Lou Gossett Jr., Oscar and Emmy winning actor, dies at 87

Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black actor to win a supporting role Oscar, has died.

He was 87.

Death details for Lou Gossett Jr

Gossett passed away Thursday night in Santa Monica, California, according to his nephew. The actor’s cause of death has not yet been released.

“It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning,” the actor’s family said in a statement. “We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”

Lou Gossett Jr’s acting career

Louis Gossett Jr. was born May 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York.

Gossett’s career has spanned over six decades, enabling him to appear in dozens of films, television shows and even Broadway.

While in high school, Gossett was into athletics but a teacher encouraged him to take up drama.

At only 16 years old, Gossett got his first break on Broadway when he appeared “Take a Giant Step”.

Gossett attended New York University before gaining notoriety in acting.

He’s appeared in the film adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” (1961) and big-screen spectacles like “The Deep” (1977).

His acting prowess would lead him to win an Emmy for his role as Fiddler in “Roots” (1977). In 1983, he became the first Black man to win supporting actor Oscar for his role as the drill sergeant in “Officers and a Gentleman” (1982).

Gossett’s final roles included Ol’ Mister Johnson in the 2023 film musical version of “The Color Purple” and a voice part in the John Krasinski-directed fantasy “IF,” scheduled for release in May.