Louis Gossett Jr., the award-winning actor known for his roles in “An Officer and a Gentleman” and “Roots,” passed away at the age of 87 in Santa Monica, California. His cousin Neal L. Gossett confirmed his death. Gossett won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Marine drill instructor Emil Foley in “An Officer and a Gentleman,” a character who ultimately shapes the life of a young Naval aviation recruit. He was the first Black performer to win a best supporting actor Oscar, and he had also won an Emmy for his role in “Roots” as Fiddler, the mentor of lead character Kunta Kinte.
Louis Gossett Jr. was born in Brooklyn in 1936, the son of Louis Gossett, a porter, and Helen Gossett, a nurse. He started his acting career at a young age, making his Broadway debut at 17 while in high school. Despite originally planning to study pharmacy, Gossett found success in acting and ended up majoring in drama at New York University. Before his breakthrough in film, he had a successful theater career, appearing in various Broadway productions and musicals.
Gossett’s film career began with a role in “A Raisin in the Sun” in 1961, and he went on to star in numerous feature films such as “The Landlord,” “Travels With My Aunt,” and “The Deep.” He also appeared in over 100 television series, including “The Partridge Family” and “Madame Secretary.” Gossett received critical acclaim for his performances in television movies like “A Gathering of Old Men,” “Strange Justice,” and “Lackawanna Blues.”
Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Gossett’s personal life was tumultuous, with multiple failed marriages. He had a brief marriage to Hattie Glascoe in 1964, followed by a marriage to Christina Mangosing in 1973 that ended in divorce after two years. His marriage to Cyndi James Reese in 1987 also ended in divorce in 1992. Gossett is survived by his sons, Satie and Sharron Gossett, and several grandchildren.
In a Television Academy interview, Gossett emphasized the importance of using the arts to effect political and social change in the world. He believed that actors had a unique platform to reach millions of people and inspire change. Gossett’s legacy as a groundbreaking Black actor in Hollywood will be remembered for his impactful performances and contributions to both film and television over his long and successful career.
