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Louis Gossett Jr. is considered one of the most respected and widely beloved actors on stage, screen, and television. He is recognized as an accomplished writer, producer, and director. Offscreen he was known for his passionate social activism and a speaker who was dedicated to enriching the lives of others through storytelling, as well as creating a better world through his Eracism Foundation.
Gossett was the first African American to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor thanks to his unforgettable performance as drill Sergeant Emil Foley in “An Officer and a Gentleman.” He has been nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards, including an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor for his portrayal of Fiddler in the groundbreaking ABC series “Roots,” three Golden Globes, including a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for “The Josephine Baker Story,” five Image Awards, two Daytime Emmy Awards and, in 1992, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was recently nominated for a SAG award for his portrayal of Ole Mister in Oprah Winfrey’s 2023 musical, “The Color Purple,” and has received numerous other honors throughout his illustrious career.
His film debut was in the 1961 classic movie, “A Raisin in the Sun” with Sidney Poitier. Other film credits include, “The Deep,” “Blue Chips,” “Daddy’s Little Girls,” Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married Too?,” “Firewalker,” “Jaws-3D,” “Enemy Mine” and “Iron Eagle” 1-4, among many others. In Gossett’s last film, he voices the character of ‘Bear’ in John Krasinski’s film, “IF” (May 2024). Television credits include “Extant,” “Madam Secretary,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “Family Guy” and “ER,” among dozens of others.
During the pandemic, Gossett digitally traversed the country for discussions and promotional appearances regarding one of his films, “The Cuban,” which premiered at the world’s first pandemic-era virtual film festival (Canadian Film Fest). He acted in other film and television shows, including HBO’s “Watchman,” and the independent films, “Foster Boy,” “The Cuban,” and “The Reason” (2020).
Gossett is the author of the bestselling autobiography, “An Actor and a Gentleman,” in which he chronicles the challenges and triumphs of his 50+ year career.
In 2006, Gossett founded The Eracism Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating racism. The foundation provides young adults with tools to live a racially diverse and culturally inclusive life. Programs focus on fostering cultural diversity, historical enrichment, education, and anti-violence initiatives.
Markedly recognized for his humanitarian efforts as he is for his accomplishments as an actor, Gossett has received numerous Lifetime Achievement Awards. In recognition of Gossett’s achievements and contributions, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in Georgia declared November 4thas “Lou Gossett Jr. Appreciation Day” in November 2023.
Gossett was born in Brooklyn and made his stage debut when he was 17 in “Take a Giant Step,” which was selected as one of the 10 best Broadway shows of 1953 by The New York Times. On March 29, 2024, Gossett passed away peacefully in Santa Monica, California. He is survived by his two adult sons, Satie and Sharron Gossett, and his many grandchildren.
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