Kevyn Major Howard, the actor best known for his portrayal of Rafterman in Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket, has passed away at the age of 69. Howard died on Friday, Feb. 14, at a Las Vegas hospital, surrounded by his loved ones, his family confirmed to TMZ.
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Howard had been hospitalized in recent weeks due to respiratory issues. The cause of death has not yet been determined, according to Deadline.
Born in Montreal, Canada, on Jan. 27, 1956, Howard moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, which led to appearances in several notable television series. In addition to Full Metal Jacket, Howard had roles in MacGyver, Magnum P.I., and Miami Vice. He also appeared alongside Clint Eastwood in the 1983 film Sudden Impact and worked as an extra in Scarface.
Kevyn Major Howard Dies
Howard's last credited onscreen appearance was in the 1999 TV series Crusade. In addition to his acting career, he built a reputation as a skilled headshot photographer.
Per NJ.com: "The Montreal, Canada native made his acting debut in an episode of Trapper John, M.D. in 1980. Some of his most notable appearances came in MacGyver, Magnum P.I. and Miami Vice. His last credited role came in 1999 in the series Crusade."
Matthew Modine, who starred alongside Howard in Full Metal Jacket, shared a heartfelt tribute on X, recalling Howard's dedication to others. "Kevyn Major Howard gave and gave and gave so much to the world and especially the men and women of our armed forces," Modine wrote. "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."
Modine continued, "Thank you for your dedication to others and to America. May all the gods bless you Kevyn. Rest in peace. #SemperFidelis."
Howard and Modine reportedly remained friends for years — with the actors speaking on the phone shortly before Howard passed, his family told TMZ. After Howard retired from acting he became a photographer who was at one point referred to as the "King of the Hollywood headshot."
Howard is survived by his wife, Tiffanie, stepdaughter Kayla, sister Kim, and brother Kelsey.
