R. Lee Ermey, known as Gunny to many, was a distinguished American actor, former United States Marine, and vocal artist. Born on May 24, 1944, in Emporia, Kansas, Ermey carved a unique path in both military and entertainment worlds. His most iconic role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Stanley Kubrick’s “Full Metal Jacket” solidified his status as a Hollywood legend. Beyond acting, Ermey was a talented voice artist, well-known for his work in “Toy Story” as Sarge, the green army man. His life was a blend of military discipline, acting prowess, and a genuine love for motorcycles and the open road.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
| Name | R. Lee Ermey |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Nationality | United States |
| Date of Birth | 24 March 1944 |
| Age at Death | 74 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Place of Birth | Emporia |
| Date of Death | 15 April 2018 |
| Place of Death | Santa Monica |
| Native Name | Ronald Lee Ermey |
| Languages Spoken | English |
| Native Language | English |
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
| Height (in centimeters) | 184 cm |
|---|---|
| Height (in meters) | 1.84 m |
| Height (in feet inches) | 6′ 0″ |
EDUCATION
| Educated At | University of Manila |
|---|
CAREER
| Profession | drill instructor, actor, television producer, screenwriter, voice actor, comedian, television actor, film actor, director |
|---|---|
| Awards Received | Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Gallantry Cross, Vietnam Campaign Medal |
| Work Period Start | 1961 |
| Work Period End | 2018 |
| Field of Work | acting |
SOCIAL MEDIA & LINKS
| IMDB ID | nm0000388 |
|---|---|
| Official Website | http://www.rleeermey.com/ |
| @RLeeErmey | |
| Wikipedia | Wikipedia |
Cost of becoming
Becoming R. Lee Ermey was not an easy journey. He joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17, a decision that would shape his life and career. Ermey’s military service, particularly his role as a helicopter door gunner in the Vietnam War, instilled in him a sense of discipline and toughness that would later influence his acting. His dedication to authenticity in his performances often meant rigorous research and preparation. Ermey’s transition from military to acting was marked by sheer determination and a willingness to take on any role, no matter how small, to build his reputation in Hollywood.
Identity before fame
Before his rise to fame, R. Lee Ermey led a life deeply rooted in military service. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1961 and served as a drill instructor and helicopter crew chief. Ermey’s military career took a significant turn during the Vietnam War, where he saw active combat as a door gunner. After his honorable discharge in 1978, Ermey faced the challenge of re-entering civilian life. He initially struggled to find his place but his passion for acting eventually led him to Hollywood, where he began working as a technical advisor on military films.
Timeline
- 1944: Born in Emporia, Kansas
- 1961: Enlists in the United States Marine Corps
- 1965: Serves as a helicopter crew chief in the Vietnam War
- 1968: Receives the Purple Heart for combat injuries
- 1978: Honorable discharge from the Marine Corps
- 1987: Breakthrough role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in “Full Metal Jacket”
- 1995: Voice role as Sarge in “Toy Story”
- 2000: Begins hosting the History Channel series “Mail Call”
- 2004: Launches the radio show “The Great American Road Trip”
- 2018: Passes away on April 15
Favourites
- Favorite film: “Full Metal Jacket”
- Favorite actor: Lee Marvin
- Favorite motorcycle: Harley-Davidson
- Favorite hobby: Motorcycling
- Favorite book: “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu
- Favorite food: Barbecue
- Favorite drink: Whiskey
Controversies
- His strict and often harsh on-set demeanor, which sometimes led to conflicts with fellow actors
- His vocal support for the Iraq War and criticism of anti-war protesters
- His role in the documentary “The Great Global Warming Swindle,” which was criticized for its scientific inaccuracies
- Petition for a pardon to restore his voting rights after a conviction for possession of firearms by a convicted felon
- Public feuds with other celebrities, including James Gandolfini and Tom Cruise
- Controversial statements about the LGBTQ+ community
- His support for the Second Amendment and strong stance against gun control
- Comments about racial issues and the Confederate flag
- His involvement in right-wing political causes
- Criticisms of his portrayal of military personnel in films and media
Control vs chaos
Ermey’s life was a delicate balance between control and chaos. His military background instilled a strong sense of order and discipline, which he carried into his acting career. However, his on-set approach often veered into chaos, with his no-nonsense and sometimes abrasive demeanor. This duality was evident in his performances, where he could seamlessly transition from a controlled and methodical character to one filled with raw emotion and unpredictability. Ermey’s ability to navigate these extremes made him a compelling and memorable figure in both the military and entertainment worlds.
Emotional geography
The emotional landscape of R. Lee Ermey’s life was shaped by his experiences in the military and his transition into acting. His time in the Marine Corps forged a deep sense of loyalty and camaraderie, which he carried into his personal and professional relationships. The trauma of war left an indelible mark on his psyche, influencing his approach to life and his performances. Despite his tough exterior, Ermey had a profound respect for his fellow servicemen and a genuine passion for his craft. His emotional journey was one of resilience and adaptability, from the structured environment of the military to the creative freedom of Hollywood.
FAQs
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What is R. Lee Ermey’s most famous role?
R. Lee Ermey’s most famous role is Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in the 1987 film “Full Metal Jacket,” directed by Stanley Kubrick. This role earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim.
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Did R. Lee Ermey serve in the military?
Yes, R. Lee Ermey served in the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted in 1961 and served as a helicopter door gunner in the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Purple Heart.
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What was R. Lee Ermey’s rank in the Marine Corps?
During his time in the Marine Corps, R. Lee Ermey held the rank of staff sergeant. He also served as a drill instructor, which informed his iconic role in “Full Metal Jacket.”
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When did R. Lee Ermey start his acting career?
R. Lee Ermey began his acting career in the late 1970s after his discharge from the Marine Corps. He initially worked as a technical advisor on military films before transitioning into acting roles.
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What other films is R. Lee Ermey known for?
Besides “Full Metal Jacket,” R. Lee Ermey appeared in numerous other notable films, including “Mississippi Burning,” “Toxic Avenger,” and “Scarecrow.” He also voiced the character Sarge in the “Toy Story” franchise.
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Did R. Lee Ermey have any other roles in television?
Yes, R. Lee Ermey had several television roles, including hosting the History Channel series “Mail Call” and the radio show “The Great American Road Trip.” He also appeared in various TV movies and series.
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What was R. Lee Ermey’s voice work in “Toy Story”?
In the “Toy Story” franchise, R. Lee Ermey voiced the character Sarge, a green army man toy. His role as Sarge was characterized by his strict military demeanor and humorous interactions with other toys.
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What was R. Lee Ermey’s stance on the Iraq War?
R. Lee Ermey was a vocal supporter of the Iraq War. He often spoke out in favor of U.S. military intervention and criticized anti-war protesters, reflecting his strong patriotic beliefs and support for the military.
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How did R. Lee Ermey contribute to the military community after his discharge?
fter his discharge, R. Lee Ermey remained deeply committed to the military community. He participated in numerous events and fundraisers for veterans and was an advocate for military causes, using his platform to support and honor service members.
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Was R. Lee Ermey involved in any controversies?
Yes, R. Lee Ermey was involved in several controversies, including his strict and sometimes confrontational on-set behavior, his controversial statements on political and social issues, and his involvement in films and documentaries that were criticized for their content.
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Did R. Lee Ermey have any hobbies outside of acting?
Yes, R. Lee Ermey had a deep passion for motorcycling and was an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast. He hosted the radio show “The Great American Road Trip,” where he shared his love for the open road.
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What was R. Lee Ermey’s impact on the film industry?
R. Lee Ermey’s impact on the film industry was significant. His authenticity and dedication to his roles, particularly in military films, set a high standard for realism and accuracy. His performances and technical expertise influenced a generation of actors and filmmakers.
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How did R. Lee Ermey’s military experience influence his acting?
R. Lee Ermey’s military experience deeply influenced his acting, especially in roles that required a military background. His firsthand knowledge of military procedures, terminology, and culture allowed him to bring a level of authenticity and realism to his performances that was highly praised by both critics and audiences.
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What were some of R. Lee Ermey’s notable voice roles besides “Toy Story”?
Besides his role as Sarge in “Toy Story,” R. Lee Ermey lent his distinctive voice to several other animated projects. He voiced characters in “Family Guy,” “South Park,” and “The Simpsons,” further showcasing his versatility as a voice actor.