Kevyn Major Howard has sadly passed away at the age of 69.
The Canadian star was best known for his role as Rafterman in Stanley Kubrick’s iconic war film Full Metal Jacket.
He tragically died on Friday (February 14) in a Las Vegas hospital surrounded by his loved ones, according to TMZ.
While his cause of death is yet to be determined, he had been hospitalized for weeks due to respiratory problems, the outlet revealed.
Howard moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s to pursue a career in acting.
He landed his first major film role in the 1980 dark comedy The Serial, starring Martin Mull and Tuesday Weld. He later shared the screen with Charles Bronson in Death Wish II and Clint Eastwood in Sudden Impact.
But it was Kubrick’s 1987 Vietnam War epic that gave the late actor his most memorable and career-defining role.
The critically acclaimed film, which also starred Matthew Modine, Adam Baldwin, and R. Lee Ermey, was nominated for an Academy Award and remains one of the most revered war movies of all time.
The Roadhouse 69 star retired from acting in the 90s and found success as a photographer, earning the nickname the “King of the Hollywood Headshot” for his work with up-and-coming stars.
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Following the news of Kevyn Major Howard’s passing, colleagues have taken to social media to honor the late actor.
Howard’s friend and former co-star Matthew Modine penned on X (formerly Twitter): “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,” he added.
Modine shared a behind-the-scenes photo from the set featuring the Lusthog Squad, which included Howard alongside himself and co-stars Sal Lopez, Gary Landon Mills, and Adam Baldwin.
“We’re being lit by fire in this photo. We went to this source of warmth because the winter of 1985 was particularly freezing,” he concluded.
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.… pic.twitter.com/Kc2dYFEwb6
— Matthew Modine (@MatthewModine) February 16, 2025
Fans also shared their memories of Howard, praising his acting career and his dedication to first responders and the military.
One person wrote in their tribute message: “RIP Kevyn Major Howard. Mr. Howard was on the receiving end of the coldest and coolest line in movie history as “Stomper” in Death Wish 2.”
Another said: “We will always remember his full support for police, military, first responders. And what an incredible neighbor, always ready for a chat or lighting up the street for kids playing. A genuinely great person. He will be missed.”
And a third added: “It was an honor to have met Kevyn, he is a true patriot. Rest in peace.”
Howard is survived by his wife Tiffany, stepdaughter Kayla, sister Kim, and brother Kelsey.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.
