Louis Gossett Jr., the Oscar-winning actor best known for his powerful performances in An Officer and a Gentleman and the groundbreaking TV miniseries Roots, has passed away at the age of 87.
A trailblazer in Hollywood, Gossett made history as the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor—a milestone he achieved for his unforgettable role as Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley in An Officer and a Gentleman.
According to IMDb, Gossett’s remarkable career spanned more than 200 film and television projects, with 12 still awaiting release—a poignant reminder of the legacy he leaves behind. Sadly, he won’t be able to see those final roles come to life.
NPR confirmed that Gossett died on March 28, 2024, in Santa Monica, California. TMZ obtained his death certificate, which cites chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as the primary cause of death, with contributing conditions including heart failure and atrial fibrillation. He had reportedly battled COPD for many years. As noted in the certificate, his body will be cremated.
Gossett’s roots in performance began on the stage, where he lit up Broadway long before making his mark in film and television. Over the years, he shared the stage and screen with legends like Marilyn Monroe and Sidney Poitier. Despite early accolades, Gossett faced painful experiences with racism after arriving in Hollywood. He once recalled a 20-minute drive to his hotel taking four and a half hours due to repeated police stops—and later being handcuffed to a tree in Beverly Hills simply for walking after dark.
Even in the face of such adversity, Gossett’s talent and determination never wavered. He reflected candidly on how racism may have limited his career trajectory, saying, “If you look at my track record over a 55-year period of all the awards—I maybe should be kind of closer to Clint Eastwood… or Robert Downey Jr.”
Two decades ago, Gossett entered rehab to battle substance abuse, emerging with a new perspective. Through the 12-step program, he found healing and a renewed purpose—letting go of what he called “the killer for anyone”: resentment.
Gossett was married three times—his first marriage ended in annulment, and the next two in divorce. He is survived by his two children, Satie and Sharron.
A pioneer, an icon, and a deeply human artist, Louis Gossett Jr.’s contributions to entertainment and civil rights will never be forgotten. His voice, both on and off screen, changed Hollywood—and the world—for the better.
