In quite sad news, the actor who played “Rafterman” in Stanley Kubrick’s “Full Metal Jacket” has passed away at the age of 69 years old, as his family informed the media. That actor is Kevyn Major Howard, who reportedly passed away at a hospital in Las Vegas on Friday, February 14. He had been battling severe respiratory issues in the weeks before his tragic passing.
In “Full Metal Jacket,” Howard’s character, Rafterman, is a combat photographer who accompanies the character “Joker” to report on the war, a fun role given that Howard became a successful, headshot-focused photographer after he retired from acting in 1999. The Joker character was played by actor Matthew Modine.
Speaking in a statement to Fox News, his family said, “Kevyn was a loving family man who left a legacy that extends beyond his film career. His efforts to advocate for remembering our fallen heroes and his ongoing support dedicated to our military, law enforcement, and those affected by the 9/11 attacks will live on through his foundation, Fueled By The Falle.”
Continuing, it noted his involvement in teaching young people, saying, “His family wishes to continue his mission of remembering the seven forgotten words: ‘Yes Sir, No Sir, Please & Thank You’ for our aspiring youth. May we never forget and always remain in remembrance. He passed peacefully, holding his wife’s hand on the international day of love.”
Also commenting on Mr. Howard’s passing was Mr. Modine, his counterpart for much of “Full Metal Jacket.” He, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said, “Kevyn Major Howard gave and gave and gave so much to the world and especially the men and women of our armed forces. He became famous for his role of ‘Rafterman’ in Stanley Kubrick’s FULL METAL JACKET.”
Continuing, he wrote, “His portrayal gave him a unique entrée into the world of the US Marine Corps. This led him on a decades-long journey to be in service of our nation’s bravest. Thank you for your dedication to others and to America. May all the gods bless you Kevyn. Rest in peace. #SemperFidelis”
Concluding, he then wrote, “The ‘Lusthog Squad’ – Kevyn Major Howard (lower right), Sal Lopez (lower left), Gary Landon Mills (upper left), Adam Baldwin (upper middle), and myself (upper right). We’re being lit by fire in this photo. We went to this source of warmth because the winter of 1985 was particularly freezing.”
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Mr. Howard, during his life, created a non-profit called “Fueled by the Fallen” that produces tribute cars for first responders. Describing why Mr. Howard created it, the non-profit provides, “Kevyn Major Howard, “Rafterman” from Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film Full Metal Jacket, challenged himself in 2007 to name just one Hero that had died for his freedom. “I was watching the nightly news as they announced that 12 died this day and 7 the next day”, Kevyn said. “I woke up one morning and challenged myself to name just one person who has died for my freedom”, he continued. “I couldn’t.” So Kevyn decided to do something about it.”
Continuing, it described what he did, saying, “He started the Fueled By The Fallen, a 501(c)3 non-profit. Kevyn enlisted the expertise of Chuck Spiker, a lifelong drag racer and former National Go Kart Champion, to create a memorial that would get the attention of all Americans. “The reason we chose race cars is because you can get the attention of a two year and a ninety-two year old with one”, Kevyn said.”
Concluding, it noted, “Chuck took a 1963 Nova and created a 10 second quarter mile door slammer drag car representing fallen Marines from Iraq and Afghanistan. “Maybe I can get people who look upon the race car to remember just one name. If I can do that, I have accomplished my mission”, Kevyn continued.”
Featured image credit: By Unknown – Original publication: UnknownImmediate source: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/kevyn_major_howard, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=79243255