(CelebrityAccess) R. Lee Ermey, 74, known for his role as Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in “Full Metal Jacket” and for portraying all the voices of the Green Army Men in “Toy Story” 1 and 2, died of complications from pneumonia, according to longtime 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,” Rogin tweeted. “He will be greatly missed by all of us. Semper Fi, Gunny. Godspeed.”
Rogin added more on Facebook.
“He will be greatly missed by all of us,” he wrote. “It is a terrible loss that nobody was prepared for. 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.
“There are many Gunny’s, but this one was OURS. And, we will honor his memory with hope and kindness. Please support your men and women in uniform. That’s what he wanted most of all.”
Erney was brought on board by director Stanley Kubrick as a consultant for “Full Metal Jacket” to train the actor who would portray the role of a drill sergeant, but Kubrick put Erney in front of the camera instead.
Erney’s performance and his memorable lines (for instance, “What is your major malfunction, numbnuts? Didn’t mommy and daddy show you enough attention when you were a child?” and “I want that head so sanitary and squared away that the Virgin Mary herself would be proud to go in there and take a dump”) garnered him a Golden Globe nomination and a lifetime of recognition.
