Louis Gossett Jr., the trailblazing actor who made history as the first Black man to clinch both an Academy Award for a supporting role and an Emmy for his portrayal in the landmark TV miniseries “Roots,” has passed away at the age of 87.
Gossett’s demise was confirmed by his first cousin Neal L. Gossett to The Associated Press. According to a statement issued by the family, Gossett departed on Friday morning in Santa Monica, California. No specific cause of death was disclosed.
In reminiscing about Gossett’s life, his cousin fondly recalled a man who not only shared laughter through his adept storytelling but also stood tall alongside icons like Nelson Mandela, confronting and combatting racism with grace and humor.
“Never mind the awards, never mind the glitz and glamor, the Rolls-Royces and the big houses in Malibu. It’s about the humanity of the people that he stood for,” his cousin remarked.
Reflecting on his journey, Gossett often likened his rise to fame to a reverse Cinderella story, where success found him early and propelled him toward acclaim, culminating in his Oscar triumph for “An Officer and a Gentleman.”
Gossett’s breakthrough came on the small screen in 1977 when he portrayed the character Fiddler in the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots,” a portrayal that showcased the horrors of slavery and featured a notable ensemble cast including Ben Vereen, LeVar Burton, and John Amos.
His exceptional talent garnered him an Oscar nomination in 1983, making him the third Black actor to receive such recognition in the supporting actor category. He secured the prestigious award for his compelling performance as a formidable Marine drill instructor in “An Officer and a Gentleman,” starring alongside Richard Gere and Debra Winger. Additionally, he clinched a Golden Globe for his portrayal in the same role.
