Q&A with FMJ's R. Lee Ermey

From Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service
by Reid Spencer
9.24.07

"5 questions with ... actor R. Lee Ermey"
Best known for his role as Gunnery Sgt. Hartman in legendary director Stanley Kubrick's 1987 film, "Full Metal Jacket," R. Lee Ermey served as grand marshal for Sunday's Dodge Dealers 400 at Dover International Speedway. Ermey, 63, from Emporia, Kan., was a bona fide Marine Corps drill instructor before launching his acting career as Sgt. Loyce in 1978's "The Boys in Company C." Since then, he has appeared in more than 75 feature films and 100 episodes of the show "Mail Call" on The History Channel. Sporting News caught up with Ermey on Sunday before the race.

-excerpted-
Q:
Did you expect Private Pyle (actor Vincent D'Onofrio's character in "Full Metal Jacket") to have the success he has had in the "Law and Order" series?

A:
He's done good, hasn't he? I look at Vincent's show -- I seldom have time to watch TV; I watch a lot of news -- but every time I know he's on, and I'm flipping through channels, I stop and watch him. I like to think that I taught Vince everything he knows. But he's kind of taken a few of my traits, like being the off-the-wall guy, and he's very entertaining.
A lot of people don't know this, but ... he had to gain 65 pounds to get that job of Private Pyle.

More.

Thanks Judy!






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