A talented character actor known for his military roles, R. Lee Ermey was in the US Marine Corps for 11 years. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant, and his service included 1-1/2 tours in Vietnam. After injuries forced him to retire from the Corps, he moved to the Phillipines, enrolling in the University of Manila, where he studied Criminology and Drama. He appeared in several Filipino films before being cast as a helicopter pilot in Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now. Due to his Vietnam experiences, Coppola also utilized him as a technical adviser. He got a featured role in Sidney J. Furie's The Boys in Company C, playing a drill instructor. Ermey worked with Furie again in Purple Hearts. However, his most famous (or infamous) role came as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe. He did win the best supporting actor award from The Boston Society of Film Critics. Since then he has appeared in numerous character roles in such films as Leaving Las Vegas, Se7en and Dead Man Walking. Ermey, however, prefers comedy to drama, and has a comedic role in Saving Silverman. Ronald Lee Ermey continues to be one of the best character actors in the business, and you can bet that when his name appears in a movie's credits, he is going to be top notch in his role.
Was not intended to be in Full Metal Jacket. He was on the set to show the actor how to be a sergent but did such a better job that they hired him to play the part. Served in the U.S. Marine Corps from April 1961 to October 1971 under the service number 195 60 39. Was retired as a Staff Sergeant on a medical disability. Although he retired from the United States Marine Corps in 1971, Ermey was later awarded the Honorary rank of Gunnery Sergeant. U.S. Marine Corps awards and decorations include: Meritorious Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (w/bronze service star), Vietnam Campaign Medal (w/60 Device), Vietnam Gallentry Cross (w/Palm), Good Conduct Medal (w/2 bronze service stars), Marksman Badge (w/Rifle Bar) and Sharpshooter Badge (w/Pistol Bar). After injuries forced him to retire from military service, he moved to the Phillipines and enrolled in the University of Manila, where he studied Criminology and Drama. Used the same line ("You're not afraid of a little blood, are you?") in two consecutive movies - Willard and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Both films were released in 2003 and both films just happened to be remakes as well. Chosen as first celebrity spokesperson for Glock firearms and products in 2004. Parodied his famous role from "Full Metal Jacket" (Sgt Hartman) as a Ghost in the film "The Frighteners" Aside from his early military roles, he often plays characters with power, such as sheriffs, police chief's, and many other types of law enforcement officers. Has four children with wife Nila and two daughters from a previous marriage. Has nine grandchildren. In 1987 he was involved in a jeep accident during the making of Full Metal Jacket. At 1:00 AM one night he skidded off the road, breaking all the ribs on his left side. He refused to pass out and kept flashing his car lights until a motorist stopped. In some scenes in the movie he does not move his left arm at all.