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HBO presents

R. Lee Ermey, actor
"Director's Chair: Stanley Kubrick"

August 6, 2000

Film and television actor, R. Lee Ermey discusses in an online interview, his life as a marine, his experiences as an actor, and what it's like to work with director Stanley Kubrick.

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Cinemax: R. Lee Ermey is one of the most successful and talented actors working in film and television today. Cinemax is very pleased to present R. Lee Ermey.

R. Lee Ermey: I would just like to say hello to everybody and welcome aboard. I am certainly glad that we are taking a few moments to honor a man today that I have tremendous respect for - Mr. Stanley Kubrick. I welcome all questions. One of the reasons that I like doing things like this and one of the reasons I have accepted the offer today is because I get a lot of really great questions that aren't asked over and over by reporters and film critics, so please ask me any questions that might come to mind. The only foolish question is the question that is not asked.

Sammy: Was being awarded the Boston Society of Film Critics Best Supporting Actor Award for your role in "Full Metal Jacket" the best achievement to date so far?

R. Lee Ermey: It is indeed! I found that very honorable that I received the Boston Society of Film Critics Best Supporting Actor Award. I was so impressed that I sat down and wrote a thank you letter to each and every individual on the board. I do have one other award that I think outranks them all. I have an Achievement Award in the Arts from the Vietnam Veterans of America.

RonBeerMan: Hello, Sgt. Ermy. I was in your boot platoon 3086 in 1966 - Sgt. R. McCarville KILO 3/5 "Get Some". I saw you again in Okinawa in Jan.'68, just before the Tet Offensive. I think your film career has been great and very diversified. Most folks don't know you as a real Marine. Are you slated for the reunion next week?

R. Lee Ermey: Actually it is next month. The United States Marine Corps Drill Instructors Association, of which I am a charter member, has its reunion next month - the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th - in San Diego. I will be there, if possible. I seldom miss these reunions. Hope to see many of you there!

Evilstar: Mr. Ermey, did you expect Gunnery Sergeant Hartman to become the 'definitive' drill instructor in the pantheon of film?

R. Lee Ermey: It was my objective to portray Gunnery Sergeant Hartman as close to a real drill instructor as possible. Kubrick wanted total realism. I wanted total realism. I had done the drill instructor one other time prior to that, in a film called "Boys in Company C". It has always been my desire to show the world what a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor really was like. And I honestly do believe that Stanley Kubrick and I did accomplish the mission. I wrote most of my own dialogue in the show. And I'm pleased with the outcome of Gunnery Sareant Hartman.

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