R. Lee Ermey
ActingAbout R. Lee Ermey
Ronald Lee Ermey (March 24, 1944 – April 15, 2018) was a United States Marine Corps drill instructor and actor. Ermey often played the roles of authority figures, such as his breakout performance as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket, Mayor Tilman in the Alan Parker film Mississippi Burning, Bill Bowerman in Prefontaine, Sheriff Hoyt in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake, and plastic army men leader Sarge in the Toy Story films. He hosted two programs on the History Channel: Mail Call, in which he answered viewers' questions about various militaria both modern and historic; and Lock N' Load with R. Lee Ermey, which focused on the development of different types of weapons. He was a candidate for the National Rifle Association board of directors.
R. Lee Ermey Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of R. Lee Ermey reflects a strong mix of popular and critically appreciated roles. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of R. Lee Ermey's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 52% of R. Lee Ermey's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Se7en, which stands out as a key performance.
Best R. Lee Ermey Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from R. Lee Ermey's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie R. Lee Ermey has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Kubrick by Kubrick | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Filmworker | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2015 | Toy Story at 20: To Infinity and Beyond | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2014 | Kubrick Remembered | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2012 | The Watch | Manfred | Average | Similar → |
| 2010 | Machete Maidens Unleashed! | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 2010 | Toy Story 3 | Sarge (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | The Pixar Story | Sergeant (voice) (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2006 | The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning | Uncle Charlie Hewitt / Sheriff Hoyt | Average | Similar → |
| 2006 | X-Men: The Last Stand | Sergeant (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 2005 | Man of the House | Captain Nichols | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Chainsaw Redux: Making a Massacre | Self - Sheriff Hoyt | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | The Texas Chainsaw Massacre | Sheriff Hoyt | Average | Similar → |
| 2003 | Willard | Mr. Martin | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | Scenes of the Crime | Mr. Parker | Flop | Similar → |
| 2002 | Taking Sides | General Wallace | Average | Similar → |
| 2002 | The Salton Sea | Verne Plummer | Hit | Similar → |
| 2002 | Run Ronnie Run | Lead Kidnapper | Average | Similar → |
| 2001 | Recess: School's Out | Colonel O'Malley (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2001 | Saving Silverman | Coach | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | Buzz Lightyear of Star Command: The Adventure Begins | Sarge (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 2000 | Skipped Parts | Caspar Callahan | Average | Similar → |
| 1999 | Toy Story 2 | Sarge (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Life | Older Sheriff Pike | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Starship Troopers | Voice heard on speaker (voice) (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Switchback | Sheriff Buck Olmstead | Average | Similar → |
| 1997 | Prefontaine | Bill Bowerman | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | The Frighteners | Hiles | Hit | Similar → |
| 1996 | Stanley Kubrick: The Invisible Man | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Dead Man Walking | Clyde Percy | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Toy Story | Sergeant (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Leaving Las Vegas | Conventioneer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Se7en | Police Captain | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1995 | Savate | Benedict | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Best of the Best 3: No Turning Back | Preacher Brian | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Murder in the First | Judge Clawson | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Naked Gun 33⅓: The Final Insult | Prison Guard (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1993 | Body Snatchers | General Platt | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | Sommersby | Dick Mead | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | True Identity | Houston’s Boss | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Toy Soldiers | General Kramer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | 83 Hours 'Til Dawn | Glen Fairling | Hit | Similar → |
| 1990 | Kid | Luke Clanton | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Fletch Lives | Jimmy Lee Farnsworth | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | The Siege of Firebase Gloria | Sgt. Maj. Bill Hafner / Narrator | Average | Similar → |
| 1988 | Mississippi Burning | Mayor Tilman | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1987 | Full Metal Jacket | Gny. Sgt. Hartman | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Purple Hearts | Gunny | Average | Similar → |
| 1979 | Apocalypse Now | Eagle Thrust Seven Helicopter Pilot (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | The Boys in Company C | Sergeant Loyce | Hit | Similar → |
R. Lee Ermey - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of R. Lee Ermey?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring R. Lee Ermey is "Se7en" with a rating of 8.4/10.
How many movies has R. Lee Ermey acted in?
R. Lee Ermey has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by R. Lee Ermey?
Other notable films include "Apocalypse Now", "Full Metal Jacket", and "Toy Story".