Kevyn Major Howard, the actor beloved for his role as Rafterman in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket, has sadly passed away at the age of 69.
Howard died on Friday at a hospital in Las Vegas, a loss confirmed by his family to TMZ.
Health Struggles Before His Passing
While the exact cause of his death has not been made clear, his family shared that he had been dealing with respiratory issues for several weeks before being hospitalized.
The news of his passing comes as a shock to those who admired his work both on-screen and off.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Kevyn Major Howard was born on January 27, 1956, in Montreal, Quebec.
After completing his college education, he moved to Los Angeles, thanks to his dual Canadian-American citizenship, to pursue a career in acting.
Howard’s breakthrough came in 1987 when he was cast in Full Metal Jacket, where he portrayed Rafterman, a Vietnam War correspondent.
The film, directed by Stanley Kubrick, became an iconic piece of cinema, and Howard’s role left a lasting impact.
A Storied Career in Hollywood
Throughout his career, Howard shared the screen with several Hollywood legends, including Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson, Frank Sinatra, and James Caan.
He began his acting career in the late 1970s and landed his first major role in the 1980 film The Serial.
He went on to appear in notable films like Death Wish II (1982) and Sudden Impact (1983), cementing his place in Hollywood.
Interestingly, Howard became the only actor to appear in both the Death Wish and Dirty Harry franchises, two of the most famous action series of the time.
A Passion for Photography
In addition to his acting career, Howard found success behind the camera as a headshot photographer.
Known as the “King of the Hollywood Headshot,” Howard was celebrated for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, particularly their personalities through their eyes.
His photography business remained influential for over three decades, making him a respected figure in the industry.
Philanthropy and Lasting Legacy
Outside of his entertainment career, Howard was also dedicated to giving back.
He founded the Fueled by the Fallen foundation, which honors military personnel and victims of 9/11 through memorial race cars.
The initiative also provides scholarships for the children of fallen heroes, further solidifying Howard’s legacy of service and support.
A Close Friendship With Matthew Modine
Even after their work together on Full Metal Jacket, Howard remained close friends with his co-star, Matthew Modine.
The two kept in touch over the years, and according to his family, they had spoken on the phone shortly before Howard’s passing.
Modine has since been informed of his friend’s death.
Family and Survivors
Kevyn Major Howard is survived by his wife, Tiffanie, his stepdaughter Kayla, his sister Kim, and his brother Kelsey.
He leaves behind a family and a body of work that will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
His passing marks the end of an era for those who admired his talent and generosity both on and off the screen.