--- title: "These R. Lee Ermey bloopers are priceless" description: "The bloopers of R. Lee Ermey in Mail Call are available to watch — and they're amazing." date: "2021-12-02" modified: "2023-12-02" authors: - name: "Shannon Corbeil" job_title: "Contributor, Air Force Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/scorbeil/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-movies/r-lee-ermey-bloopers/" categories: - "Entertainment" - "Movies and TV" --- # These R. Lee Ermey bloopers are priceless ![A man in a military camouflage uniform and a navy blue cap is speaking into a microphone. Behind him, there is a decorated Christmas tree with lights and a star on top. The setting appears to be indoors, possibly in a military facility.]() *Actor and Marine Corps icon Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey speaks to Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima in the Persian Gulf. Ermey visited Iwo Jima as a Moral, Welfare and Recreation event for deployed troops during the holiday season, 2008. Photo: DVIDS* [America's favorite Gunny Sergeant, R. Lee Ermey]() was famous for his portrayal of Senior Drill Instructor Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in *Full Metal Jacket*. Ermey also went on to host a History Channel show called *Mail Call*, where he answered viewer questions about weapons, equipment, and military culture. Lucky for us, the bloopers from *Mail Call* are available to watch — and they're amazing. In Ermey's own words, "Now a SNAFU \[Situation Normal: All F\*\*\*ed Up\] can come at any time at any size and at any shape and when things get screwed up, well, the Gunny just can't hold his tongue... and that's why you're never gonna see this stuff during prime time!" --- Check out this video to catch some incredible bloopers in which Ermey somehow manages to make the f-bomb as wholesome as it is hilarious: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goSXxZNTTqo&list=LLOgnpiw2CUN8rGkMzLhUiSg&index=500 One of my favorite moments is at 2:20 when Ermey says, "Well, John, the answer to your damn, stupid-ass f\*\*\*in' question here..." before he dissolves into laughter. The best thing about blooper reels is how they show the real personality of the actor — in this case, we get to see that Ermey had a great sense of humor, abundant intelligence, and good nature. The video feels like hanging out with an old friend. Every time Ermey cracks up, I crack up. At 17:35, he tackles a malfunctioning Browning Automatic Rifle and it's glorious — he's not even phased. "A little malfunction. Pull. Push. Aim." The gun goes off and he cackles victoriously. The man knew what he was talking about, and he had fun doing it. Watching the video, I had fun, too. It's a must-see, so raise a toast to Ermey and enjoy. ![r lee ermey]() *(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Patrick M. Johnson-Campbell)* "Almost overwhelming, the urge to say jack s\*\*\*, you know? Isn't it?" Every day, Gunny. Every damn day. ## Author Shannon Corbeil has worked for We Are The Mighty as a digital video producer, writer, and host, as well as a staff writer covering military history, trivia, and valor. Shannon is a fierce veteran advocate, covering the achievements of members of the military community and volunteering in multiple veteran non-profit organizations, including Pin-Ups for Vets and Warriors for Peace Theatre. Her undergraduate degree is in Humanities and Philosophy and her Masters is in Strategic Intelligence. A screenwriter and actor recently seen on SEAL TEAM and THE ROOKIE, Shannon writes about exciting projects in the entertainment industry. She is an alum of the Writers Guild Foundation Veterans Writing Project, a Finalist in the Disney TV Writing Fellowship, an inaugural fellow for the STARZ/VME #TakeTheLead Program, and has performed at the Geffen Playhouse and Kennedy Center as a writer, dancer, singer, and actor. As a U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer, Shannon supported the 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea, and conducted Cyber Threat Analysis at the National Security Agency. Her work has been seen in Business Insider, Task & Purpose, Military.com, and various other publications. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()