Louis Gossett Jr., the celebrated actor known for his powerful roles in An Officer and a Gentleman and the iconic TV series Roots, has sadly passed away at the age of 87. He made history as the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, paving the way for many others in the industry.
Over his incredible career, Gossett starred in more than 200 projects, with 12 more films still awaiting release, as listed on IMDb. Tragically, he will not be here to see these new stories unfold.
On March 28, 2024, Gossett passed away in Santa Monica, California, according to NPR. A death certificate obtained by TMZ revealed that he suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Gossett had fought hard against COPD for many years, and it was announced that his remains will be cremated.
Before shining on screen, Gossett’s journey began on the stage. He performed on Broadway with legends like Marilyn Monroe and Sidney Poitier, showcasing his incredible talent long before he became a household name.
When he moved to Hollywood, he was initially treated with respect for his talent. However, he also faced harsh racism. He shared a shocking story about how a simple trip to his hotel turned into a nightmare. “It should’ve taken 20 minutes, but the police detained me, wanting to know my identity,” he recalled, revealing the prejudice he faced.
In another troubling incident, he mentioned being handcuffed to a tree for three hours just for being in Beverly Hills after 9 p.m. “I was treated like a criminal just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said, illustrating the deep unfairness of those moments.
Despite these significant challenges, Gossett forged a successful career in Hollywood. However, he often felt that it could have been even greater if he were white. He compared his achievements to those of Clint Eastwood, saying, “If I were white, my career would have looked a lot like his.” He also opened up about his struggles with drugs and alcohol, similar to the journey of Robert Downey Jr.
Gossett bravely discussed his battles with addiction, seeking help about 20 years ago. He completed a 12-step program that helped him face his demons. “Resentment is a killer,” he would often say, emphasizing the importance of healing and moving forward in life.
In his personal life, Gossett was married three times. His first marriage was annulled, while his other two marriages ended in divorce. He leaves behind two children, Satie and Sharron, who will carry on his legacy.
Louis Gossett Jr. will be remembered not just for his remarkable achievements in film and television, but also for his role in advancing racial equality in Hollywood. His contributions to the arts and his courage in overcoming adversity will continue to inspire future generations for many years to come.
