Actor Al Matthews, known best for his appearance as Gunnery Sergeant Apone in Aliens, passed away on September 22, 2018, at the age of 75.

Before beginning his acting career, Matthews spent time in the armed forces, serving in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. According to his website, he spent six years in the USMC, and was the first black Marine in the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam to be promoted to the rank of sergeant. He held 13 combat awards and decorations, including two Purple Hearts.

He began appearing in bit roles in films in the late ’70s and early ’80s – including one as a Vietnam veteran in The Sender. He also appeared as the fire chief in Superman III in 1983. He also had a variety of roles on British television shows, including on Grange Hill as Benny Green’s father. Matthews was also an acclaimed vocalist, and performed in the progressive rock band, Hawkwind.

It was his role as the cigar-smoking Apone in 1986’s Aliens that solidified his legacy as an actor. Matthews would reprise the role 27 years later when he voiced the character in the 2013 video game Aliens: Colonial Marines. Later film roles included appearances in The Fifth Element and Tomorrow Never Dies.