Full Metal Jacket actor Kevyn Major Howard dies at 69
Kevyn Major Howard, best known for his role as Rafterman in Stanley Kubrick's 1987 war film Full Metal Jacket, has died at the age of 69.
According to TMZ, Howard passed away on Friday at a Las Vegas hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for respiratory issues for several weeks. His family confirmed his passing, though the exact cause of death has yet to be determined.
Howard's former co-star Matthew Modine paid tribute to him on X, remembering him as a generous individual deeply committed to supporting the U.S. armed forces. 'He became famous for his role of 'Rafterman' in Full Metal Jacket,' Modine wrote. 'His portrayal gave him a unique entrée into the world of the U.S. Marine Corps, leading him on a decades-long journey of service to our nation's bravest.'
Beyond Full Metal Jacket, Howard had an extensive career in both television and film. He appeared in popular TV series such as Cagney & Lacey, The A-Team, MacGyver, Magnum, P.I., and The Outsiders. His final credited role was in the 1999 series Crusade, according to IMDb.
On the big screen, Howard starred alongside Hollywood legends, appearing in Sudden Impact (1983) with Clint Eastwood, Alien Nation (1988) with James Caan, and Death Wish II (1982) with Charles Bronson.
Born on January 27, 1956, in Montreal, Quebec, Howard later moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Outside of Hollywood, he was widely recognized for his longstanding dedication to military service initiatives.
His passing marks the loss of a notable actor whose contributions, particularly in Full Metal Jacket, left a lasting impression on audiences and the industry alike.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Netizens react as ‘Love Island USA' season 7 contestant Yulissa Escobar exits show amid racist clips backlash
Yulissa Escobar has unexpectedly left Love Island USA Season 7 shortly after the series' second episode. The reason behind her departure has not been officially revealed, but the timing follows the resurfacing of clips in which she reportedly uses racial slurs. In episode two, series narrator Ian Stirling made a brief announcement about 18 minutes in, saying, 'Yulissa has left the villa.' Escobar had been coupled up with Ace Greene, but Stirling also mentioned that Greene was now single. While Peacock has yet to comment on the situation, the controversy surrounding Escobar began shortly after the season seven cast was announced. Clips from a podcast, which were obtained by TMZ, show Escobar allegedly using the N-word multiple times. The backlash was swift on social media, with many calling for accountability. Escobar has not yet responded to the allegations as she remains in the villa, where contestants are not allowed to have personal phones. Fans have expressed mixed reactions on social media, with some celebrating her exit, while others criticise the producers for allowing such behaviour to continue on the show. One user on X questioned, 'How did TikTok do more of a background check on that Yulissa girl than the Love Island producers?' How did tik tok do more of a background check on that Yulissa girl than the Love Island producers? — NIY (@niylanique) June 5, 2025 love island producers waking up Yulissa in the middle of the night to evict her ass #LoveIslandUSA — simi (@simisuckss) June 5, 2025 They didn't even make up a family emergency or illness, just 'Yulissa has left the Villa.' #LoveIslandUSA — Kayla Joy 💜👸🏾 (@ThatsSoKB) June 5, 2025 I wasn't even going to watch the new love island episode tonight because I am so tired then I found out yulissa left so I turned it on — ang ❀ (@readsbyang) June 5, 2025 Seeing yulissa leave but remembering Austin is still there #LoveIslandUSA — alfeó (@alfredosauce28) June 5, 2025 'Yulissa has left the villa' and we cheered!! #LoveIslandUSA #LoveIsland — mia | Hit me hard and soft aoty| (@sumtocryabt) June 5, 2025 As the season progresses, the remaining cast members include Chelley Bissainthe, Huda Mustafa, Belle-A Walker, and Olandria Carthen, with further drama likely as new bombshells enter the villa. The show, hosted by Ariana Madix, is available for streaming on Peacock.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Express Tribune
'King of the Hill' voice actor Jonathan Joss dies after fatal shooting in San Antonio at 59
Jonathan Joss, the voice actor renowned for his role as John Redcorn on King of the Hill, tragically died on Sunday, June 1, after being fatally shot at his San Antonio, Texas, home. The 59-year-old actor was found near the roadway by responding officers around 7 p.m. Despite attempts to perform life-saving measures, paramedics declared Joss dead at the scene. Authorities quickly located and apprehended a suspect, 56-year-old Sigfredo Alvarez Cejam, who had fled the scene in a vehicle. Police confirmed that Cejam, a neighbor of Joss, has been booked for murder. Investigations into the incident are ongoing. Joss was best known for voicing John Redcorn on the animated series King of the Hill, a role he began in Season 3 after the tragic death of the original actor, Victor Aaron, in a car accident. The series aired in the late '90s and early 2000s, and Joss had been set to return for the show's revival, which is set to premiere on Hulu this August. Hours before his death, Joss posted an Instagram video discussing the upcoming King of the Hill reboot and his excitement about the project. In addition to his work on the animated series, Joss had recurring roles on Parks and Recreation as Chief Ken Hotate and appeared in several notable projects, including Tulsa King, Ray Donovan, True Grit, and The Magnificent Seven. The news was first reported by TMZ, and authorities have yet to release further details about the motive behind the shooting.
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Chucky actor Ed Gale dies at 61 after hospice care in Los Angeles
Ed Gale, the actor best known for portraying the character Chucky in several films from the Child's Play horror franchise, has died at the age of 61, TMZ reported. A source present at the time of his death told TMZ that Gale passed away Tuesday while receiving hospice care in Los Angeles. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Gale's niece, Kayse Gale, commemorated his passing with a touching Facebook tribute, referring to him as her 'fun uncle.' She wrote that Gale had 'taken his final bow and is now headlining in the afterlife,' reflecting on his journey from a young dreamer with just $41 and a ride to California, to a prolific performer with over 130 acting credits spanning films, television shows, and commercials. Beyond his personal journey, Gale's career was defined by a wide range of memorable roles. He appeared in several cult classics, including Howard the Duck, Chopper Chicks in Zombietown, Spaceballs, and O Brother, Where Art Thou? However, he was most widely recognized for physically portraying the killer doll Chucky in the original Child's Play and two of its sequels, helping bring one of horror's most infamous characters to life. Despite his accomplishments, Gale had been embroiled in legal controversy in recent years. At the time of his death, he remained under investigation for allegedly attempting to solicit sex from minors. No charges had been officially filed. Gale leaves behind a legacy marked by creativity, controversy, and unforgettable characters. He is remembered by fans and colleagues alike for his unique contributions to cult cinema and for helping shape a horror icon.
