On this day in Horror History Ronald Lee Ermey was born. Ermy is without a doubt one of the most unique and domineering actors in history, not just for his powerful demeanor, but for his contributions and service to our country as well. After 11 years in the Marine Corp, he would rise to the rank of Staff Sergeant, would see time in Vietnam and in Okinawa Japan until ultimately injuries would force him to retire from the military. His personification in countless films would derive much inspiration from this period in his life, as his roles as military men, or authority figures have become quite notable. With a vast acting resume in his wake, Ermey has starred in many of horror films including The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003), Willard (2003), Se7en (1995) and countless more. An inspiration in more ways than most horror loving Americans can count, a true tell of his brilliance came on the set of Full Metal Jacket (1987), where the notoriously strict perfectionist and directorial genius Stanley Kubrick gave Ermey the ability to improvise many of his lines, some of which are now infamously tied with the cult film. A rare talent that ties sheer passion, indiscriminate vulgarity and a love for his country and his beliefs, Ermey is an soul that the world is blessed to be in the presence of.
“I firmly believe that you live and learn, and if you don't learn from past mistakes, then you need to be drug out and shot.” –R. Lee Ermey
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