How R. Lee Ermey knew how to act in Full Metal Jacket, 1987

R. Lee Ermey drew on some of his real-life experiences when acting in Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket. And as he told CBC's Midday, he knew some real people in the military who were just as tough to deal with as the on-screen Sgt. Hartman.
Subscribe: bit.ly/CBC-Subscribe
Watch More Shows: bit.ly/CBC-MoreShows
Full clip: www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/r-le...
Follow CBC Archives
Twitter: bit.ly/CBCArchives-Twitter
Facebook: bit.ly/CBCArchives-Facebook
About CBC:
Welcome to the official KZbin channel for CBC, Canada’s public broadcaster. CBC is dedicated to creating content with original voices that inspire and entertain. Watch sneak peeks and trailers, behind the scenes footage, original web series, digital-exclusives and more.
Connect with CBC Online:
Twitter: bit.ly/CBC-Twitter
Facebook: bit.ly/CBC-Facebook
Instagram: bit.ly/CBC-Instagram
[TITLE]
/ cbctv

[@carlsaganlives5112]

The most drill sargeant thing he did was in the bathroom scene,he comes in wearing t-shirt,boxers,and HIS HAT.

[@vincegarcia6416]

Cover

[@phantomtroubleshooter2793]

The most drill INSTRUCTOR thing he did was in the HEAD scene, the DRILL INSTRUCTOR comes in wearing t-shirt,boxers,and HIS COVER. :corrected:.

[@stimactzedvard7556]

His badge of authority

[@CORPORAL-dn7nn]

The proper nomenclature would be, The most drill instructor thing he did was in the head scene, he comes out wearing skivvies and a campaign cover. OohRah

[@carlsaganlives5112]

Hey everybody- I didn't serve, out of respect to those who have, I didn't use 'insider' terminology.

[@MiguelBaptista1981]

In her mind, she was interviewing the character, not the actor.

[@benjaminchen1964]

Ahhhhh! You caught that! (Edward Norton from the movie Primal Fear)

[@TowGunner]

Clear and simple, she’s a 1987 Snowflake. Clueless and emotional.

[@mysticmac5555]

She's an absolute piece of work. She's not asking him questions to inquire about whatever is on her little mind, she's asking questions in a way that attacks him as if he was really like that when he was serving.

[@megazoned3973]

Well... he was basically playing himself.

[@j.chillydawson1807]

sounds like the mental stability of a general interviewer for TV

[@davidblack2806]

He was a class act. She was clueless, but not rude, and he was informative and respectful.

[@redjupiter2236]

Did you see her face? She was rude asf

[@bruhpatrick1822]

@@redjupiter2236 you misinterpret confusion for rudeness. please seek help.

[@redjupiter2236]

@@bruhpatrick1822 This is the first time I have been given advice from a starfish. I really must be going mad then…

[@roboguard96]

That's just civilians for you. You say the word military and somehow they forget the fact that military are supposed to be trained to shoot people in the face. It still shocks them some how even though it's the military.

[@scottwhitley3392]

She’s just someone who’s grew up a bit pampered and knows nothing about war or the military ect. She’s ignorant not arrogant.

[@satireisnotdead5804]

R. Lee Ermey: "Well of course I know him, he's me."

[@starguy2718]

Sgt Hartmann = Obi-Wan?

[@MrPjw5]

“Private Skywalker, what are you trying to do to my beloved Order??”

[@eleazarruoch576]

Man, I would have loved to see R. Lee Ermey as a Jedi Master. Or a clone commander.

[@satireisnotdead5804]

​@@eleazarruoch576Stanley Kubrick's Star Wars XD

[@SvendleBerries]

(R. Lee Kenobi comes up over the hill) - "WHAT IS YOUR MAJOR MALFUNCTION, NUMBNUTS!?" (Sandpeople run away in fear)

[@AZCobraman]

Truly a man that WOULD have the common decency to give you a reach-around....

[@AZCobraman]

Gotta have watched FMJ a few times. ;o)

[@rancidpitts8243]

Well said Mister Guy.

[@rakada30]

Ain't greek style tween da thighs?

[@servantofzardoz]

I'll be watching you!!!!

[@timnolan9561]

AZCobraman lol

[@christhompson5880]

Its so weird hearing his voice so calm when im so used to hearing him yell

[@lilysnail4544]

@@Fakecourt I didn't know that thanks for that information

[@comrademason7835]

YOU WILL NOT LAUGH! YOU WILL NOT CRY!

[@RobertNielsen1970]

@@comrademason7835 YOU WILL LEARN BY THE NUMBERS, I WILL TEACH YOU!! Now, GET UP!! GET ON YOUR FEET!!

[@kfj68agent53]

Watch him in the movie "Seven"

[@siddharthabiswas2147]

Holy dogs hit, what do we have here?

[@surreal9558]

R Lee Ermey was a extremely smart man it seems. The analogy that when you're in a 65mph speed zone, and another person is going 80, thats that individuals choice not the states is amazing.

[@duncansteward4331]

i will use this --- great analogy

[@schrire39]

It is the states choice when they choose not to police the rules. So it’s a great analogy if what one really means to say is “turn a blind eye” or “silently encourage”

[@benmarshall2440]

@@schrire39 surely the state's choice would be for the enforcers to permit someone to go past them at an illegal speed? If someone does it without any report of the event then how is the state meant to take action? Perhaps the state should hire enough police to have every square inch of road under constant surveillance to watch for it, with the same amount also watching every inch of the country for every other crime, and multiple task forces at constant readiness to respond to every offence the second it occurs.

[@Houd_Vast]

It’s more of a suggestion at that point.

[@H3gamer360]

I watched how he held a rifle and started doing it because it felt good.

[@jkillgrove]

I've always said that Full Metal Jacket was the most accurate depiction of boot camp ever. I went through Parr is Island in 1969 and on to Viet Nam in 1970. Ermy had not only the back ground but also the experience to make it real. I knew as soon as I started watching the movie he had been a real life DI.

[@kentadams4589]

Agree, when I went through Parris Island in 90, we had 4 drill instructors. That is the only thing that was not quite as accurate in Full Metal Jacket.

[@snowpatriot4045]

Vietnam 🇻🇳 69 - 70

[@anonymousman1282]

when i first watch the movie as a little teen, i thought it was too much exaggeration and sgt hartman was evil. now he is one of my favourite characters.

[@stewartbloomfield8035]

Thank you on behalf of Lee.Stew FMJ crew.

[@richardhead3211]

my cousin was in the marines and nam in 68. he said lee was the real deal i miss you terry hudson

[@67judson]

"You're so ugly you could be a modern art masterpiece!!!" All time best line in a movie...RIP Gunny!!!

[@mawage666]

Did your parents have any children that lived? Sir yes sir! I bet they regret that!

[@deborahchesser7375]

Lukeamania LMFAO

[@abolishguncontrollaws5689]

The best line is when he discovered the jelly donut

[@tankmaster1018]

@@abolishguncontrollaws5689 "You look like you could sick a golf ball through a garden hose" is up there too!

[@FLUMER20]

Welcome to the corporations

[@stacylockhart9684]

He provided her with a presence of calmness, professionalism, and intelligence during the interview. He knew she was clueless but held his bearing and continued to bring a good light on the U.S.M.C .....a perfect Marine.

[@blackjack8142]

I can only imagine what he was thinking while she was asking all the question.

[@fademusic1980]

@@kirk0respite oh yeah he piped her down right after that. Gunny has swag in this god damn

[@linyenchin6773]

@J Hemphill **a hysterical,* not "an hysterical."

[@philhahn]

I think he's just aware enough to realize how the hell would she have a clue nor expect anyone to if they haven't really been there, and eloquently and kindly obliged in answering (agreeably poor) questions

[@RalphSampson...]

@@linyenchin6773 Actually, "an" is acceptable. When the word following starts with an "h" and that first letter is not the main accentuation or even silent, then "an" is fully acceptable.

[@CoffeeSuccubus]

The fact Ermey calls 50 Vietnam vets studying how a drill instructor should act in a movie for realism, is just amazing to detail and felt very immersive

[@austindarrenor]

Ermey wasn't supposed to be in the movie but there just as an advisor. But Kubrick with his eye of a master of cinema knew what he had to do.

[@kyleschafer6275]

@@austindarrenor I'm pretty sure in this instance Kubrick just told Ermy how to act and let him do his thing. It's rare for a director to get that feel.

[@austindarrenor]

@@kyleschafer6275 Per a doc that I watched I think the sequence of events was Ermey showing the actor that was hired to be the drill instructor what to do. The rest is history.

[@doug1863]

Wasn’t he a drill instructor?

[@joshhaddock6772]

He literally was a drill instructor dawg

[@allanfischer9417]

I was discharged from the USMC in 1970. When I saw this movie in the theater, I knew nothing about R. Lee Ermey but I commented immediately after the movie that ".... this guy was absolutely a Drill Instructor, no one is that good of an actor without having been there".

[@stevenclark6662]

I was in the army in the early 90's and the first time I saw this movie was home on leave; watched it with my dad, a Vietnam vet.. he said the Exact same thing.. "That guy HAD to be a real DI"

[@PsRohrbaugh]

R Lee Ermey was hired as a technical consultant, but did such a good job he stole the role from the actor Kubrick had already cast to be the DI.

[@telesniper2]

Yeah pop said the same thing, he was in '61-'66

[@shadysteve6579]

R. Lee Ermey was a genius and she didn't seem to appreciate it.

[@Imp5011]

@Dennis Moore Even though he said himself a DI is playing a role and acting?

[@glennmoonpatrol8676]

Don't forget the effect the great Stanley Kubrick behind the camera had on this performance.

[@davidphillips8416]

BECAUSE SHE DOESN'T UNDERSTAND.

[@bringbackdeano]

@Fire&Ice909 yeah cause slagging off people on the internet is so tough

[@bringbackdeano]

Yes good old R Lee Ermey, de-humanizing a generation of young Americans so they'll go off to war and come back even less human than before

[@CynicalBastard511]

It was sad that he wasn't even mentioned in the 2019 Oscar's In Memoriam. Sad and revolting, really.

[@CJLAKE123]

JELH Because he was a Marine.

[@jeffreysinnema9139]

They also ignored Russell Means (Last of Mohicans, Pocahontas) - political views don't match their narrative.

[@KingKongStrong]

Encore1234567890 don’t hit them with facts

[@crs290]

@Encore1234567890 What does that have to do with Ermey not being mentioned at the Oscar ceremony. Neither candidate in 2016 was in Vietnam. Hillary protested them upon their return. Would your statement ring as true if Clinton had won the presidency?

[@garysnook6458]

Well he’s a white male who likes guns, so ...

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

I’m a former Marine. I met Gunny Ermey at a function in San Diego in the mid 2000s. This is much more in line with who he was. Engaging, much more polite and quiet than you’d think. He turns it on but what a great great human being. RIP to a damn fine Marine.

[@curtisake7431]

Once a Marine Always a Marine brother.......Semper Fi!!!!

[@edpottinger849]

He has class,and it looks to me like he has a genius level IQ.His eyes light up.This man is brilliant

[@mysticalmargaret6105]

He was indeed! Sadly he passed away a few years ago in 2018.

[@edpottinger849]

@@mysticalmargaret6105 He had real fire in his eyes.He must have served in either Korea or Vietnam.

[@kylerdad123]

Sir, Rest-in-Peace, Sir! You will be missed!

[@kylerdad123]

Hump Tee I respect him for his support for our armed forces and its members!

[@Memento--Mori]

Hump Tee He was an American who loved his country, which automatically makes him 1,000 times better than anything you can hope to be.

[@betoen]

You didn't end your statement with SIR! you maggot!

[@bill4270]

Are you on drugs?

[@geraldjohnson4013]

+Hump Tee I don't care for Trump either but Lee Ermey was a fellow Marine and I respected him greatly.

[@MirisDesignStudio]

Ah man, can you imagine if he stepped back into his role voice mid-interview just to mess with her? It would be the best interview in the history of television.

[@nickprice3605]

That would've been brilliant! 😂

[@stevejohnson319]

She would have had to go to a commercial so she could change her skivvies!

[@Adam_Gecko]

So lee, will I like this movie? You will not laugh you will not cry! You will learn by the numbers! Oh I mean yes you’ll love it

[@duewhit310]

"I DONT BELIEVE I HEARD YOU CORRECTLY! YOU TRYIN SQUEEZE AN INCH ON ME?!"

[@psd_dub]

The fact he was an actual drill sergeant and mostly every one of his lines were improvised is awesome

[@dtb5350]

Actually he was a drill instructor. Drill sergeants are army. But I still think it's cool how he was an actual DI to play the part. Must have been another day at the office for him.

[@danstrayer111]

Kubrick said they didn't even have a script for him...they just sat back and it all came pouring out.

[@dwill123]

Ermey was not the original person Kubrick had selected to be the drill sergeant. Originally the guy from the "Get Some" scene was originally selected.

[@furrykef]

Hate to burst your bubble, guys, but the movie was based on a book (The Short-Timers) and Sgt. Gerheim has many of the same lines as Sgt. Hartman had in the film. He did still improvise quite a bit, though.

[@seanrichter5611]

Drill Instructor. Drill Sergeant is Army. Semper Fi.

[@jameshouston4644]

My uncle was a Marine during WWII. He and I watched FMJ one night and I asked him if it was accurate. He said it might as well have been a documentary, it was so spot-on. He also said that it was every bit as illegal to "properly motivate" during the dark days of World War II, but it was the only way to "pack the gear" and save lives.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

"Because I am hard, you will not LIKE me! But the more you hate me, the more you will learn." --Sgt. Hartman

[@jamesdick2580]

@@Novastar.SaberCombat actually, it's Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, not Sergeant.

[@robin97rv]

​@@jamesdick2580 "actually" 🤓☝️

[@ckmoore101]

@@jamesdick2580 Come on... who cares. We are not talking about a real person, so it is not necessary to carry the torch for a fictional characters military honor, or proper rank. Like the great Sgt Hulka said... Lighten up Francis.

[@PapaCasual]

Gunnery SGT Hartman's speeches are a language of love. Most civilians just dont speak it. He's getting men ready for war. Not teaching them to bake a pie.

[@jayjay3195]

Joshua Lennep as a military vet myself those words couldn't be more true

[@urdude67]

Yes perfect comment and word choice. It is a form of love to put brutality in the training so the soldier may survive better in war.

[@denzilvallance9046]

When my son joined army training college his mother would give me hell, it was hard to make her see that they were trying to equip him to lie in a freezing ditch while people tried to kill him. He's a corporal at that same college now, doing the same for the 16 year olds of today.

[@joemendoza7696]

Great movie but boot camp part is awesome

[@porkimond]

Amen!

[@tombob671]

I was USMC 1966, 67 and 68. The time period of Full Metal Jacket. Thier film was on the mark. The insanity of boot camp is to get you ready to survive combat. And yes our drill instructors were not bashful about beating the snot out of a slacker. The penalty for failure in combat is dead marines, ask any combat marine he will tell you combat makes bootcamp seem like a formal english tea

[@blorpinino999]

I work with a kid who's only 23, never been in the military, who says repeatedly that Full Metal Jacket is "Such a cheesy movie...it's sooo cheesy" and our new manager is a USMC veteran. We're still waiting for him to set this kid straight...

[@wilhard45]

@Tom Burgess -- Welcome home brother. Sergeant USMC 1964-1970 Tet '68 I could not watch the movie for several years because it hit too close to home and friends that were lost including my CO. Semper Fi

[@betoen]

What happened if somebody was like Pyle? Would a drill instructor better made him out of training?

[@1990hondarc30]

Tom Burgess my dad joined in 65. In Nam 66-67 with The Walking Dead then I Corps. He said the boot camp scene was the most realistic he'd ever seen in a movie. Affirmative on the combat. Semper Fi Devil Dog

[@jrftworth]

Is there such a thing as a "non-combat" Marine. All Branches of the military are expected to serve in combat

[@Deetroiter]

Had the honor and privilege to meet Gunny and let me tell you…even in his older age, he’s quite the intimidating man. And he had a heart of gold. Very kind and genuine person with a friendly personality. RIP Gunny

[@holden6104]

This is like the greatest drill sergeant of all time being interviewed by my mom.

[@curtisake7431]

Drill Instructors for the Marine Corps. Drill Sgts. for the Army. ----- Semper Fi!!!!

[@SotomayorPR]

He should win an Oscar for this performance. RIP

[@hm3drake35]

He wasn’t really acting…he was just being himself and putting a dramatic edge on it.

[@chewie1644]

Should have won, they don’t retroactively hand out Oscar’s….

[@michaellunburg8567]

I was in Nam 68 and 69. The movie was dead on.

[@traviskarnes6825]

Michael Lunburg Thank you very much for your service to our country. God bless you

[@Ghosts-jx7dw]

Dead on? LOL

[@Shadow77999]

Thanks for confirming

[@2-strokeracer531]

Glad you made it, brother.. 👍

[@prophetichippo]

Semper Fi Sir

[@privateprivate3223]

It's hard to explain how realistic his performance was in Full Metal Jacket, unless you've actually been to boot camp, then you understand. The fear and intimidation that his recruits had for him is something that all recruits have for their drill instructor when going through basic training. He nailed that perfectly.

[@incognito-yj4gu]

That was the most accurate basic training movie ever made. Having lived it I can say that obviously nobody ever told the drill sargeants about no verbal abuse.

[@whatabouttheearth]

Boot Camp, not Basic Training and it's a Drill Instructor not a Drill Sargeant, and it is only accurate for US Marines. I was in both the US Marine Corps and the US Army. The Corps is VERY different.

[@akallio9000]

You remember "classroom PT" as punishment? (bends and thrusts, mountain climbers, etc.) The reason they'd yell "I CAN'T HEAR YOU! START OVER!" on the count was because they weren't supposed to make you do more than 50 bends and thrust or whatever in a given session, and this kept some shavetail from trying to bust them for it.

[@kentadams4589]

@@whatabouttheearth In the Marine Corps technically its called Recruit Training.

[@treadhead]

DEVIL DOG LEATHERNECK D.I.'s , THEIR " DEVIL DOG BARK ", 1 " BARKING " D.I. IN YOUR FACE, 1 " BARKING " D.I. IN YOUR LEFT EAR , 1 " BARKING " D.I. IN YOUR RIGHT EAR , " A L L AT THE SAME TIME " !!!!! A REAL ATTENTION GETTER , ONES REACTION , " ATTENTION TO DETAIL " , JUST PART OF THE MAKING OF A MARINE , AMERICA'S TIP OF THE SPEAR !!!!!

[@Ayanami0001]

Deserved an Oscar for what may be the finest acting performance ever put on film.

[@scottstrand1874]

Gunny deserved at least TWO OSCARS: One for FULL METAL JACKET and one for MISSISSIPPI BURNING. RIP GUNNY.

[@billkaldem4277]

I don’t think Gunny was acting

[@johnpliskasr2559]

I was in boot camp at MCRD in 1966, the one thing an actor can't draw upon is memory. R. Lee had the memories and portrayed them to perfection! I tell everyone that the first half of this movie WAS Marine boot camp,the second half I didn't think much of because for the movie's sake and production costs they had to take all the same actors from boot camp and put them together in Hue, that wasn't possible, because everyone had different MOS's and went to different schools. After ITR (Infantry Training Regiment) we were scattered to the winds. So everyone got their post MOS training orders at different times, with different destinations. I still think of and miss some of my boot camp friends. It would be great to hear what their experiences were after we went to our schools.

[@slckb0y65]

he wasn't acting in FMJ :P that's how he really was, and that's why, especially in this day and age of perpetually triggered snowflakes, we'll be missing him so much.

[@MaestroTJS]

@@allenmurgondy5221 Nobody cares about vets though.

[@angelofgod8783]

That sparkle in his eyes makes me feel like he is still alive

[@TheresaPowers]

stupid comment.

[@pierreo33]

@Ambrose Delgado but it IS a stupid comment. "Angel of God" seems to have no concept of reality or time

[@nunyabizness199]

He's still got that 1000 watt stare too...😁

[@Walrus563]

@@TheresaPowers Why? It's a nice thing to say.

[@Hibernicus1968]

It's interesting to hear him soft-spoken, polite, subdued, as he is in this interview, such a stark contrast to the character for which he became so well known. Full Metal Jacket made him famous, and he spent the rest of his career playing the loud, assertive, hard-bitten drill instructor, forever yelling at knuckle-headed recruits. If you watch the shows he hosted for the History Channel, Mail Call and Lock n' Load (I really loved Mail Call), he's still playing a version of that character, although more obviously all in good fun.

[@Demure_Amir]

The scariest acting performance I witnessed. His work invoked fear in me and I was fully aware it was a movie. Completely captivating. One of the greatest performances of all time. 🙏🏼❤️

[@brianallen6300]

Incredible when you compare his performance in Full Metal Jacket to this interview. A highly articulate, and intelligent man who served with honor. You sir will be greatly missed.

[@SammyBoyATP]

Trump is great. Gunny endorsed him.

[@captainthunderbuns677]

Brian Allen better hope he doesn’t come back and kick your butt for calling him sir! JK. NCOs hate that. At least when I was in the AF in the late 70s. Happy New Year!

[@darkiee69]

@@SammyBoyATP And if he'd seen what the outcome of that was he'd be rotating like a high speed fan in his grave.

[@l3p3]

As he said, there is an intelligent reason behind drill. Drill sergants are not stupid at all.

[@joshjohnson3347]

He was very articulate in FMJ too😛

[@jah5075]

The Fatbodies who disliked this video are still paying for that Jelly Doughnut!

[@MrDuck797]

I think the people who disliked it were just annoyed by the interviewer’s naive and blind personality.

[@Matt2099]

😂😂😂

[@yepitsme7237]

Lmao

[@jeffreytaylor4464]

Ja H actually it was everybody else who payed for that Jelly Doughnut, the Fat Body got to eat it. That’s when school started for Pile.

[@mrworkout79]

A JELLY DOUGNUT?!?!

[@rossjames1915]

Comes across as a humble and genuine guy. Totally honest and such a good actor

[@patsupromajakr8498]

Interviews in the old days were so eloquent.

[@TheBashar327]

Terrible interviewer, but Ermey handled it well. Not too many people get to create something so iconic and memorable.

[@bradl8887]

TheBashar327 Ermey was a great and interesting man, but he really wasn’t giving anything but the company line here. Good on the interviewer (Valerie Pringle) for trying different angles to get him to actually say something of substance.

[@fiveofever2971]

They're Canadians. You shouldn't expect too much

[@DIYTFY]

Great interview. 👍👍

[@indridcold8433]

"Most of you will go to Vietnam. Some of you will not come back. But always remember this: Marines die, that's what were here for! But the Marine Corps lives forever. And that means you live forever!" -Gunnery Sergeant Hartman

[@nirvana213xxxz]

What a class act Gentleman. Rest in Power good sir.

[@paulpillow7641]

I met him twice, last timr at the MCAS New River SNCO club, pure class, very funny, and just a nice guy. Semper Fi Gunny!

[@trevj3288]

Rest in peace Gunny. You will be dearly missed! Great man and great service to our great country.

[@dhalsim-1]

Trev Jones You lost!

[@Jean_Pierre_Wehry]

Such an amazing human and actor. We miss you Gunny. RIP R. Lee Ermey

[@ConyCees]

He was truly fantastic in this role. So much so, that I'm inclined to invite some of my friends (John Penderson, A Mexican I met on the bus and the young black girl I'm dating) over to watch it. Perhaps we'll even watch Kindergarten Cop as well!

[@thomaslattenhauer8434]

I went through all of that 52 years ago. He was pretty spot-on in the movie. Rest in peace my brother!

[@thdgcfx]

"I'm a piece of cake" right out of the gate lol love it

[@DougJK]

This woman is one of those people that just constantly go “I dOn’T gEt It”

[@henri1_96]

dude, i agree

[@MichaelDavis-cy4ok]

Totally agree, and I think that's mostly a good thing. I fought in Afghanistan, and I don't want the regular people to be able to "get it." I don't want most of the kids in this country being raised by people who are intimately acquainted with surviving combat. There's danger in coddling an entire generation (which we're dealing with now), but there's also danger in having a whole generation be too closely familiar with combat. Having a discussion with regular people about time in combat SHOULD be unsettling and alien for them.

[@ravenousogre6986]

I hate people like that

[@JosiahWarren]

You mean Women

[@slaughterhouse5585]

Clueless. 😮

[@roccobierman4985]

She's a crappy interviewer here. He showed a lot of composure to deal with her and deliver good information.

[@michaeldorosh5047]

What did he have to "deal with" other than honest questions and sincere interest in the answers?

[@16echo101stI]

@@michaeldorosh5047 Interrupting him in mid answer and her responsive facial expressions of disgust and revolt during the interview. Though this interview isn't 10 years after Vietnam, it does give a glimpse into the general societal dynamics of the time. Media is revolted by the mere presence of a Vietnam War Veteran and the "cool as a cucumber" SSGT. Ermey. Eventually SSGT. Ermey was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant and... what's her name? Well, the public forgot about her long ago. But Ermey should get a Marine Corps Base named after him.

[@michaeldorosh5047]

@@16echo101stI I'm not seeing disgust and revolt - I think your hero worship of Ermey is probably causing you to project...his promotion to Gunnery Sergeant was honorary, by the way.

[@marka.graffakasnakebitenat3736]

She's Canadian.

[@16echo101stI]

@@michaeldorosh5047 Thank you for your input, but I stand by my original comment. I don't think anyone here is disputing the fact that R. Lee Ermey's "Gunnery Sergeant" rank is honorary, but thanks for trying to enlighten us none the less.

[@d4untless261]

This guy did such a good job and had so much respect for the role it was unreal.... what an actor... he was so informative to the realism too.

[@omnivorous65]

What I find most amazing about Ermey is not that he nailed the role of a drill sergeant. That could be attributed to his previous real life experience. But rather that he turned out to be a first rate actor. He played numerous other roles after that and he absolutely nailed them. He was either a natural or prepared for that chance meticulously.

[@thejgzone9]

This proves how good of an actor he was. That someone this calm and well spoken could act like he did in full metal jacket is just brilliant. She didn't appreciate who she was talking to.

[@Warszawski_Modernizm]

He served in USMC, he knew this life inside out.

[@tylerhastings2766]

Or Texas chainsaw massacre Jesus he scared me more than leatherface

[@briansignorelli7090]

He didn't have to act it was just in him I was in the Army and it was just like that

[@veteran0121]

Women are clueless about war...

[@bobjimboob6920]

@@briansignorelli7090 Brother, if you were an instructor, you'd know that he was acting. They all were. That's the point. So many comments expressing wonder at his acting ability - and it's there to be sure! - but Ermey's acting talent was shown to the world. Most DI's acting talents were shown only to a select few - and a good many wouldn't even admit they were acting.

[@stevenciaccio9785]

Can we take a moment to appreciate R. Lee Ermey's outfit? Man had mad sauce

[@traveller4790]

Boy, this woman is the most naive interviewer I've ever seen! And good ol' R. Lee took it easy on her when he could very easily have chewed her up and spit her out. I also noticed that he tactfully omitted the part that his dialogue in the opening barracks scene in the movie was unscripted and was all ad-lib on his part, at the request of Stanley Kubrick. When R. Lee said that there were "a few" like Hartman, he wasn't kidding because he was one of them. One of the best DIs to ever wear a campaign hat, if not THE best. R.I.P. GUNNY. SEMPER FI.

[@tmm4461]

Genuinely an absolutely excellent actor in what ever part that needed him. Fortunately there were many.

[@shawndaheisser3585]

Wow he looked marvelous here. My dad said that the drill sgt he had were just as snarly. He said that it was because of what they were sending you into. If they treated you with kit gloves or as he said "A DISH RAG" you would not be hardened for call of duty. Rest peaceful Gunny!

[@smithn.wesson495]

You are right and countless thousands of vets who went through boot camp in the armed services during that era have said R. Lee Ermey was pretty much spot on for a lot (but not all) of the scenes. The opening boot camp script was almost entirely done off script, where R. Lee Ermey said and did what really happened and the exact same things he said to new recruits while being a drill instructor during the Vietnam war. The director, Stanley Kubrick, just kept the cameras rolling, even with it being totally unscripted, and put into the film. R. Lee Ermey wrote over 150 pages of insults they he personally used as a drill instructor while in the Marines for Full Metal Jacket. That was adding realism. R. Lee Ermey is trying to water it down a bit for this interviewer and is really trying to sugar coat it.

[@CrniWuk]

Dunno, I managed to get trough Call of Duty without all those harsh instructions.

[@WintersWar]

"kid"

[@ewaldseiland8558]

"He said that it was because of what they were sending you into" Well other armies who produce effective soldiers make do without that kind of yelling and name-calling. Think of the Brits or the French. In the Foreign Legion, they expect any order to be obeyed immediately, but sergeants do not make up joke names for their recruits and use endless profanities. It's an American thing, it works, but so do other methods.

[@mrlevittown]

CrniWuk Funny! 😅👍

[@hectorhinojos1164]

RIP Marine and thank you for your service and sacrifice. Oorah!

[@mikefinity7129]

I served in the Marines 4 yrs, 1968 - 1972, including a tour in Vietnam. GySygt Ermey, you gave an absolutely great, authentic portrayal of your character. Vivid, powerful. Semper Fi, Gunny. RIP

[@minnesotajack1]

He deserved an Oscar for that explanation about how it’s unusual behavior for drill instructors.

[@bluestar9463]

"No honey, Drill Sergeants usually fluff your pillow, kiss you goodnight, and make you tea and crumpets in the morning." What a dope.

[@jaybrock812]

What no Alpine mint on my pillow? Lol

[@randysretired2020]

That would have been an epic response. 😂

[@pamelabacker2420]

Yeah, right? She's so clueless!😂😂

[@Apfelkind4000]

As a German Paratroopers captain I tell you, that you don’t need to abuse your men physically and mentally in order to train them properly . 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@schechter01]

@@Apfelkind4000 When's the last time your country's paratroopers (or even your infantry) were in a battle, with live fire & everything else? Germany hasn't been too active in recent decades...

[@wd-type9643]

Rest easy Gunny. We’ve got the watch now.

[@alphasixfive1658]

Serve Your Country - Not Yourself !

[@naturesquad9174]

Looks like you're sleeping on it

[@tomhamilton5261]

Brilliant actor. Greatly missed but not forgotten.

[@musicauthority5635]

R. Lee Ermy was actually a drill instructor in real life. which made him perfect for that roll. I also liked him as the judge in the movie. "Murder in the First". which is probably one of my all time favorite movies. Kevin Bacon should have gotten an award for his roll in that movie. and Christian Slater was AWESOME too.

[@james_ford86]

Dude, take a spelling class.

[@douggauzy6258]

He also played in Mississippi burning . He line this state is as dry as a martini and we got the Alcoholics to proof it. !”

[@musicauthority5635]

@@douggauzy6258Along with Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe. and a bunch of other awesome actors.

[@funnathanrandall]

Siege on fire base Gloria

[@wareaglealum1]

He's definitely downplaying. My father was a Marine and was in the Corps at the same time as Gunny. When we watched FMJ together, Dad started laughing. He said that was just how it was back then. Glad Dad got to meet Gunny back in 2015. Now both are gone.

[@mikekaatman3194]

Thank you for your father's service.

[@douglasrodrigues9329]

My wife asked me the same question about "Do they actually treat people like that?". I had to laugh. In fact, I laugh everytime I see the movie again. I had two instructors. I thought one was an A-1 first class psychopath at the time. But what civilians don't realize is that basic training isn't a Boy Scout Camp. Everything done to you is to condition you to think the right way. The psychological pressures put on you the first couple of days has you forgetting who you even are or where you come from. It's designed to be that way. Just watch the movie and understand that the DI is doing what it takes for them to survive as a cohesive unit in worse circumstances.

[@fryingpanhead8809]

@@douglasrodrigues9329 "Because I am hard, you will not like me. But the more you hate me, the more you will learn."

[@donnyjones6717]

I'm sorry to hear that brother RIP and God Bless your father

[@fastone942]

My Dad was a Marine from 52 to 58 and left to join the Airforce as a forward air control spend a lot of time with the Marines in 68 at Khe San he always laugh about running in to his DI from 1952 there of all places outside of that never said much about his time during Korea war as a grunt from 52 to 54 or Vietnam he retired in 1973 age 38 and never look back but he love to watch the Gunny show mail call in later life

[@splewy]

It’s kind of amazing to hear him talking in his natural voice. I feel like later on in his life, his public persona became him just playing the “gunny” character non-stop.

[@BigB-1]

Sure he didn't mind. Made a good living from it.

[@TRJ2241987]

Sometimes in the entertainment world you find a niche and you go with it. Gilbert Gottfried, Bobcat Goldthwait, Mr T, Hulk Hogan....it was the magic of the pre internet world where you could truly believe somebody was that character

[@federico5756]

one of the best performances in the history of cinema. forever and ever. thank you!

[@BabyLambCreations]

I won’t lie, it’s weird hearing R Lee Ermey talking so calmly and kindly when I’ve been so used to hearing him yelling so much. 😂 He played Gunnery Sergeant Hartman so perfectly. I miss him.

[@TheCanuck1962]

R. Lee Ermy was a DI himself in the USMC. As someone who also served in the USMC, the boot camp scenes are the most realistic I have ever seen in a military movie. Semper FI. RIP Marine. Drinking with "Chesty" Puller now. "In 1961, at age 17, Ermey enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and went through recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in San Diego, California. He served in the aviation support field for a few years before becoming a drill instructor in India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, where he was assigned from 1965 to 1967. Ermey then served in Marine Wing Support Group 17 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, Japan. In 1968, he was ordered to South Vietnam with MWSG-17, and spent 14 months in the country. The remainder of his service was on Okinawa, where he was advanced to staff sergeant (E-6). He was medically retired in 1972 because of several injuries. On May 17, 2002, he received an honorary promotion to gunnery sergeant (E-7) by the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James L. Jones."

[@jbb9643]

Lee Ermy was a "Hollywood" Marine? Ooh Rah! MCRD San Diego makes 'em tough! Those of us that were tough enough to be trained at San Diego were often derided by the Paris Island trained Marines (out of pure jealousy) :-P

[@indomitusveritas9838]

"Marines die, that's what we're here for. But the Marine Corps lives forever. And that means YOU live forever." R. Lee Ermey . Semper FI Gunny..........RIP

[@johntaylor294]

SEMPER FI ! BROTHER

[@ghedebaronsamedi]

"I'm a piece of cake." Well, you didn't manage to make that sound any less threatening, Mr. Ermey. RIP Sir, you were a treasure.

[@johncooney93]

My Father is a former Marine and Vietnam vet. He said the training half was the most realistic scene in a movie he has ever seen aside from PVT Pyle being able to sneak any live rounds back to the barracks. One of my favorite movies as a kid and still now. Coming from an Army combat vet, Afghanistan and Iraq

[@doctordirk6316]

Can't imagine anyone else in that role. One of those unforgettable performances. Perfect casting? Sir! ...Yes!...Sir!.

[@dennisahmet4902]

Well said numb nuts

[@dennisahmet4902]

Well said numb nuts

[@codeoptimizationware2803]

@ Doctor Dirk: Reportedly, Ermey was almost NOT cast in his most infamous role as Gny. Sgt. Hartman. At first, Stanley Kubrick brought on the real-life Marine drill instructor and actor R. Lee Ermey to assist in the making of _Full Metal Jacket_ [1987] as Military Consultant. During rehearsals with another, previous actor as the drill Sgt., Ermey exclaimed something like _THAT'S not how you do it!_ and then demonstrated by getting all up into the face of another actor playing a recruit, yelling, screaming at the guy LOUD and HARD just in the way that real-life drill instructors do. Kubrick, very impressed, immediately promoted Ermey to the actual role in front of the camera that would no less than dominate the first half of the film. The rest is, as they say, history. While it's well known that R. Lee Ermey was a real life Marine, it's no less true that he was already a capable and completely qualified actor, having received probably about as much acting training in acting school as military training in the Marine Corps.

[@Holiday48000]

Semper Fi Gunny, R.I.P.

[@katgrey6239]

Such an amazing man. Thank you for your service! Many remarkable service men and women have served with honor.

[@manofthehour6856]

He is such an amazing actor and should have been at least nominated for an Academy Award. You can see the real person here, and he is so insightful and intelligent. Its amazing how young he looks here, and that he is no longer with us. And Valarie looks smashing as ever back then, though fortunately she IS still with us. Vincent D'Onofrio recently said that even though it was one of if not his actual first movie(s), he recognized that Ermey was "green". That wasn't a slight at Ermey's acting abilities at all, but just that he had not gone through the actual acting process in front of the camera.

[@Maxumized]

I would have said: “Thank you, I’m glad you’re afraid of me because that means my acting was precisely on point.”

[@BruceWayne-cb2ys]

Very good point

[@mattiasvejdegren1255]

He should have recieved 2 oscars for his performance in Full Metal Jacket😳😇💕

[@jamescampbell5516]

How about 3? Best Actor, Best Technical Advisor and best all around depiction of the ultimate DI getting young men ready for war.

[@testing4037]

He wasn't acting.

[@mrmustangman]

one for his rifle and one for his gun.....

[@robleary3353]

A National treasure, as all Vets are. He was articulate and inteligent in discussing this subject and his experiences in the Marines.

[@joeyaugustthfc]

seems like a lovely man in addition to a lovely actor. RIP

[@GZA036]

god I hate this interviewer... he's in the middle of giving an interesting answer and she interrupts and asks a new question. Great job!

[@vagabondwastrel2361]

That is sorta the job. Sometimes they have to keep it moving if they are limited by time to get some more questions out of the guest. I am not saying she is good or bad at it but if that interview was done by cnn today they would ask if how many babies he ate during the war.

[@JayzsMr]

Vagabond Wastrel how is that the job when in the end he didn't answer a single question because she kept interrupting?

[@vagabondwastrel2361]

I didn't say she did a good job but in that format of interview her job is to keep the questions coming.

[@DeathBringer769]

That's why I dislike the rigid format. In hindsight you can clearly see one or two more meaningful, in-depth answers would be better than a bunch of shallow or non-answers quickly skipped by. Ideally, the format would allow you to be flexible in the moment, either letting the interviewee answer longer and thereby asking less questions, or going ahead and asking the full list if they give short answers. But most TV production crews and executives probably hate flexibility. To them it probably just means "unpredictability" and less efficiency, lol. Still, you could probably strike a better balance in the middle. And to be fair, this *is* an older TV production, obviously.

[@12345NoNamesLeft]

Valerie Pringle - She's awful. Got fired / show canceled to get rid of her.

[@Damonbird775]

This lady is beyond rude. It’s like she is mad at him for how he “acted” in the film.

[@linyenchin6773]

*Emotional Constipation* made her so.

[@notibutthespicegirls9372]

@Dream Theory do you think all women are really this diluted? Genuine question.

[@immelting9834]

That's liberals for ya

[@pierreo33]

@@immelting9834 do you enjoy dying so the rich can become richer? stay blind, sheep

[@immelting9834]

@@pierreo33 I became a American citizen on 2/19/2015 . I am originally from Lithuania. When I come to the United States I had only 1,800 US dollars. I rented a basement room in Milwaukee Wisconsin for 200 dollars and had a job working in a food store . After 2 years I saved 25,000 dollars . I lived as basic as possible and walked to work until I bought a 800 dollar car. I took the savings and was able to rent a small corner store for 1,200 a month and buy inventory . I now work there and make 90,000- 110,000 each year take home. know live in a 1 bedroom apartment for 550 a month and I am saving for untill I have 500,000 to but a brand new home and new car in cash here in Milwaukee. America is beautiful and it is sad to see people not making anything of themselves and only excuses and emotions. I am almost to my goals . Once I am debt free I am going to pay my way through college and take bachelor and masters degree in business. I am 31 years old. Anyone can do this . I will not die with money. My passion is helping United States homeless to get jobs and teaching them self dignity and reliance. I will donate my wealth to renovation of homeless shelters that teach education.

[@SpinachMinich]

I got to meet Mr. Ermey at a sporting goods store and he was the kindest soul. He told me he loved the M1 Garand the most. RIP to a legend

[@tedzimmerly]

I went to Boot camp in 1989 and then 4 years in the Infantry- 2/7. Sometimes I think back deep about those days and it is still so vivid. I see the events so clearly it instantly takes me back for a moment. Then I snap back and say. "what the F was I thinking", and have a little smile. Great experience for a naïve kid from Nebraska. Those experiences made me relentlessly unstoppable for the rest of my life which has been the source of much of my success in life. Young people, especially young men need to experience real difficulty and build resilience. An easy life cheats one of their greatest potential.

[@FrehleyFan3988]

The woman doesnt understand she is talking to r lee ermey, the greatest gunnery sergeant of all time in the united states marine corps

[@nobody-hr1lo]

It's sad when you realize how the cream of society sacrifices itself for the parasites to live.

[@davidphillips8416]

@@nobody-hr1lo VERY TRUE.

[@brendansmith4038]

Umm John Basilone? Anyone?

[@QuadMochaMatti]

Whatever.

[@scottouellette9411]

Why was he great because he became an actor and profited off his military experiences...in the land of milk and honey.

[@Alprazolam08]

We lost a legend.

[@devinroman6010]

Affirmative. SIR

[@susanmotto3214]

true

[@jasenwright1178]

Why didn't he get an Oscar? he was simply amazing! The films director must have been delighted with the way Lee just 'nailed it'! --Perfect!

[@eleazarruoch576]

I love this guy. He both made me want to join the Marines and at the same time, run for my life.

[@ludwigfan3013]

There's nobody else who could've played Sgt. Hartman better than R. Lee Ermey. He even Improvised some of the lines in the movie. Rest in Peace Sir and thank you for your service.

[@markherring3513]

I think Mr. Bookman the Library cop could have played that role too.

[@MrFennmeista]

I was actually thinking of meeting him someday. Rip Gunny.

[@jeffreymcfadden9403]

15 years ago I ordered and received his gunny action figure, and he had autographed it on the back.

[@FuniAlien]

jeffrey mcfadden-Nice

[@joshuajones7390]

I met him when I was 14, the dude was as cool as they come!

[@teller1290]

me, too. life moves fast.

[@teller1290]

Hilly's the red. Right out of the 1960s counter-revolution.

[@Wilbarrow]

This guy was special. Very easy to understand. A truer great guy would be hard to find.

[@auldgoat5644]

So amazing to hear Hartman be such a soft spoken nice guy. R Lee Ermey was a gem.

[@artmcghee8809]

R.I.P Gunny, I remember those days and nights. USMC Ret. 73 - 93.

[@traviskarnes6825]

Art Mcghee Thank you very much for your service to our country. God bless you

[@stixnfeet7818]

RESPECT 👍

[@pekolucky]

Went through Parris Island in 1957. FMJ was the closest film, as far as accuracy is concerned, about boot camp. It was brutal but it made me a marine.

[@Henricus.]

He was a absolutely fantastic in FMJ! God bless you sir!

[@jakehbk9299]

R Lee Ermey was such a great actor it’s sad he died still was a great actor and great man in general may he rest in peace ❤

[@adriansherlockdamondark.1094]

I still remember walking into the movie theater to watch FMJ in 1987. Kubrick and the awesome drill sergeant...mind blowing!

[@tbrcc636]

“Is this realistic” “Is it really like that” “Are there really people like that” “Does this ring true to you”

[@lilienlambare]

Annoying as heck!

[@JFLOProductions]

Just a privileged lib who thinks everyone’s life is as easy as her meaningless existence

[@IAmHereForeve]

@@JFLOProductions She looks very conservative to me.

[@tannakiTV]

@@JFLOProductions here we go politicizing things that have nothing to do with politics

[@insanity4462]

@@tannakiTV Yes, this is just a boring woman trying to have a conversation with an interesting man. No need for politics.

[@christophercornelius9198]

All his roles where great. we all love you R. Lee. He will always be remembered and appreciated.

[@JoRN1222]

RIP. What a man! He and Vincent should've been Oscar nominated.

[@torstenscholz6243]

Rather odd to see this misanthropic, sadistic, yelling monster actually being a really nice, calm, down-to-earth gentleman in real life. R.I.P. R. Lee Ermey, what a legend.

[@candymiller3304]

He still has those eyes though. I like that he scared her.

[@brucekilby9957]

What a Fine Actor,he stole the first part of the movie and Kubrick seemed to like this sort of Character in his Films. Lee Emery was in another movie,about his daughter dieing. A good all round actor. 'Why is Private Pyle in my Head!' RIP Sarge. 🇺🇸

[@russellmcgurn4217]

Don't be a Tool, Tool. What were you? Navy?

[@tomben6180]

Man up snowflake, the world’s tough

[@nepnepguythegreatestofall6032]

It reminds me of Biff from Back to the Future. Most people see him as the big bully, when in reality, he's just a really chill dude. That's how you know your acting is good

[@adricklynn8882]

Fascinating to see this side of him, really a cool interview.

[@halfbakedproductions7887]

Ermey was only meant to be a technical advisor, but decided he wanted the role itself and had to work pretty hard on Stanley Kubrick to get it. The original actor hired for Hartman was relegated to being the helicopter door gunner. Having an actual USMC DI with actual Vietnam service under his belt really added an extra air of authenticity and power to the whole thing. It most definitely worked out. But unfortunately a lot of what Hartman did on screen isn't actually allowed in the modern Marine Corps.

[@willfomes406]

he seems like a genuinely nice person in this interview. excellent actor.