The illustrious career of Louis Gossett Jr. has come to an end as The Hollywood Reporter announces his passing at the age of 87. Known for his captivating presence on screen and a career that spanned over six decades, Gossett leaves behind a legacy that includes an Emmy win for the groundbreaking miniseries ‘Roots’ and an Academy Award for his formidable role in ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’. His journey concluded at a rehabilitation center in Santa Monica, California. While the specifics of his death are not disclosed, Gossett had faced significant health challenges, including respiratory illness and prostate cancer.
His family, mourning the heartfelt loss, released a statement through The Hollywood Reporter, expressing, “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.”
The influential roles Gossett tackled often exuded strength and complexity. His unforgettable portrayal of Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley in Taylor Hackford’s ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ (1982) perfectly exemplified this. Not only did Gossett mentor Richard Gere’s character through the rigors of officer candidate school, but also showcased an intense martial arts duel that would become iconic. A testament to his dedication, Gossett meticulously prepared himself for the part, training at the Marine Corps Recruitment Division for an entire month. He later reflected on the transformation required for the role, which he delved into in his 2010 biography, ‘An Actor and a Gentleman’.
Gossett’s foray into acting began on Broadway in 1959, when he played George Murchison in the original production of Lorraine Hansberry’s ‘A Raisin in the Sun’. He then transitioned to the screen alongside Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee in the 1961 Columbia film of the same name. However, it was his role as Fiddler in the ABC miniseries ‘Roots’ that propelled him to national prominence. When Roots aired in 1977, it captured the attention of eighty-five percent of Americans, with the finale drawing over 100 million viewers. Gossett once recalled the eagerness of African-American actors to be part of this project, and he considered his role in it to be a special one, noting, “I got the best role, I think. It was wonderful.”
Gossett was also known for his portrayal of historical figures, such as the Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat in ‘Sadat’ (1983), and the legendary baseball player Leroy “Satchel” Paige in ‘Don’t Look Back: The Story of Leroy “Satchel” Paige’ (1981). His performances were consistently lauded for their strength and authenticity.
Throughout his illustrious career, Gossett fought against stereotypical casting and thrived in diverse roles. From a hospital chief of staff in ‘The Lazarus Syndrome’ (1979) to the erudite Gideon Oliver, an anthropology professor in a series of ABC Mystery Movies in 1989, his versatility knew no bounds.
Born in Brooklyn on May 27, 1936, Gossett’s upbringing in a vibrant community was essential in molding him into the person he would become. His parents were a porter and a maid, and Gossett himself excelled academically and athletically. A high school injury that sidelined him from basketball made way for his acting aspirations, beginning a journey that would take him to the stage and beyond. At 17, he beat over 400 hopefuls for a significant role in ‘Take a Giant Step’, marking his entrance into the world of professional acting.
He would go on to share space with James Dean at the Actors Studio in New York and leave an indelible mark with performances in films like ‘The Landlord’ (1970), ‘Skin Game’ (1971), ‘The Deep’ (1977), ‘Toy Soldiers’ (1991), and ‘Diggstown’ (1992).
Louis Gossett Jr.’s storied journey through Hollywood was one of inspiration, perseverance, and remarkable talent. His impact on the film industry and the legacy of the characters he brought to life will not be forgotten.
