R. Lee Ermey knew how to perfectly portray Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket because he was a genuine former U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor himself. Director Stanley Kubrick allowed him to improvise most of the character's famously harsh and authentic dialogue based entirely on his real-world military experience. Credit: @cbc | History In Pictures

R. Lee Ermey's AMAZING Rise to Fame! You know the blistering voice and the iconic role of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket, but the real-life story of Ronald Lee Ermey is as fascinating and unconventional as his legendary performance. His journey from a teenage troublemaker to a decorated Marine and Hollywood star is full of surprising turns. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more untold stories of Hollywood legends! #fullmetaljacket #rleeermey #marines #usmc #stanleykubrick #t

131K views · 1.9K reactions | R. Lee Ermey, the former Marine who starred in ‘Full Metal Jacket,’ has died at age 74 https://ti.me/2H6p8U7 | TIME | Facebook

R. Lee Ermey publicly criticized President Barack Obama's administration and its economic policies at a 2010 Toys for Tots charity event. Following these comments, Ermey claimed that GEICO fired him from his advertising role due to his political views, and he later apologized for his "misguided" statements. Credit: @nbcchicago | History In Pictures

In honor of R. Lee Ermey, the actor known for his Golden Globe-nominated role in "Full Metal Jacket," take a look back at when he hosted Mail Call on HISTORY. R. Lee Ermey answers a question about what the biggest gun in the world is ➡️ http://histv.co/2H4jMcd R. Lee Ermey takes a look at the equipment paratroopers used on D-Day ➡️ http://histv.co/2H4jMJf | HISTORY