Louis Gossett Jr., the iconic actor best known for his roles in An Officer and a Gentleman and Roots, has passed away at the age of 87. He broke new ground in Hollywood, becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Over his career, Gossett worked on more than 200 Hollywood projects, with 12 more still waiting to be released, according to IMDb. Sadly, he will not be around to see these future releases.
Gossett passed away on March 28, 2024, in Santa Monica, California, as reported by NPR. TMZ obtained his death certificate, which revealed that the cause of his death was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), alongside heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Gossett had battled COPD for a long time, and his remains will be cremated.
Before he became a screen legend, Gossett’s career began on the stage. He starred on Broadway, sharing the spotlight with legends like Marilyn Monroe and Sidney Poitier, showcasing his immense talent long before Hollywood came calling.
When he finally moved to Hollywood, he was treated with respect, but the road wasn’t always smooth. Gossett shared one shocking experience where his trip to a hotel that should have taken just 20 minutes ended up lasting four and a half hours. The reason? He was stopped by police, who didn’t believe he belonged there. “It was pure harassment,” he said, clearly still affected by the memory.
In another incident, Gossett recalled being handcuffed to a tree for three hours simply because he was in Beverly Hills after 9 p.m. “I guess I didn’t look like someone who belonged there,” he shared bitterly.
Despite the racism he faced, Gossett pushed forward and built a highly successful career. However, he often wondered how much further he could have gone if he had been white. He once compared his career to Clint Eastwood’s and said, “If I were white, I’d be up there with Eastwood.”
He also mentioned facing challenges with drugs and alcohol, something he had in common with actor Robert Downey Jr., who famously overcame similar struggles.
Gossett openly talked about his battles with addiction. About 20 years ago, he entered rehab and successfully completed a 12-step program. He often spoke about how overcoming resentment was key to his recovery, calling it a “killer” that can destroy a person from within.
Gossett’s personal life was filled with its own ups and downs. He was married three times. His first marriage was annulled, and his second and third marriages ended in divorce. He leaves behind two children, Satie and Sharron, who will carry on his legacy.
Beyond his acting, Louis Gossett Jr. will always be remembered for his role in pushing for racial equality in Hollywood. His achievements paved the way for future generations of Black actors, and his contributions to the arts will continue to be celebrated for years to come.