Louis Gossett Jr., Oscar and Emmy Winning Actor, Passes Away at 87

Louis Gossett Jr., an iconic figure in Hollywood who earned an Academy Award for his role in “An Officer and a Gentleman” and an Emmy for his performance in “Roots,” has passed away at the age of 87. This was confirmed through a statement from his family, released by his long-standing publicist, expressing their deep sorrow and requesting privacy during this challenging period.

In 1983, Gossett broke ground as the first Black man to win an Oscar for a supporting role, portraying a formidable drill instructor in “An Officer and a Gentleman,” opposite Richard Gere. His acclaimed role came after his memorable portrayal of Fiddler in the ABC adaptation of Alex Haley’s “Roots,” where he played a mentor to the character Kunta Kinte.

Standing tall at 6’4″, Gossett’s commanding presence lent itself naturally to roles of authority. He showcased his versatility across a range of characters, including a boxer in “Diggstown,” a villain in “The Deep,” and an alien pilot in “Enemy Mine,” a sci-fi film exploring themes of conflict and friendship. His role in the “Iron Eagle” series further cemented his status in Hollywood.

Gossett’s journey into acting was influenced by a high school English teacher in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born. Balancing his passion for acting with basketball, he even tried out for the New York Knicks before studying drama at New York University. His early career was marked by a significant role in “A Raisin in the Sun” alongside Sidney Poitier, who was the first Black man to win an Oscar for “Lilies of the Field” in the 1960s.

Throughout the 1980s, Gossett brought to life historical figures such as Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat and baseball icon Satchel Paige in television movies. Beyond the screen, he was a proactive advocate against racism, founding the Eracism Foundation in the 1990s, dedicated to combating racism—an issue Gossett spoke openly about facing in Hollywood.

Reflecting on his experiences, Gossett shared the challenges of navigating the industry as an African American, emphasizing the resilience and awareness needed to thrive. His legacy, marked by groundbreaking roles and a commitment to social change, leaves a lasting impact on Hollywood and beyond.