Louis Cameron Gossett Jr. (May 27, 1936 – March 29, 2024)
First black American to win in the Best Supporting Actor category
Louis Cameron Gossett Jr., born on May 27, 1936, was a distinguished American actor whose career spanned decades across stage, film, television, and even video games.
Louis Gossett Jr. was born in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City, to Hellen, a nurse, and Louis Cameron Gossett, a porter. He attended Mark Twain Intermediate School 239 and later Abraham Lincoln High School. During his youth, Gossett contracted polio, which influenced his early years.
At the age of 17, Gossett made his stage debut in a school production of “You Can’t Take It with You” after a sports injury led him to take an acting class. Encouraged by his high school teacher, he auditioned for a Broadway role and was selected to replace Bill Gunn as Spencer Scott in “Take a Giant Step” in 1953. The play ran from late September to late November and garnered critical acclaim, with The New York Times naming it one of the top 10 Broadway shows of the year. Gossett’s performance earned him the Donaldson Award for Best Newcomer of the year. This lead him on his road of success leading to roles in acclaimed Broadway productions such as “Take a Giant Step” and significant plays like “A Raisin in the Sun” (1959), “The Blacks” (1961), and “Tambourines to Glory” (1963). In 1977, Gossett gained widespread recognition for his role in the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots,” earning him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor.
Gossett’s cinematic breakthrough came in 1982 with his portrayal of Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley in “An Officer and a Gentleman,” for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, making history as the first African-American to win in that category. His career continued to flourish with diverse roles in films such as “The Landlord” (1970), “Travels with My Aunt” (1972), “Enemy Mine” (1985), and the “Iron Eagle” series (1986–1995), where he portrayed Colonel Chappy Sinclair.
Throughout his career, Gossett received numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy nominations and wins for various roles in television movies and series like “Palmerstown, U.S.A.” (1981), “A Gathering of Old Men” (1987), and “Watchmen” (2019). He also garnered recognition at the Golden Globe Awards, Black Reel Awards, and NAACP Image Awards for his impactful contributions to entertainment.
In addition to his film and television work, Gossett made memorable appearances in shows like “Bonanza” (1971), “American Playhouse” (1990), “Stargate SG-1” (2005), and “Boardwalk Empire” (2013). His legacy extends beyond his acting prowess, as he remains a trailblazer and an enduring figure in American cinema.
Louis Gossett Jr. was actively engaged in philanthropic efforts throughout his life, making significant contributions to various causes.
In 1987, Gossett collaborated with Clint Eastwood and Charles Bronson in a campaign aimed at discouraging vandalism in public parks. This initiative, titled ‘Take Pride In America’, was launched under the leadership of President Ronald Reagan.
In addition to his advocacy against vandalism, Gossett was noted for his humanitarian work. He founded the Eracism Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering racial diversity and cultural inclusivity. The foundation provides educational resources and tools, known as a ‘toolbox’, designed to equip young adults with skills to promote understanding and harmony across communities. These resources include cultural diversity education, historical perspectives, and anti-violence training, aiming to empower individuals to lead culturally enriched lives.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, Gossett faced a challenging illness that at one point led doctors to predict he had only six months to live. It was later discovered in 2001 that toxic mold in his Malibu home had significantly contributed to his health struggles.
On February 9, 2010, Gossett revealed that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, which was detected early and for which he expressed optimism about a full recovery.
In late December 2020, Gossett was hospitalized in Georgia due to complications from COVID-19.
Sadly, Louis Gossett Jr. passed away at a rehabilitation center in Santa Monica, California, on March 29, 2024, at the age of 87. His death was attributed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with additional contributing factors including heart failure and atrial fibrillation.