We got tough news on two fronts on Sunday.
First, the beloved Gunny, R. Lee Ermey, has passed away at the age of 74.
Ermey was a former Marine Corps drill instructor who found fame playing Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in the infamous Stanley Kubrick movie, Full Metal Jacket.
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Since then he’s played similar roles across many movies, as well as getting other opportunities to play his famously alpha male personality. (My favorite was his voice role in the Toy Story movies.)
Ermey was popular with conservatives for his clear cut defense of liberty and his willingness to support freedom whenever he got the chance.
He will be missed, for his movies and for his wonderful personality.
Statement from R. Lee Ermey's long time manager, Bill Rogin:
It is with deep sadness that I regret to inform you all that R. Lee Ermey ("The Gunny") passed away this morning from complications of pneumonia. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
Semper Fi, Gunny. Godspeed. pic.twitter.com/vf4O78JKmb
— R. Lee Ermey (@RLeeErmey) April 15, 2018
Ermey was the real deal. The knowledge of him passing brings back wonderful memories of our time together. @RLeeErmey @StanleyKubrick @FMJDiary @MatthewModine @AdamBaldwin pic.twitter.com/XgsItiMqCP
— Vincent D'Onofrio (@vincentdonofrio) April 16, 2018
#SemperFidelis Always faithful. Always loyal.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.RIP amigo. ✌🏽PVT. Joker #FullMetalJacket @RLeeErmey @StanleyKubrick @vincentdonofrio @ViKu1111 pic.twitter.com/AYbWQmLxy1
— Matthew Modine (@MatthewModine) April 15, 2018
Check out Ermey from a short interaction he had with the folks at TMZ a while back:
Sadly, that’s not the end of the bad news from Sunday.
We also learned that the matriarch of the Bush clan is in failing health and that she has decided against receiving new treatments that could prolong her life.
Former first lady Barbara Bush is in failing health, a source close to the Bush family tells CNN.
The source said she is being cared for at her home in Houston and has decided she does not want to go back into the hospital. She has been on oxygen for some time.
Her husband, former President George H. W. Bush is with her, as are daughter Doro and sons Marvin and Neil. Her other sons, former President George W. Bush and former Gov. Jeb Bush, have been in and out visiting her the past week.
Bush’s office released a statement, confirming after a “recent series of hospitalizations,” she has decided against seeking additional medical help and will instead focus on “comfort care.”
“It will not surprise those who know her that Barbara Bush has been a rock in the face of her failing health, worrying not for herself — thanks to her abiding faith — but for others. She is surrounded by a family she adores, and appreciates the many kind messages and especially the prayers she is receiving,” the statement continued.
Statement by the Office of George H. W. Bush on the health of former First Lady Barbara Bush. pic.twitter.com/4csUS6IRKZ
— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) April 15, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bush family as they struggle through this difficult time.
Prayers going up for a woman of great faith, great strength, and an unwavering love of country. Our country is better because of former First Lady Barbara Bush ❤️🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/pewdIu2hjr
— Nikki Haley (@nikkihaley) April 15, 2018
I am sending all my love and prayers to the entire Bush family today – Barbara Bush is a woman of great strength, patriotism and an iconic first lady of our times who has touched and inspired countless lives.
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) April 15, 2018
“Your success as a family, our success as a society, depends not on what happens at the White House but on what happens inside your house.”
–Barbara Bush#BarbaraBush pic.twitter.com/sNb95u6egG— Larry Elder (@larryelder) April 16, 2018
Barbara Bush is loved and admired across Texas and America, and we are all grateful for her unending contributions to our beloved state and nation. Our prayers are with her, President Bush, and the entire Bush family during this difficult time.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) April 15, 2018
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