R. Lee Ermey Biography

Fast Facts

• He has received several decorations and awards from the U․S․ Marine Corps, including a Meritorious Unit Commendation, a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal
• In 1988, he won a Boston Society of Film Critics Best Supporting Actor Award for his role in "Full Metal Jacket․"
• He studied drama at the University of Manila in the Philippines
• He was hired as a technical advisor to the actor playing the drill instructor in "Full Metal Jacket" before being given the part
• He often plays characters who are in the military or authority figures
• He has done voice work for several video games, including "Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel" and "Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex․"
• He served in the U․S․ Marine Corps for 11 years, rising to the rank of staff sergeant and receiving the honorary rank of gunnery sergeant