Kevyn Major Howard, best known for his role as Rafterman in Full Metal Jacket, has passed away at the age of 69. According to his family, Howard died on Friday at a hospital in Las Vegas, as reported by TMZ. While the exact cause of death remains unknown, his family shared that he had been struggling with respiratory issues for several weeks before being hospitalized.

Kevyn Major Howard was a Canadian-American actor best known for his portrayal of “Rafterman” in Stanley Kubrick’s iconic 1987 war film Full Metal Jacket. He was born in Canada on January 27, 1956. After college, Howard pursued acting with a dedication that led him to Hollywood, where he built a career spanning decades.

Howard’s breakout role came with Full Metal Jacket, in which he played the eager and somewhat naïve Marine combat photographer, Private First Class Rafterman. The film, regarded as one of the greatest war movies ever made, showcased his ability to balance humor, innocence, and the brutal realities of war, earning him recognition among both fans and critics.

Beyond Full Metal Jacket, Howard appeared in various television series and films throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His credits include guest roles on popular TV shows such as Miami Vice, Murder, She Wrote, and Quantum Leap, demonstrating his versatility as an actor. He also had roles in films like Death Wish II (1982) and Sudden Impact (1983). Throughout his career, he had the opportunity to work alongside Hollywood icons such as Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson, Frank Sinatra, and James Caan.

 

Beyond his acting career, Howard became a renowned headshot photographer, earning the title “King of the Hollywood Headshot” for his ability to capture an actor’s essence through their eyes, as reported by the Daily Mail. For over three decades, his photography business has been a driving force in the industry, helping countless performers make their mark in Hollywood.

Also, Howard had a passion for philanthropy and entrepreneurship. Later in life, he founded Fueled by The Fallen, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring fallen military personnel and first responders. Through this initiative, he designed and promoted tribute vehicles, known as “memorial cars,” featuring the names of fallen heroes to raise awareness and support for their families.

Rest In Peace.