Kevyn Major Howard, the actor who played the role of Rafterman in the iconic 1987 film Full Metal Jacket, has passed away at the age of 69. His family confirmed the news, stating that he died on Friday in a Las Vegas hospital surrounded by his loved ones. The cause of his death has yet to be determined, but it is known that he had been hospitalized for several weeks due to respiratory problems. Howard was born on January 27, 1956, in Montreal, Quebec, and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting, thanks to his dual citizenship.

Throughout his career, Howard appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Full Metal Jacket, where he played a Vietnam War correspondent alongside Matthew Modine, who played the role of Pvt. Joker. The two actors remained close friends after working together on the film and spoke on the phone just before Howard's passing. Howard's other notable roles include appearances in films such as Death Wish II, Sudden Impact, and Alien Nation, as well as television shows like Cagney & Lacey, The A-Team, and MacGyver.

In addition to his acting career, Howard was also a celebrated headshot photographer, earning the title 'King of the Hollywood Headshot' for his ability to capture actors' personalities through their eyes. He also founded the 'Fueled by the Fallen' foundation, which honors military personnel and victims of 9/11 through memorial race cars and provides scholarships to children of fallen heroes. Howard's legacy extends beyond his acting and photography career, as he was also a dedicated supporter of the US Marine Corps and the men and women who serve in the armed forces.

Some of Kevyn Major Howard's notable works include: * Full Metal Jacket (1987) * Death Wish II (1982) * Sudden Impact (1983) * Alien Nation (1988) * Cagney & Lacey (TV series) * The A-Team (TV series) * MacGyver (TV series) * The Outsiders (TV series) * Crusade (1999) His photography business has been influential for over three decades, and his foundation has made a significant impact on the lives of many people. Howard is survived by his wife, Tiffanie, his stepdaughter Kayla, his sister Kim, and his brother Kelsey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to FueledBytheFallen.org.

Kevyn Major Howard's passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from the entertainment industry and beyond. His friend and former co-star Matthew Modine wrote a heartfelt tribute on social media, praising Howard's dedication to others and to America. As news of his death continues to spread, fans and colleagues alike are remembering Howard's iconic role in Full Metal Jacket and his lasting impact on the world of entertainment and beyond, including his work in photography.