Kevyn Major Howard was an actor best known for his performance in the 1987 Vietnam War drama “Full Metal Jacket” as Rafterman.
- Died: February 14, 2025 (Who else died on February 14?)
- Details of death: Died at a Las Vegas hospital after suffering from respiratory problems at the age of 69.
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Kevyn Major Howard’s legacy
Howard was part of the acclaimed ensemble cast of 1987’s Vietnam War drama “Full Metal Jacket,” playing combat photographer PFC Rafterman, who was eager to get away from base and out into the field. It was by far his biggest movie role, though he also appeared in such films as “Death Wish II,” “War Party,” and “Alien Nation.”
On television, Howard made guest appearances on shows including “Trapper John, M.D.,” “CHiPs,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Cagney & Lacey,” “The A-Team,” “MacGyver,” “Magnum, P.I.,” and “Miami Vice.” He retired from acting in 1999 and later worked as a headshot photographer. He was called “King of the Hollywood Headshot” in the BBC series “The Human Face.”
In addition to his later work in photography, Howard also founded the nonprofit Fueled by the Fallen. The organization remembers fallen heroes of law enforcement, the military, and more by creating custom vehicles emblazoned with their names. The first Fueled by the Fallen car honored heroes of the U.S. Marines, while later cars paid tribute to other military branches, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s officers, and those lost in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Tributes to Kevyn Major Howard
Full obituary: Deadline
