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R. Lee Ermey
R. Lee Ermey (March 24, 1944 – April 15, 2018) was an American actor and U.S. Marine drill instructor. He gained fame for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in the 1987 film Full Metal Jacket, earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Ermey was also a United States Marine Corps staff sergeant and an honorary gunnery sergeant. Ordinarily typecast in authority figure roles, he played various characters in films like Mississippi Burning, Prefontaine, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre series, Fletch Lives,Seven, and the first three films of the Toy Story franchise. He hosted two programs on the History Channel: Mail Call and Lock n' Load with R. Lee Ermey. Ermey was born in Emporia, Kansas and had an interesting military career before venturing into acting. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at age 17 and went through recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. He eventually got medically retired in 1972 due to several injuries. On May 17, 2002, Ermey was honorary promoted to Gunnery Sergeant (E-7) by the Marine Corps General James L. Jones. Ermey's contributions extended to the world of video games, commercials, and political advocacy.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about R. Lee Ermey, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how R. Lee Ermey rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Ronald Lee Ermey
Born: Emporia, Kansas, U.S.
Citizenship: United States
Birthday: March 24, 1944
Occupations: Actor, U.S. Marine drill instructor
Years Active: 1968-2017
Children: 4
Spouses: Dolores Janshen, Nila Ermey
External Links and Streaming Options
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Awards and Nominations Received by R. Lee Ermey
Explore the awards, honors, and nominations R. Lee Ermey has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.
Movies Featuring R. Lee Ermey
Full Metal Jacket
Filmworker
Body Snatchers
On Deadly Ground
Prefontaine
Toy Soldiers
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
Willard
Kubrick by Kubrick
The Boys in Company C
Machete Maidens Unleashed!
Kubrick Remembered
Toy Story at 20: To Infinity and Beyond
The Chaos Factor
Skipped Parts
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins
Scenes of the Crime
On the Borderline
Chainsaw Redux: Making a Massacre
Run Ronnie Run
Solstice
Full Metal Jacket: Between Good and Evil
Demonstone
The Rift
I’m Dangerous Tonight
Shark Bait
The Pixar Story
Kid
The Terror Within II
Purple Hearts
The Siege of Firebase Gloria
True Identity
83 Hours ’Til Dawn
The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.
Se7en
Love Is a Gun
Soul of the Game
Weapons of Mass Distraction
Rough Riders
The Sender
Escape from Alaska
Dead Men Can’t Dance
Gunshy
The Apartment Complex
Sommersby
Chain of Command
Stanley Kubrick: The Invisible Man
Hexed
Murder in the First
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Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of R. Lee Ermey, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
2007
Solstice
Leonard
Full Metal Jacket: Between Good and Evil
Self
The Pixar Story
Sergeant (voice) (archive footage)
2000
The Chaos Factor
Col. Ben Wilder
Skipped Parts
Caspar Callahan
Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins
Sarge (voice)
1997
Prefontaine
Weapons of Mass Distraction
Billy Paxton
Dead Men Can’t Dance
Senator Fowler
Switchback
Sheriff Buck Olmstead
1993
The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.
Brisco County Sr.
Sommersby
Dick Mead
Hexed
Detective Ferguson
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