Date of Birth: March 24, 1944
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: April 15, 2018
Biography
Ronald Lee Ermey, known professionally as R. Lee Ermey, was an American Marine Corps Staff Sergeant, drill instructor, and actor. Born on March 24, 1944, in Emporia, Kansas, Ermey enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1961 at the age of 17. He served for 11 years, including 14 months in Vietnam and later in Okinawa, Japan. Ermey was medically discharged in 1972 due to injuries incurred during his service. After his military career, Ermey transitioned into acting, initially taking on small roles as a technical advisor. His big break came in 1987 when he was cast as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Stanley Kubrick’s “Full Metal Jacket.” His performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination and solidified his reputation as a formidable military figure in Hollywood. Ermey went on to appear in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, often reprising his tough-guy persona. Ermey was also known for his work as a voice actor, lending his distinctive voice to characters in animated films such as “Toy Story” and “The Simpsons.” Beyond his acting career, Ermey was an advocate for veterans and worked on various charitable activities supporting military personnel.
5 Interesting Facts about R. Lee Ermey
1. R. Lee Ermey was originally hired as a technical advisor for “Full Metal Jacket” but was cast as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman after impressing director Stanley Kubrick with his military knowledge and intensity.
2. He served as a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego during his military career.
3. Ermey was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant by the Marine Corps in 2002, an honorary promotion in recognition of his service and dedication to the military.
4. He voiced the character of Sarge in the “Toy Story” franchise, bringing his iconic drill instructor persona to the beloved animated series.
5. Ermey hosted two popular television shows: “Mail Call” and “Lock n’ Load with R. Lee Ermey,” where he explored military technology and history.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from R. Lee Ermey
1. “In order to be a good actor, you have to be something like a criminal, to be willing to break the rules to strive for something new.”
2. “Without discipline, there is no Marine Corps.”
3. “Kubrick gave me this incredible amount of freedom, and I was able to channel my own experiences as a drill instructor into the role.”
4. “You don’t lead by hitting people over the head. That’s assault, not leadership.”
5. “The best part of my life was being in the Marine Corps.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, R. Lee Ermey’s net worth was estimated to be around $12 million.
Children
R. Lee Ermey had four children with his wife, Nila Ermey, whom he married in 1975. They had three daughters and one son.
Relevant Links
1. [IMDb – R. Lee Ermey](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000388/
2. [Wikipedia – R. Lee Ermey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._Lee_Ermey
4. [Biography – R. Lee Ermey](https://www.biography.com/actor/r-lee-ermey
