Louis Gossett Jr., the iconic actor best known for An Officer and a Gentleman and Roots, passed away at 87 on March 28, 2024, in Santa Monica, California. A trailblazer in Hollywood, Gossett made history as the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Over his illustrious career, he worked on more than 200 projects, with 12 still awaiting release.
Before Hollywood, Gossett honed his craft on Broadway alongside legends like Sidney Poitier and Marilyn Monroe. Despite facing racism and discrimination in the industry, he persevered, sharing stories of being wrongfully detained by police simply because of his race. He also battled addiction, entering rehab and turning his life around.
Survived by his children, Satie and Sharron, Gossett will be remembered not just for his incredible achievements but also for his role in breaking racial barriers and advancing equality in Hollywood.
