R. Lee Ermey, most famous in his role as Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in Full Metal Jacket. A role for which he was not originally cast. He actually was on the set as a technical advisor and to show the actor that was cast how to be play the part. He did such a superb job they re-cast the role for him. Among the many other roles he has played, he was notably in The Boys in Company C as a drill instructor and Apocalypse Now, as an helicopter pilot.
He is currently being seen on Mail Call for the History Channel. Readers e-mail questions for the show to answer. Not a completely original idea but, Ermey takes the format to the extreme. Not only explaining each answer but, often demonstrating an example as well. All while delivering his answers in the fine Marine style that he embodies.
When I first saw Full Metal Jacket, I was amazed by the character he portrayed. Amazed really isn’t the word. To me, his performance represented the ultimate Marine drill instructor. His appearance, his bearing, and especially his voice, in my mind, could be hailed as the example of a Marine Gunnery Sgt.