R.I.P.: R. Lee Ermey
 

R. Lee Ermey, a US Marine Drill Sgt. wounded several times in Viet Nam, played a military man (usually the typical tough Drill Instructor) in such films as The Boys In Company C, Apocalypse Now, and Full Metal Jacket (nominated for a Golden Globe for the latter). Yeah, that guy.

He later had many other roles, such as Briscoe County Sr. in the Bruce Campbell cult TV SciFi Western series Briscoe County Jr. RLE also hosted two History channel nonfiction shows, Mail Call and Lock and Load.

A USMC Staff Sgt., after his service he received an honorary promotion to Gunnery Sgt. in recognition of his many USO type appearances for our servicemen overseas.

Semper Fi, Gunny

Re: R.I.P.: R. Lee Ermey
 

Oh man...I hadn't heard. Thanks for posting.

Loved his movies but my all time favorite was one of his shows he had a garden where he grew watermelons and stuff that he called "the enemy". He'd use them for target practice. Thought that was funny.

Re: R.I.P.: R. Lee Ermey
 

Huh. I wouldn't have heard, Chas, if you didn't post. Thank you for sharing.

I am sure many readers already know that he broke into acting during the shoot of Full Metal Jacket. He was on set as a technical adviser for Stanley Kubrick, and he did the drill instructor bit - in Kubrick's eyes, at least - better than the actor they had on set for the role. The rest is history.

Re: R.I.P.: R. Lee Ermey
 

Don't forget Sarge, from Toy Story!

I especially enjoyed his Lock n' Load show on the History Channel. I think he must have been frightened attacked by a watermelon at an early age. :)