Nila Ermey — full name Marianila Ermey — is the wife of the late actor and U.S. Marine R. Lee Ermey. They married in 1975 and stayed together for more than 42 years until his death in April 2018 from complications of pneumonia.
Table Of Content
R. Lee Ermey became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors, best known for playing Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket (1987). Throughout their marriage, Nila stayed out of the public eye. She has not spoken publicly since his passing.
This article covers what is documented about Nila Ermey’s life, her family, and the legacy her husband left behind.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Marianila Ermey |
| Known As | Nila Ermey |
| Spouse | R. Lee Ermey (married 1975; died April 15, 2018) |
| Marriage Duration | More than 42 years |
| Children with R. Lee Ermey | 4 (6 total for R. Lee Ermey) |
| His Nickname for Her | “Mrs. Gunny” |
| Public Statements Since His Death | None |
Marriage to R. Lee Ermey
When Did They Marry?
Nila and R. Lee Ermey married in 1975. After being medically retired from the Marine Corps in 1972, Ermey moved to the Philippines, where he attended college briefly and acted in television commercials. He met and married Nila during this period. Her name, Marianila, and the Philippines connection point to Filipino roots, though Nila has never publicly confirmed details about her background.
R. Lee Ermey’s First Marriage
Before Nila, R. Lee Ermey was married to Dolores Janshen from 1962 to 1969. That marriage ended in divorce during his final years of Marine Corps service. Public records do not provide details about children from that marriage.
Their Life Together
The Ermey marriage lasted more than four decades. R. Lee Ermey spoke openly about his affection for Nila. On his History Channel show Lock N’ Load with R. Lee Ermey, he frequently called her “Mrs. Gunny” — a reference to his honorary Marine rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
Nila attended select public events with her husband, including military charity functions and film-related appearances. She never addressed the press at these events. Her role throughout was supportive, not public-facing.
“Gunnery Sergeant Hartman of Full Metal Jacket fame was a hard and principled man. The real R. Lee Ermey was a family man, and a kind and gentle soul. He was generous to everyone around him.”
— Bill Rogin, R. Lee Ermey’s longtime manager
Children and Family
How Many Children Did R. Lee Ermey Have?
R. Lee Ermey had six children: Kim Bolt, Rhonda Chilton, Anna Liza Cruz, Betty Ermey, Evonne Ermey, and Clinton Ermey. He had four children with Nila. The varying surnames among his children have not been publicly explained by the family.
Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
R. Lee Ermey was survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No specific names or counts have been made public.
R. Lee Ermey: Brief Career Context
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1961 | Enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17 |
| 1965–1967 | Drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego |
| 1968–1969 | Served 14 months in Vietnam with Marine Wing Support Group 17 |
| 1972 | Medically retired from the Marine Corps as Staff Sergeant |
| 1975 | Married Nila Ermey |
| 1978 | First film role in The Boys in Company C |
| 1987 | Cast as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket; earned a Golden Globe nomination |
| 1995–2010 | Voiced Sarge in the Toy Story franchise |
| 2002 | Honorary promotion to Gunnery Sergeant by Commandant General James L. Jones |
| 2001–2009 | Hosted Mail Call on the History Channel |
| 2015–2017 | Hosted GunnyTime on the Outdoor Channel |
Ermey accumulated over 60 film and television credits. Beyond Full Metal Jacket, his roles included Sheriff Hoyt in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003), a police captain in Se7en (1995), and Mayor Tilman in Mississippi Burning (1988). He served on the board of the National Rifle Association and was a longtime spokesman for Glock. He also acted as a spokesperson for Toys for Tots and regularly visited Marine Corps recruit depots to speak with recruits.
R. Lee Ermey’s Death and Nila’s Life After
How Did R. Lee Ermey Die?
R. Lee Ermey died on the morning of April 15, 2018, at a hospital in Santa Monica, California. He was 74. The cause was complications of pneumonia.
His manager Bill Rogin confirmed the death through Ermey’s official social media accounts:
“It is with deep sadness that I regret to inform you all that R. Lee Ermey (‘The Gunny’) passed away this morning from complications of pneumonia. He will be greatly missed by all of us. It is a terrible loss that nobody was prepared for.”
A funeral service with military honors was held at Highlands Christian Church in Palmdale, California, on April 24, 2018, arranged by Veterans Funeral Care. Donations in his honor were directed to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.
Family Legacy and Charitable Work
After R. Lee Ermey’s death, his children continued his charitable efforts. One of his children described the family’s work publicly:
“My father, Gunnery Sergeant R. Lee Ermey, was truly my hero. He taught me what true strength was and it had nothing to do with how much someone could bench press. Discipline, focus, heart and loyalty.”
The family created brass memorial coins featuring R. Lee Ermey in full color on the front, with an Eagle, Globe, and Anchor on the back and the location of his gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery. Proceeds benefit the West Coast Drill Instructor Association, a group that supports Marines transitioning to civilian life and provides for families of fallen Marines. R. Lee Ermey drilled with some of the group’s members at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego during the 1960s.
His child summed up the effort: “Dad always said, ‘Stay together, you’re stronger that way.’ If we can come together and help them out and you can get a cool coin in return, that’s a win-win situation.”
Arlington National Cemetery
R. Lee Ermey was buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on January 18, 2019.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
What is documented about Nila Ermey: her full name, her marriage year, the number of children she had with R. Lee Ermey, her presence at select public events, and her husband’s nickname for her. Beyond that, her personal history, current residence, and daily life are not part of the public record.
Nila has given no interviews, maintains no verified social media accounts, and has made no statements about her husband’s death or legacy. This is not a gap in reporting. She has chosen not to share more, and that choice stands.
FAQs
Is Nila Ermey still alive?
There are no reports of Nila Ermey’s death. Based on the latest available public information, she is living privately.
How long were Nila and R. Lee Ermey married?
They married in 1975 and were together until his death on April 15, 2018 — more than 42 years.
How many children did R. Lee Ermey have?
R. Lee Ermey had six children: Kim Bolt, Rhonda Chilton, Anna Liza Cruz, Betty Ermey, Evonne Ermey, and Clinton Ermey. Four were with Nila. He also had grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Where is R. Lee Ermey buried?
R. Lee Ermey was buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on January 18, 2019.
What did R. Lee Ermey call his wife?
He called Nila “Mrs. Gunny,” a nod to his honorary Gunnery Sergeant rank. He used the nickname regularly on his show Lock N’ Load with R. Lee Ermey on the History Channel.
No Comment! Be the first one.