Louis Gossett Jr., the trailblazing actor who was the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar, has passed away at the age of 87. Gossett’s nephew confirmed to The Associated Press that the actor died in Santa Monica, California, on Thursday night, although no cause of death was disclosed.
Gossett’s illustrious career spanned decades and was marked by numerous achievements and contributions to both stage and screen. Born on May 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, Gossett’s journey to stardom began at an early age when he made his Broadway debut at 16 in the play “Take a Giant Step.”
Throughout his career, Gossett made significant strides in breaking down racial barriers in Hollywood. He gained critical acclaim for his role in the Broadway production of “A Raisin in the Sun” in 1959 and went on to become a star on Broadway, starring alongside Sammy Davis Jr. in “Golden Boy” in 1964.
In Hollywood, Gossett faced racism and discrimination, but he remained undeterred in his pursuit of success. His breakthrough came with his role as Fiddler in the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots” in 1977, which depicted the horrors of slavery. Gossett’s portrayal earned him an Emmy award and solidified his status as a respected actor.
However, it was his role as the tough Marine drill instructor in “An Officer and a Gentleman” that earned Gossett widespread recognition and acclaim. In 1983, he became the first Black man to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film. Gossett’s Oscar win opened doors for Black actors in Hollywood and paved the way for future generations.
Despite his success, Gossett faced personal struggles, including battles with alcohol and drug addiction. He overcame these challenges and continued to pursue his passion for acting, appearing in numerous films and TV movies, including “Enemy Mine,” “Sadat,” and “Iron Eagle.”
Throughout his life, Gossett remained committed to his craft and used his platform to advocate for racial equality and social justice. He founded the Eracism Foundation to combat racism and promote understanding and unity among people of all backgrounds.
Louis Gossett Jr. leaves behind a lasting legacy as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry and a champion for equality. He is survived by his sons Satie and Sharron, and his cousin, actor Robert Gossett. Gossett’s contributions to film and television will continue to inspire and resonate with audiences for generations to come.
