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

Today, Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. A Vietnam veteran, Ermey’s most memorable role was playing Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in Stanley Kubrick’s Vietnam War film “Full Metal Jacket”. Semper Fi, Gunny. | U.S. Marine Corps