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Former actor Kevin Major Howard, who became a leading headshot photographer, passed away in 1969 on Valentine’s Day.
His friend and former co-star Matthew Modine praised him. x“Kevin Major Howard gave, gave and gave, gave, and gave the world, especially the men and women of our army. This led us into the world of the US Marines to serve the bravery of our nation. Peace.”
Howard passed away at a hospital in Las Vegas. TMZ Report. Although no cause of death was given, he suffered from respiratory illness.
Howard was born on January 27, 1956 in Montreal, Quebec. He made his television debut in 1980 with Trapper John, MD, before appearing in “Off the Minnesota Strip” (1980) and “Scared Straight! Another Story” (1980).
He made his film debut in the Charles Bronson venge drama “Death Wish II” (1982). Playing Scumbag’s stmper, he is asked by the Bronson character if he believes in Jesus. “Yes, I will,” he replies.
Extras from “Scarface” (1983), his other major films included Clint Eastwood’s “Sunder Impact” (1983) and “Alien Nation” (1988).
His most famous film was as the roughman in Stanley Kubrick’s 1987 Vietnam War drama, Full Metal Jacket. It was the set where he met Modine and he remembered fondly that he was in the film’s final team.
Howard continued to perform sporadically throughout the 90s, retiring to focus on taking headshots of many contacts in the industry.
In 2001 he appeared in the four-part BBC television series The Human Face. This studied the science behind beauty and expressiveness associated with fame. Among them, he was called “The King of Hollywood Headshots.” His techniques included using strict natural light and shooting from the garage.
