Who was Kevyn Major Howard married to? What we know as Full Metal Jacket actor dies at 69

Kevyn Major Howard has passed away at the age of 69. He was best known for his role as ‘Rafterman’ in Stanley Kubrick’s 1987 film, Full Metal Jacket.

The legendary actor has been hospitalized for weeks due to respiratory issues. He died at a hospital in Las Vegas, as informed by his family members, according to a report in TMZ. The exact cause of his death was not revealed.

He was married to Tiffanie Kalisz. According to her Facebook profile, she is a director at Dance USA Performing Arts Championships. She shared an update about her husband’s health on Facebook on February 14, 2025. The post read,

“Currently my husband is facing some challenging medical issues. Please take a moment to say a prayer for Kevyn Major Howard.”

The actor celebrated his 69th birthday on January 27, 2025, per his wife’s FB post. Frank Pizarro, a friend who appeared to know the couple, paid him his tribute on Facebook and wrote,

“Yesterday we lost a brother, friend and fellow supporter of our heroes Kevin Major Howard. He sacrificed a lot to honor those who serve. Lets keep his wife Tiffanie Kalisz and his family in our prayers! Val and I are here for you Tiffanie. Kevyn will be missed and we will be here to make sure his cause continues on!”

In addition to Pizarro, many others remembered Howard on his demise as they reflected on his performance in Full Metal Jacket. Several others noted his generosity and dedication to the armed forces.

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How have people paid tribute to Kevyn Major Howard?

Kevyn Major Howard was a celebrated actor. His demise has left a void in the film industry. Many people took to social media to send their condolences to him and his family.

He starred as Rafterman alongside Matthew Modine as Pvt. Joker. The two had shared a decade-long friendship since then, as indicated by CBR. Modine took to X to pay tribute to him and wrote,

“Kevyn Major Howard gave and gave and gave so much to the world and especially the men and women of our armed forces.”

He added that he became famous for his role as ‘Rafterman’ in Full Metal Jacket. “Thank you for your dedication to others and to America. May all the gods bless you Kevyn. Rest in peace.” Modine said.

“Great man who supported a lot of great causes for our military 🇺🇸. Rest in peace.” Another added.

“Loved your work Kevyn, AKA Rafterman, and you PVT Joker. Semper FI MAC, the Marines and Gunny Ermey await you.” One more person tweeted.

“He was also one the best Headshot photographers in LA. That is how I met him, and we became friends. You will be missed dearly, Kevin.” A user wrote.

“Great performance. He had a great small role in Sudden Impact with Eastwood! He will be missed.” A user said.

According to a report in Deadline, Kevyn Major Howard was born on January 27, 1956. He was a Canadian actor and a photographer. He moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting.

Kevyn Major Howard appeared in several films and TV projects. His filmography included performances in Death Wish II (1982) and Sudden Impact (1983), according to reports. His breakthrough role came in 1987’s Full Metal Jacket which was based on the Vietnam War. His TV credits include Cagney & Lacey; The A-Team; MacGyver; Magnum, P.I. and The Outsiders. He was last seen in Crusade in 1999, as per IMDb.

He worked with some of the biggest names in the industry including Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson, Frank Sinatra, James Caan, Mandy Patinkin, Don Johnson, according to TMZ.

Kevyn Major Howard is survived by his wife, as well as his stepdaughter Kayla, sister Kim, and brother Kelsey, as reported by multiple outlets.