It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of actor Kevyn Major Howard at the age of 69. Howard, best known for his role in Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film Full Metal Jacket, passed away on Friday at a Las Vegas hospital, where he had been battling respiratory issues for several weeks. His cause of death is yet to be determined.
Born in Montreal, Quebec, on January 27, 1956, Howard moved to Los Angeles to pursue his passion for acting. Over the years, he became known not only for his role in Full Metal Jacket, where he portrayed the character “Raftman,” but also for his appearances in numerous other films and television shows, including Cagney & Lacey, The Outsiders, Magnum P.I., War Party, Sudden Impact, MacGyver, The A-Team, Crusade, Death Wish II, and Alien Nation.
Matthew Modine, his former co-star from Full Metal Jacket, took to social media to pay tribute to his friend. In a heartfelt post, Modine shared a behind-the-scenes photo from the 1987 movie and wrote, “Kevyn Major Howard gave and gave and gave so much to the world and especially the men and women of our armed forces.” Modine further reflected on Howard’s unique connection to the US Marine Corps, thanks to his memorable portrayal in Full Metal Jacket. He praised Howard’s decades-long dedication to supporting the armed forces and expressed gratitude for his service to the nation.
Modine concluded with a moving tribute, saying, “Thank you for your dedication to others and to America. May all the gods bless you Kevyn. Rest in peace. #SemperFidelis.” He also shared a poignant memory from the cold winter of 1985, recalling that they gathered around a fire for warmth during the making of the film.
Howard’s passing marks the end of an era for those who admired his work on screen and his efforts to support those who serve in the military. His legacy will surely live on through the many roles he brought to life and the impact he had on those who worked with him.