Kevyn Major Howard, best known for his role as Rafterman in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket, has passed away at the age of 69. The actor, who later built a reputation as a leading headshot photographer, died in a Las Vegas hospital on Valentine’s Day, according to reports. While his family has yet to confirm an exact cause of death, sources noted that he had been hospitalized for several weeks with respiratory ailments.
Born on January 27, 1956, in Montréal, Quebec, Howard moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career that spanned television and film. His early work included appearances on shows like Trapper John, M.D. and roles in cautionary tales such as Off the Minnesota Strip and Scared Straight! Another Story. He made his film debut in Death Wish II (1982), and his notable credits include supporting roles in Clint Eastwood’s Sudden Impact (1983) and Alien Nation (1988), as well as a brief stint as an extra in Scarface (1983).
Howard’s performance in Full Metal Jacket (1987) remains his best-known work. It was on that set, where he was a member of the film’s Lusthog Squad alongside co-stars such as Sal Lopez, Gary Landon Mills, and Adam Baldwin, that he forged a lasting bond with actor Matthew Modine. In a heartfelt tribute shared on X, Modine wrote, “Kevyn Major Howard gave and gave and gave so much to the world and especially the men and women of our armed forces. His portrayal gave him a unique entrée into the world of the US Marine Corps… Thank you for your dedication to others and to America. May all the gods bless you Kevyn. Rest in peace.”
After a period of regular work in the 1980s and early ’90s, Howard gradually transitioned away from acting, focusing instead on headshot photography—a craft in which he earned the nickname “the King of the Hollywood Headshot.” In 2001, he appeared in the BBC TV series The Human Face, which examined the science behind beauty and fame, further solidifying his reputation for capturing natural light and authentic portrayals.
Kevyn Major Howard’s contributions to film and photography left an indelible mark on both industries. His work on Full Metal Jacket opened doors to a long journey of service to the nation’s storytelling traditions and creative expression. His passing is mourned by colleagues, friends, and fans alike.
