Kevyn Major Howard: 5 Shocking Facts About The ‘Full Metal Jacket’ Star And ‘King Of The Hollywood Headshot’

The world of cinema and military advocacy lost a true champion with the passing of Kevyn Major Howard. As of today, December 12, 2025, the most significant and recent news is the actor’s death on February 14, 2025, at the age of 69. Best known for his unforgettable role as Private First Class “Rafterman” in Stanley Kubrick’s iconic Vietnam War drama, *Full Metal Jacket*, Howard’s life was a multi-faceted journey that spanned from Hollywood acting to revolutionizing the headshot industry and establishing a powerful non-profit organization to honor fallen heroes. His legacy extends far beyond the silver screen, encompassing a celebrated career behind the camera and a profound commitment to those who served. The news of his passing in a Las Vegas hospital, following an extended battle with respiratory issues, brought an outpouring of tributes from friends, co-stars like Matthew Modine, and the military community he so passionately supported.

Kevyn Major Howard: Full Biography and Profile

Kevyn Major Howard was a Canadian actor, photographer, and philanthropist whose career left an indelible mark on Hollywood and the lives of countless military and first responder families.

• Full Name: Kevyn Major Howard
• Date of Birth: January 27, 1956
• Place of Birth: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• Date of Death: February 14, 2025
• Age at Death: 69
• Place of Death: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
• Cause of Death: Ongoing respiratory issues
• Spouse: Tiffanie Kalisz (Upholding his legacy at Fueled by the Fallen)
• Known For: Playing Private First Class "Rafterman" in the 1987 film *Full Metal Jacket*
• Other Notable Film/TV: *Death Wish II* (1982), *Alien Nation* (1989), *The Human Face* (BBC Series)
• Post-Acting Career: Celebrated headshot photographer, nicknamed "King of the Hollywood Headshot"
• Philanthropy: Founder of the non-profit organization "Fueled by the Fallen"

The Enduring Impact of Rafterman in Full Metal Jacket

Kevyn Major Howard’s most iconic role came in 1987 as Private First Class "Rafterman" in the critically acclaimed war film, *Full Metal Jacket*, directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick. The film, a brutal and unflinching look at the Vietnam War, is divided into two distinct parts. Howard’s character, Rafterman, is introduced in the second half, set in Vietnam. Rafterman is a combat photographer for the military publication *Stars and Stripes*. He partners with the film’s protagonist, Private "Joker" (played by Matthew Modine), a correspondent. Their dynamic—the cynical writer and the earnest photographer—provided a unique lens through which the audience viewed the chaos and moral ambiguity of the conflict. The actor’s portrayal was highly believable, capturing the essence of an earnest, regular guy sucked into the sad madness of war. Howard’s work on the film gave him a unique entrée into the world of the US Marine Corps, a relationship that would profoundly shape his later philanthropic efforts. The film’s legacy remains strong, and Rafterman’s character is often cited as a powerful representation of the journalists and photographers who documented the war.

From Kubrick's Set to 'King of the Hollywood Headshot'

Following his successful run as an actor, which included roles in films like *Death Wish II* and the TV series *Alien Nation*, Kevyn Major Howard made a deliberate pivot in his career. He retired from acting in 1999 and transitioned to a celebrated career behind the camera as a professional headshot photographer. This second act was arguably as influential as his first. Howard quickly built a reputation as a skilled photographer, successfully revolutionizing the headshot industry over decades. His expertise earned him the prestigious nickname "King of the Hollywood Headshot," a title bestowed upon him during the BBC series *The Human Face*. Howard's philosophy on headshots centered on the belief that "the eyes are the window to the soul," a principle that guided his work in capturing the true essence of the actors he photographed. He worked with countless aspiring and established Hollywood actors, helping them secure roles by providing compelling and authentic industry headshots. His studio became a staple of the Los Angeles creative scene. The transition from being a subject in front of Stanley Kubrick’s camera to being the master behind his own camera showcased Howard’s versatile talent and business acumen. This dual career path—a successful actor and a celebrated photographer—makes his professional story one of Hollywood’s most unique.

The Enduring Legacy of Fueled by the Fallen

Perhaps the most impactful chapter of Kevyn Major Howard’s life was his work as a dedicated military advocate and philanthropist. He founded the non-profit organization, Fueled by the Fallen, with a powerful and simple mission: to ensure Americans never forget the names of those who gave their lives for freedom. Howard’s non-profit honors the memory of fallen heroes, specifically focusing on military personnel, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs. The organization is most famous for its "Ride to Remember" and its fleet of memorial vehicles, which travel across the country, bearing the names of those lost in the line of duty, including victims of the 9/11 attacks. Even though Howard himself never served in the military, his passionate advocacy and deep respect for service members were undeniable. His inspiration for the charity stemmed from his connection to the military community, which began with his role as a Marine Corps combat photographer in *Full Metal Jacket*. Following his death on Valentine's Day 2025, his wife, Tiffanie Kalisz, announced her commitment to upholding the legacy and life of her husband by continuing the critical work of Fueled by the Fallen. The organization serves as a tangible, moving tribute to his dedication, transforming his cinematic experience into a real-world mission of remembrance and support.

5 Key Facts About Kevyn Major Howard’s Remarkable Life

Kevyn Major Howard’s life was a series of unexpected turns, from a Canadian upbringing to Hollywood stardom and profound humanitarian work.

1. His Death Was Recent and Unexpected: Kevyn Major Howard died on February 14, 2025, at 69. The news was a shock to many, as he had been battling ongoing respiratory issues for a period before his passing in a Las Vegas hospital.
2. He Was Nicknamed the "King of the Hollywood Headshot": After retiring from acting in 1999, Howard became one of the most sought-after headshot photographers in the industry. The BBC series *The Human Face* gave him the famous moniker for his skill in capturing authentic actor portraits.
3. He Was a Canadian Actor: Despite his iconic role in an American Vietnam War drama, Howard was a Canadian actor, born in Montreal, Quebec.
4. His Non-Profit Honors 9/11 Victims: His charity, Fueled by the Fallen, extends its honor beyond military and police. Its memorial vehicles famously carry the names of those who perished during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, ensuring they are never forgotten.
5. He Co-Starred with Adam Baldwin and Matthew Modine: In *Full Metal Jacket*, he worked closely with co-stars like Adam Baldwin (who played Animal Mother) and Matthew Modine (Private Joker). Modine was among those who publicly mourned his friend's death.

Kevyn Major Howard's journey—from the intense, structured world of a Stanley Kubrick set to the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of Hollywood headshot photography, and finally to the solemn, patriotic mission of honoring America's fallen—is a testament to a life lived with passion and purpose. His contributions as Rafterman, as an artist, and as a military advocate will continue to resonate for years to come.