acting role as the loud-mouth sergeant.
He made quite the impression on Stanley Kubrick, the director of the film, so much so that he quickly replaced the original actor with Ermey.
Ermey was also known for his roles in “Mississippi Burning,” “Prefontaine,” and the “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” remake.
He was also the voice of the green Army soldier in “Toy Story” and the voice of many characters in “SpongeBob SquarePants.”
Fans were shocked by the news of Ermey’s death on April 15.
At the age of 74, Ermey passed away from pneumonia complications. He was buried Friday in Arlington National Cemetery, just nine months after his death, according to U.S. Naval Institute staff.
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