Legendary Actor Louis Gossett Jr. Passes Away at 87
LOS ANGELES — The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Louis Gossett Jr., a true icon in the industry. Known for his award-winning performances in “An Officer and a Gentleman” and “Roots,” Gossett Jr. passed away at the age of 87, as confirmed by his family.
The family released a statement through Gossett’s publicist, expressing their sorrow at the loss of their beloved father. They requested privacy during this difficult time and thanked everyone for their condolences.
Gossett made history as the first Black man to win an Oscar for a supporting role in 1983 for his portrayal of a tough drill instructor in “An Officer and a Gentleman.” His career also included roles in films like “Diggstown,” “The Deep,” and the sci-fi classic “Enemy Mine.”
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Gossett credited a high school teacher for sparking his interest in acting. He pursued his passion while also excelling in basketball, even trying out for the New York Knicks. His career took off after starring in the movie adaptation of “A Raisin in the Sun” alongside Sidney Poitier.
Aside from his acting career, Gossett was a vocal advocate for ending racism. He founded the Eracism Foundation in the 1990s to address issues of discrimination in Hollywood and beyond.
Despite battling prostate cancer in 2010, Gossett continued to work in the industry he loved. His recent projects included the movie version of “The Color Purple” and a role in the acclaimed HBO series “Watchmen,” earning him his eighth Emmy nomination in 2020.
Louis Gossett Jr. leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking performances and a commitment to social change that will be remembered for years to come. Rest in peace, legend.
