R. Lee Ermey has died.
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. 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 is a quote made famous in Full Metal Jacket. It’s actually the Riflemen’s Creed. “This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.”
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.
Gunny was one of the good guys. I met him five or six times, and always enjoyed chatting with him. He did a lot that wasn’t publicized, supporting Navy Relief, the USO and other military organizations, both with money and his time. He will be sorely missed.
Semper Fi, Gunny. Godspeed.
He brought respect.
X2
Ed – he brought it because he EARNED it.
OTB MCPO sends……………
Full Metal Jacket may have brought him fame (as well as brought many of us nightmares about our own torture at the hands of Drill Sergeants), but it was his following roles as an advocate for enlisted men and women that I will remember as the true representation of the man. He was a good and honorable man, who loved his Corps, enlisted men and women of any service, and his country. Godspeed R.Lee Ermey to his reward.
I was saddened to hear of his passing yesterday. I never got to meet him, but a friend of mine did and commented on what a nice guy he was. So long Gunny, maybe I’ll see you on the other side.
One of the good guys who didn’t let fame go to his head. He seemed to enjoy what ever he was doing. And I bet the Marines guarding the streets of gold are standing taller now.
+1
what Coffeypot said…
Drat. I was hoping that this was yet another celebrity death hoax. Godspeed Gunny, may your memory be for a blessing.
Met him at the clothing sails store at Whiteman AFB. He was at the base to film a story about the B-2. A gentleman to every one. RIP.
Hey Old NFO;
We are lessened by his passing, he was one of the good ones, we and ours will meet in Valhalla or fiddlers green when our time comes.
Ed/LL- That he did.
Pat- That he was. He did a lot behind the scenes for Navy Relief and other organizations.
Jim- Agreed!
CP/WSF- I’d say he’s probably standing the duty, giving one of the folks a break…
Aaron- Sadly no…
Ed- Neat!
Bob- That we are!
I had the honor meeting him during “Old Fort MacArthur Days” some years ago. He was truly a gentleman, and impressed the daylights out of the young lady I was with.
Gee…first Dan Gurney, and now the Gunny. God keeps calling home my heroes…..
Yeah, sad sad sad. When he was in the middle of full bore D.I. mode I was always torn between wanting to salute him and wanting to hug him. Not the reaction a D.I. is looking for, but I had the advantage of standing outside looking in.
RIP.
My eldest boy’s fixing to join the Marines. He wants to be a Scout Sniper… I’ll ask for Gunny’s intercession.
It rather sucked to check the news today and learn of the demise of R. Lee Ermey, Harry Anderson, and Art Bell.
My favorite memories of him was watching Mail Call with #2 Son.
Rest in peace, Gunny
R.I.P.Gunny
All- Thanks, and yes, NOT three we needed/wanted to lose in a couple of days…
Posted from my iPhone.
The lonely other death that has hit me this hard was the death of John Wayne, I have had the pleasure of knowing both of my hero’s. They will be good company for each other. My days are numbered, and I look forward to seeing both of them again.RIP Finney, you are in good hands.
Always thought the Gunny would have made a good John Cronin in the Grey Man movie.
Salute.