Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win an Oscar passed away
LOS ANGELES — Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and an Emmy winner for his role in the groundbreaking TV miniseries “Roots,” has passed away at the age of 87.
Gossett’s cousin, Neal L. Gossett, confirmed to The Associated Press that the actor died in Santa Monica, California. A statement released by the family announced Gossett’s passing on Friday morning. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
In remembering Gossett, his cousin described him as someone who walked alongside Nelson Mandela and was known for his humor and dignity in confronting and combating racism.
“Beyond the accolades, the wealth, the luxurious lifestyle, it’s about the humanity he represented,” his cousin remarked.
Reflecting on his career, Gossett often likened his early success to a reverse Cinderella story, where achievements came to him early on, leading up to his Academy Award-winning performance in “An Officer and a Gentleman.”
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Gossett gained prominence on television for his role as Fiddler in the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots” in 1977, depicting the horrors of slavery. His portrayal earned him critical acclaim and paved the way for his Oscar win as the tough drill instructor in “An Officer and a Gentleman.”
He considered his Oscar win a significant milestone for Black actors, as he detailed in his memoir, “An Actor and a Gentleman.”
Early Beginnings
Gossett’s journey into acting began in high school, where he performed in a production despite being sidelined from the basketball team due to injury. From there, he made his Broadway debut at just 16 and quickly gained attention for his talent.
His career flourished on both stage and screen, with notable performances in Broadway productions like “A Raisin in the Sun” and “Golden Boy,” where he starred alongside Sammy Davis Jr.
Confronting Racism
Despite his success, Gossett faced racism, particularly during his early encounters in Hollywood. He recounted experiences of discrimination, including being stopped by law enforcement for driving a luxury car.
In his memoir, he vividly described instances of racial profiling and prejudice he encountered, emphasizing his determination to rise above such challenges.
Legacy and Impact
Gossett’s legacy extends beyond his acting accolades. He was an advocate for social justice and founded the Eracism Foundation to combat racism.
His impact on entertainment and activism will be remembered, along with his contributions to breaking barriers for Black artists in the industry.
Louis Gossett Jr.’s remarkable career and enduring legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
