Kevyn Major Howard, the talented actor who played the iconic role of Rafterman in Stanley Kubrick’s war movie Full Metal Jacket, has passed away at the age of 69.
According to his family, he died on February 14 at a Las Vegas hospital, surrounded by his loved ones.
A Life of Acting and Service
Howard had been hospitalized for several weeks prior to his death due to respiratory issues, but the official cause of death is still unknown.
Born on January 27, 1956, in Montreal, Canada, Howard moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career.
He appeared in several notable TV shows, including MacGyver, Magnum P.I., and Miami Vice, and shared the screen with legendary actor Clint Eastwood in the 1983 movie Sudden Impact.
A Tribute from a Fellow Actor
Matthew Modine, who starred alongside Howard in Full Metal Jacket, took to social media to pay a heartfelt tribute to his friend and co-star.
Modine shared a photo of the Full Metal Jacket cast 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…
His portrayal gave him a unique entrée into the world of the US Marine Corps, leading him on a decades-long journey to be in service of our nation’s bravest.”
Modine concluded his tribute with a message of gratitude and respect, saying, “Thank you for your dedication to others and to America.
May all the gods bless you Kevyn. Rest in peace. #SemperFidelis”
A Legacy Beyond Acting
In addition to his acting career, Howard was also a skilled headshot photographer and built a reputation in the industry.
His last credited on-screen role was in the 1999 TV series Crusade.
Howard is survived by his wife Tiffanie, stepdaughter Kayla, sister Kim, and brother Kelsey.
His passing is a loss to the entertainment industry and to those who knew him, but his legacy will live on through his notable roles and his dedication to serving others.