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Actor Kevyn Major Howard, best known for his role as Rafterman in the film Full Metal Jacket, has died at the age of 69, his family confirmed to TMZ on Saturday (February 15).
Howard was reportedly surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing after being hospitalized for weeks with respiratory issues, though his cause of death hasn't yet been determined, according to his family. Full Metal Jacket co-star Matthew Modine shared a post on his X account paying tribute to Howard on Saturday.
"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. 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," Modine wrote along with a photo from the set featuring the 'Lusthog Squad,' which included himself, Howard and co-stars Sal Lopez, Landon Mills and Adam Baldwin.
Howard was also credited for television appearances on the shows Cagney & Lacey, The A-Team, MacGyver, Magnum, P.I., and The Outsiders, as well as the films Sudden Impact, Alien Nation and Death Wish II. The actor's last credited role came in the 1999 on the television series Crusade, according to his IMDb page.