Louis Gossett Jr., known for his unforgettable roles in An Officer and a Gentleman and the TV series Roots, has passed away at the age of 87. He made history as the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, breaking barriers in Hollywood.
On March 28, 2024, Gossett died in Santa Monica, California. NPR reported his passing, and a death certificate obtained by TMZ revealed that he suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which, along with heart failure and atrial fibrillation, led to his death. He had battled COPD for years, and it was announced that his remains would be cremated.
Before he became a Hollywood icon, Gossett began his acting career on the stage. He performed on Broadway alongside greats like Marilyn Monroe and Sidney Poitier, laying the foundation for his remarkable career in film and television.
When Gossett transitioned to Hollywood, he was greeted with respect but also faced brutal racism. He once shared a troubling story about being detained by the police for hours while trying to reach his hotel. “It should’ve taken 20 minutes,” he explained, “but it turned into a four-and-a-half-hour ordeal just because they didn’t believe I belonged.”
In another instance, Gossett recounted being handcuffed to a tree for three hours simply for being in Beverly Hills after 9 p.m. It was a stark reminder of the challenges he faced as a Black man in a predominantly white industry.
Despite these painful experiences, Gossett’s career flourished. However, he often reflected on how it might have been different if he were white. He compared his accomplishments to Clint Eastwood’s and spoke openly about overcoming personal struggles, much like Robert Downey Jr. “If I were white,” he once said, “I think my career would’ve looked a lot like Eastwood’s.”
Gossett also battled with drug and alcohol addiction, issues that nearly derailed his career. He sought help and entered rehab two decades ago, completing a 12-step program that changed his life. “Resentment is a killer,” he often said, pointing to his focus on healing and moving forward.
In his personal life, Gossett married three times. His first marriage was annulled, and his other two marriages ended in divorce. He is survived by his two children, Satie and Sharron, who will carry on his legacy.
Louis Gossett Jr. will be remembered not just for his groundbreaking achievements in Hollywood but also for his role in advancing racial equality. His contributions to the arts and his fearless fight against racial barriers will be honored for generations to come.