“Full Metal Jacket” star Kevyn Major Howard Dead at 69

Kevyn Major HowardThe best known for his portrayal as a Rafterman in “Full Metal Jacket” died his family in TMZ.

Kevyn died on Friday in a hospital surrounded by friends and family in Las Vegas – his cause of death still has to be determined, but he had been taken to the hospital with breathing problems for weeks, his family tells us.

Kevyn was born on January 27, 1956 in Montreal, Quebec, … and moved to Los Angeles with his double citizenship to Los Angeles to pursue acting.

With dozens of film and television credits to his name … Kevyn appeared on the screen with some of the biggest names in the biz, including Clint EastwoodPresent Charles BronsonPresent Frank SinatraPresent James CaanPresent Mandy likesPresent Don JohnsonAnd Matthew Modine.

In fact … he and Modine stayed over the years after working with “Full Metal Jacket” Kumpel – and the couple spoke on the phone shortly before Kevyn's death, his family told us. Matthew was made aware of his death.

In the Stanley Kubrick War classic … Matthew, also known as PVT. Joker and Kevyns Rafterman played Vietnam War Correspondent. At the highlight of the film … it is Raferman who shoots a sniper before she can kill more from her squad … with Joker, who finally ends her.

We met with Howard in 2011 … and also talked about the legendary film. Take a look at the clip to hear what he had to say.

Kevyn is survived by Ms. Tiffanie; his stepdaughter, KaylaHis sister, Kim And his brother, Kelsey.

Instead of flowers, donations can be made directly Demand -edbythefallen.org.

He was 69.