R. Lee Ermey of 'Full Metal Jacket' fame fights back against rumors of his death
R. Lee Ermey, the former-Marine-turned-actor who memorably played the vicious drill sergeant in director Stanley Kubrick's 1987 movie "Full Metal Jacket," was in combat mode this week in response to Internet reports that that he had died.
"It's going to take a lot more than some Internet rumor to kill this old Marine," Ermey said in a statement. "I can state unequivocally that I am still alive."
On Monday, he was in Washington, D.C., participating in the National Memorial Day Parade and serving as national spokesman for a bill in Congress to change the name of the Department of the Navy to the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.
Ermey said a major reason for his involvement with the campaign was to properly honor Marines who have fought and died in battle.
“When the family of a fallen Marine receives a condolence letter, the Marine Corps name should be proudly mentioned,” Ermey said. “I don’t think that’s too much to ask for.”
The bill has passed the House of Representatives and currently has 78 Senate co-sponsors, said Ron Slotin, press agent for the Marine Corps Identity Cause.
For more information on the Marine Corps Identity Cause – visit www.marinecause.com.
-- Dennis McLellan
Photo: R. Lee Ermey. Credit: Andrew Eccles / History Channel
A worthy cause and a great soldier and leader to support it. Carry on, sir.
Posted by: Jeff | 06/03/2010 at 04:46 AM
Hey Gunny only the good die young. Stay well . ENJOY YOUR SHOW
Posted by: Fitz USNR RET. | 06/03/2010 at 08:12 AM
Right on GUNNY!
Posted by: CITIZEN | 06/03/2010 at 08:29 PM
i live in portland,or. where at a military show a couple of years ago, mr. ermey was signing his photo and dvd's of his show mail call.was a real blast to meet him.applaud his work both on and off screen.carry on,gunny.
Posted by: frances june selman | 06/03/2010 at 10:43 PM
Please do not refer to this man as a "Soldier". He's A Marine...big difference..
Semper Fi Leather Neck
Posted by: Dean Johnson | 06/04/2010 at 06:31 AM
jeff ,,he's not a Soldier..
he's a MARINE...
Posted by: Dean Johnson | 06/04/2010 at 06:32 AM
We know about your visits overseas, to see the troops.
We know about your efforts to change the name of the Department of the Navy to the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps.
We know of your efforts and accomplishments as an actor and and as an advisor in the motion picture industry.
You make a great beer commercial, one that we don't see anymore.
Like your "counterpart" in the beer commercial, you're a "Great American."
Now, run for office and whip those turds in Congress back into shape!!!
Posted by: Steven Moshlak | 06/04/2010 at 07:42 AM
Is Ermey still alive?!
If he is Where is Sargent Ermey Now?!
I ask all majore news papers to print a retraction to his death if not true!
The man is a legend!!!
Posted by: James Hamil | 06/08/2010 at 05:11 PM
GySgt Ermey
I received the e-mail from a friend, and couldn't believe
what I was reading...Hope you find out who started this fight, because they are DONE!
I'm the retired GySgt that works as a tech rep here at Pendleton, you signed a H1 Cobra (4 blade) Picture for me inside one of the hangers, when you were filming for your show... hey let me know if you need back-up
kicking some major BUTT..
GySgt Contreras (Ret)
Posted by: contreras Sergio | 06/18/2010 at 10:10 AM
As a dyed-in-the-wool liberal I almost never agree with the Gunny on politics, but he's right on about this one. Semper Fi!
And politics or no politics, I LOVE THE GUNNY!
One of my goals in life is to someday have him shout obscenities at me while I try to knock out a few extra pushups...
Posted by: Firedup | 06/18/2010 at 06:12 PM
Gunny is not allowed to die without permission! Semper Fidelis.
Posted by: Mickey | 08/17/2011 at 11:55 AM
Thank God , you are the coolest person EVER!!!!!!
Posted by: Alan Perryman (Tsgt U.S.A.F Ret.) | 09/04/2011 at 09:08 PM