By Wonderwall.com Editors
12:57pm PDT, Apr 3, 2024
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Louis Gossett Jr., who earned an Academy Award for his performance in "An Officer and a Gentleman" and an Emmy for his turn in "Roots," died early in the morning on March 29 in Santa Monica, California, his family confirmed to the Associated Press. He was 87.
Gossett's breakout performance as Fiddler on the 1977 "Roots" miniseries kickstarted his professional career, though he'd been acting since high school and made his Broadway debut at just 16 in 1953. In 1983, Gossett's performance as the intense Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley in "An Officer and a Gentleman" made him the first Black actor to win the Oscar for best supporting actor. "More than anything, it was a huge affirmation of my position as a Black actor," he wrote in his memoir, "An Actor and a Gentleman."
Other memorable roles included "Enemy Mine," "Toy Soldiers," "Diggstown" and the "Iron Eagle" series. Gossett, who had half a dozen projects in production at the time of his death and was heavily involved in his Eracism Foundation work, also played Ol' Mister in 2023's SAG Award-nominated remake of "The Color Purple."
No cause of death has been announced, but Gossett battled a number of serious health issues over the years including prostate cancer, toxic mold syndrome and COVID-19. According to reports, he also struggled with substance abuse issues following his first divorce.
"Never mind the awards, never mind the glitz and glamor, the Rolls-Royces and the big houses in Malibu," the star's cousin, Neal L. Gossett, told the AP. "It's about the humanity of the people that he stood for."
In the wake of his death, tributes to Louis Gossett Jr. poured in from Hollywood and beyond.
Keep reading to see how his famous friends and fans said goodbye…
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"'Roots' was my first job in the business. It was in fact my first professional audition. When the production moved back to Los Angeles after 7 grueling, glorious, unforgettable weeks of location work in Savannah, Georgia, I met Lou for the very first time. He invited me to dinner at his beach house, to spend the night and just hang out. We talked for hours, drinking wine, sharing our life stories with the crashing waves in Malibu as background music. By the time we got to set the next day, the bond between Kunta and Fiddler was forever forged. He was a giant and a gentle man.
"His kindness and conscious effort to make a 19-year-old kid feel welcome was indicative of his open heart. Kunta and Fiddler…" –LeVar Burton wrote on Facebook
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"The role of Master Seargent Foley in 'An Officer and A Gentlemen' was written as a white man. When I visited the Navy Officers Flight Training Center in Pensacola, Florida, I discovered that many of the Drill Instructors there were men of color. I found it interesting that Black and Brown enlisted men had 'make-or-break' control over whether white college graduates would become officers and fighter pilots. At that moment, I changed the casting profile for Sgt. Foley and started meeting actors of color. Lou Gossett came to see me — I knew and admired his stage work.
"He told me that he'd served in the US Army as a Ranger, so in addition to being an accomplished actor, he knew military life — I hired him on the spot. Lou Gossett's Sargent Foley may have been the first Black character in American cinema to have absolute authority over white characters. The Academy recognized his consummate performance by voting him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. He definitely deserved it." –"An Officer and a Gentleman" director Taylor Hackford, seen here with wife Helen Mirren, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter
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Richard Gere — who starred alongside Louis Gossett Jr. in 1982's "An Officer and a Gentleman" — spoke at length to Variety following his co-star's death.
"We were all proud of the film and Lou was proud of his work in it — and he should be! He was a humble guy," Gere said in part, speaking about Gossett's Oscar win for his performance as tough-as-nail drill instructor Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley. "We were pleased for him as an artist, and as a man, that he got that recognition."
Gere further praised his co-star: "Lou was a sweetheart. He was a very gentle, sensitive and intelligent guy. He really cared about his craft. He cared about creating a character and doing a good job. He was a team player, there to serve the story. For our scenes, we had to have a real trust with each other, and that evolved very quickly. We could trust each other not just as fellow actors, but as fellow human beings," he said.
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"You were a Lion. A King. Your work will forever be seared in my brain and heart. As a young actor you were our example of excellence. That's a legacy. Well done, sir. What a life!!!! You will continue to inspire. Rest. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." –Viola Davis said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter
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"We lost a true great. A true legend. What an honor to have been able to give him his flowers on his last day of his final film 'The Color Purple' where he played my father. Fantasia sang it best… He ran his race for us. We are forever indebted. May we stand firmly on his shoulders. Lift him up today. R.I.P." –"The Color Purple" star Colman Domingo wrote on Instagram
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"I'm incredibly saddened to hear of the legendary Louis Gossett Jr.'s passing. I met him a few years ago and was so thrilled that I actually got to tell him how much I appreciated and just how impactful his work was. Louis's legacy will be forever remembered by his family, friends, colleagues and fans around the world." –Octavia Spencer wrote on X
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"Louis Gossett Jr, what an awesome man you were and the stories you told us, I'll never, ever forget. You left behind so many tokens for us and paved the way for Black actors and actresses. You will be missed, but man did you live a blessed life." –"The Color Purple" star Fantasia wrote on Instagram
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"Rest in peace, Lou Gossett Jr., one of my fave acting heroes. Hung out with him years ago at the Toronto Film Festival … I bailed at 2 a.m. as he bid me good evening and strolled down the street with a girl on each arm. I saw him at breakfast the next morning and he winked at me saying, 'You couldn't hang, could you?' My man!!!!!!" –David Alan Grier wrote on Instagram
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"Another dear one has made his transition. Lou was set to play the role of my grandfather in the proposed feature film of my life. I will miss my friend and send heartfelt condolences to his family." –Dionne Warwick said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter
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"Rest in peace, Louis Gossett Jr.!! A true legend of the stage and screen – the first Black man to win the Oscar for best supporting actor. Thank you for paving the way! Your legacy lives on." —Jennifer Hudson wrote on X
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"I woke up to the sad news of Lou Gossett Jr.'s passing. From 'Roots' to 'An Officer and a Gentleman' to 'The Color Purple' and now beyond, Lou was always an amazing artist and giving human being to me." –Sheryl Lee Ralph wrote on X
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"It's always hard to say goodbye to a legend! Thank you, my friend, for not only allowing me to work with you but also all of the incredible work you gave us. May your soul rest in perfect peace. God bless you!" –Tyler Perry wrote on Instagram
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"To the great Louis Gossett Jr. … Thank You! May 27th 1936-March 29th 2024" –Questlove wrote on X
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"I loved Lou. We did 'The Choirboys' in an ensemble, and then later starred together in 'Diggstown.' That experience cemented a lifelong friendship. I had always admired his fabulous talent, but grew to admire his modest demeanor more. A true gentleman. #RIP" –James Woods wrote on X
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"I'm saddened to hear of the news of your passing. You lived an incredible life, led an iconic career, and left a remarkable impact on those who had the opportunity to meet and work beside you. I remember watching you in your scenes, studying you, and feeling like I was in the presence of royalty. When you spoke, people listened. You were majestic, even then, without trying. And you still are. We took this photo to send to my real grandparents to tell them I'm your adopted grand-daughter… Rest Easy King. #LouisGossettJR" –Lex Scott Davis, who also shared a photo of herself with Gossett on Instagram
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"My heart filled with sorrow as I read the news of the passing of Louis Gossett Jr. this morning. I never had the privilege of meeting him, but of course I've seen and thoroughly enjoyed him in so many of his films. He was one of my very favorite actors. Not only that, but for a few years now, I've listened to his distinct voice, as he is one of the actors on my audio bible that I listen to nightly. I can only imagine the grief of his family and friends who knew him personally and loved him dearly. My heartfelt condolences to all of his family, friends and fans. May he rest in peace. I hope to meet him on the other side." –Gloria Gaynor wrote on Instagram
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"One of the great American actors of our generation. A personal hero. Louis Gossett Jr., 1st Black man to win supporting actor Oscar, dies at 87." –Wendell Pierce wrote on X
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"Thank you for it all, sir!!! #louisgossettjr" –Kenan Thompson wrote on Instagram
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"Our thoughts and prayers with the loved ones of the indelible Louis Gossett Jr., who passed away today. An Emmy and trailblazing Academy Award winning actor, he'll be deeply missed but his legacy lives on. Rest in power!" –Sister Sledge singers Camille Sledge, Debbie Sledge and Tanya Tiet wrote on X
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"Louis Gossett Jr., the 1st Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar, as well as an Emmy for 'Roots,' has died at 87. In our eyes, you were a LEADING man despite your many inspiring roles as supporting characters. Thank you for your undeniable talent. Rest In Power!" –Ben Crump wrote on X
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"Sad to hear about the news of @LouisGossettJr has passed. Mr. Gossett, your AMAZING gifts will never be 4GOTTEN! U DID A GREAT JOB, SIR! 1ST AFRICAN AMERICAN BLACK MAN TO WIN BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR! #RESTEASY #RESTINPARADISE" –Vivica A. Fox wrote on X
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"Today My Brooklyn Brother Da Great LOUIS GOSSETT JR. Made His Transition. He Grew Up In Coney Island And Went To Abraham Lincoln High School Rail Splitters. Da Same High School As Jesus Shuttlesworth. We Talked Every So Often About Working Together But I Regret It Did Not Happen. He Won Da Best Supporting Actor Oscar For His Role In 'An Officer And A Gentleman' (1982). I Remember Seeing That Film And Feeling A Certain Way. He Would've Killed Richard Gere's Character With That One Punch. Rest In Power." –Spike Lee wrote on X
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"Rest in Peace to the legendary Louis Gossett Jr.! His impact as an actor spanned six decades from Broadway to TV to Film. He had performances in classic films like 'Roots' and 'An Officer and a Gentleman.' Louis won Emmy and Academy Awards and was the first Black man to win an Oscar for supporting actor!
"His presence in the film industry was powerful and helped pave the way for so many Black actors today. I had the pleasure of knowing him very well. It was great for me and my Showtime Laker teammates to see him at our games, cheering loud and showing support at the Forum! [My wife] Cookie and I are praying for the entire Gossett family during this difficult time." –Magic Johnson wrote on X
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"RIP, Louis Gossett Jr., 87. The first Black man to win Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars, for his brilliant performance as Gunnery Sgt. Foley in 'An Officer and a Gentleman.'" –Piers Morgan wrote on X
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"Remembering Louis Gossett Jr., an Oscar-winning icon whose talent knew no bounds. His legacy in film and advocacy will continue to inspire generations. Rest in power, Louis Gossett Jr. #LouisGossettJr #RestInPower" –Bernice King wrote on X
