Louis Gossett Jr., renowned for his commanding performances, including an Oscar-winning portrayal in "An Officer and a Gentleman" and an Emmy-winning role in "Roots," passed away early Friday at the age of 87, as confirmed by his family.
His family issued a statement expressing their profound sorrow: "It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time."
In Taylor Hackford’s “An Officer and a Gentleman,” Gossett’s portrayal of Sgt. Emil Foley left an indelible mark, driving Richard Gere's character to the brink at a Navy flight school and earning Gossett the distinction of being the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Beyond his iconic role in "An Officer and a Gentleman," Gossett's legacy extends to notable films such as “Enemy Mine” (1985) and “Iron Eagle” (1986), where he showcased his versatility and depth as an actor.
Following his Emmy win for “Roots” in 1978, Gossett garnered six additional Emmy nominations, showcasing his range in projects like “Sadat” (1983) and “Palmerstown, U.S.A.” (1981).
Throughout his career, Gossett remained dedicated to his craft, delivering memorable performances in both television and film, with notable appearances in shows like “Boardwalk Empire” (2013) and “Extant” (2015), as well as the miniseries "The Book of Negroes" (2015).
Reflecting on his career, Gossett highlighted his portrayal of Anwar Sadat as a particularly significant role, emphasizing the challenge of embodying such a historic figure and comparing Sadat's spirit to that of Nelson Mandela.
Born in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Gossett's journey into acting began with a stage debut at 17, setting the stage for a remarkable career that spanned Broadway, television, and film. Notably, he made his Broadway debut in 1953 and later reprised his role in “A Raisin in the Sun” for its film adaptation in 1961.
Gossett’s contributions to the entertainment industry extended beyond acting, as he served as an executive producer on projects like “In His Father’s Shoes” (1997), earning him a Daytime Emmy.
In his personal life, Gossett was thrice married, with survivors including his son, producer Satie Gossett, and an adopted son, Sharron, among others.
Louis Gossett Jr.'s passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking performances and enduring contributions to the arts.