Kevyn Major Howard dead at 69: Full Metal Jacket actor passes away after being hospitalized for weeks
Kevyn Major Howard, the actor famous for his role as Rafterman in Full Metal Jacket, has passed away at 69.
Howard died Friday at a hospital in Las Vegas, as confirmed by his family to TMZ.
The exact cause of his death remains unclear, but his family noted that he had been battling respiratory issues for several weeks before being hospitalized.
Born on January 27, 1956, in Montreal, Quebec, Kevyn eventually moved to Los Angeles after completing his college education, thanks to his dual citizenship, in order to pursue a career in acting.
In Stanley Kubrick’s iconic 1987 war film Full Metal Jacket, Howard played the role of Rafterman, a Vietnam War correspondent.
Over the years, he shared the screen with a number of Hollywood legends, including Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson, Frank Sinatra and James Caan.
Kevyn Major Howard, the actor famous for his role as Rafterman in Full Metal Jacket, has passed away at 69; pictured 2022
In Stanley Kubrick’s iconic 1987 war film Full Metal Jacket, Howard played the role of Rafterman, a Vietnam War correspondent (pictured in a still)
His acting career began in the late 1970s after moving to Hollywood, where his first major role was in the film The Serial (1980).
He later appeared in notable films such as Death Wish II (1982) and Sudden Impact (1983).
Those gigs made him the only actor to feature in both the Death Wish and Dirty Harry franchises.
In addition to his acting, Howard became a celebrated headshot photographer.
He earned the title ‘King of the Hollywood Headshot’ for his ability to capture actors’ personalities through their eyes.
His photography business has been influential for over three decades.
Beyond entertainment, Howard founded the ‘Fueled by the Fallen’ foundation, which honors military personnel and victims of 9/11 through memorial race cars.
The initiative also provides scholarships to children of fallen heroes.
Howard died Friday at a hospital in Las Vegas, as confirmed by his family to TMZ. The exact cause of his death remains unclear, but his family noted that he had been battling respiratory issues for several weeks before being hospitalized; pictured 2012
Full Metal Jacket is known for its stark and unflinching portrayal of the Vietnam War
Howard remained close friends with his Full Metal Jacket co-star, Matthew Modine, long after they worked together on the film
Howard in an episode of Miami Vice in 1988
Howard remained close friends with his Full Metal Jacket co-star, Matthew Modine, long after they worked together on the film.
According to his family, the two spoke on the phone just before Kevyn’s passing.
Matthew has since been informed of his friend’s death.
Kevyn leaves behind his wife, Tiffanie, his stepdaughter Kayla, his sister Kim, and his brother Kelsey.
