R. Lee Ermey

R. Lee Ermey (March 24, 1944 – April 15, 2018) was an American actor and U.S. Marine drill instructor. He gained recognition for his portrayal of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in the 1987 film Full Metal Jacket, for which he received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Ermey also served as a staff sergeant and honorary gunnery sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. Throughout his career, he often played authoritative figures, such as Mayor Tilman in Mississippi Burning, Bill Bowerman in Prefontaine, and Sheriff Hoyt in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise. Ermey also appeared in television shows like Rocket Power and House, and hosted History Channel programs Mail Call and Lock n' Load.