Vietnam War-era Marine and actor Al Matthews, who is best known for his role as Gunnery Sgt. Apone in “Aliens,” was found at the age of 75 dead in his home in Alicante, Spain, El Pais reported.
The former Marine retired in Spain in 2005, El Pais reported, following a lengthy career in film that included major hit movies such as “Superman III,” “The Fifth Element” and “Tomorrow Never Dies.”
But most Marines will remember him for his role as cigar smoking and hard charging Gunny Apone in James Cameron’s 1986 movie “Aliens.”
“All right sweethearts, what are you waiting for, breakfast in bed? Another glorious day in the Corps. A day in the Marine Corps is like a day on the farm. Every meal is a banquet. Every paycheck a fortune. Every formation a parade. I love the Corps!” Apone says chomping on a cigar as the Marines awake aboard a spaceship in the movie “Aliens."
According to Al Matthews' Facebook page, he served with the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam and was the recipient of two Purple Hearts.
An autopsy is underway to determine the cause of death, El Pais reported.
Shawn Snow is the senior reporter for Marine Corps Times and a Marine Corps veteran.
