Oscar Winner Louis Gossett Passes Away

He was the first Black man to be honored with an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Louis Gossett Jr. has passed away at the age of 87. The actor and activist was known for his anti-racism advocacy, even within Hollywood.

Actor Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, has passed away at the age of 87. His family confirmed Gossett’s death in a statement without disclosing the cause. “With deepest regret, we confirm that our beloved father passed away this morning,” his relatives announced. “We would like to thank everyone for their condolences. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”

Gossett, also a producer, director, social activist, and founder of the “Eracism Foundation” combating racism, passed away at a rehabilitation center in Santa Monica, California, as reported by the Washington Post.

Gossett won an Oscar and an Emmy

Gossett’s long and illustrious career began in the theater in the 1950s before transitioning to television and film productions. With a basketball and acting scholarship, he attended the prestigious New York University. He studied acting alongside Marilyn Monroe, Martin Landau, and Steve McQueen.

Success came quickly. Gossett received seven Emmy nominations, ultimately winning the award in 1977 with the TV production “Roots,” which depicted the brutality of slavery.

The actor received an Oscar in 1983 for his role as Sergeant Emil Foley in “An Officer and a Gentleman,” starring Richard Gere – 19 years after Sidney Poitier became the first Black man ever to win the prestigious award. “Above all, it was a significant affirmation of my position as a Black actor,” Gossett wrote in his memoirs. However, the accolade did not change the fact that he was predominantly cast in supporting roles.

Experiences of racism in Hollywood

As a Black actor, Gossett faced numerous incidents of racism. In his memoirs, he recounted being stopped and handcuffed to a tree after taking a nighttime stroll in Beverly Hills. The unequal pay between white and Black actors was also a topic addressed by the Oscar winner. He openly discussed his early struggles to find work in Hollywood and his resentment towards discrimination, in addition to his successful battle against alcohol and drug addiction.

The actor was married three times and has two sons. Gossett was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010, and he chose to make his illness public to encourage other African American men to undergo screening and treatment.