Louis Gossett Jr., who became the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and also won an Emmy for his role in the TV miniseries “Roots,” died early Friday morning
The sad news was confirmed in a statement by Gossett’s children, though no cause was cited. Gossett was 87.
“It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning,” the statement read. “We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Gossett, who was most recently seen in last year’s musical remake of “A Color Purple,” won awards for his best-known roles — a Best Supporting Actor award for his performance as the Marine drill instructor Gunnery Sgt. Foley in the 1982 movie An Officer and a Gentleman and as Fiddler in the 1977 miniseries “Roots.”
He was only the second Black man to win an acting Oscar, 19 years after Sidney Poitier won for his leading role in Lilies of the Field. But at times Gossett lamented that all his roles seemed to be supporting roles.
“I was left with a lot of time on my hands” after the Academy Award, Gossett told The New York Times in 1989. “I thought I’d get a lot of offers — and they didn’t come. … I let myself become bitter, resentful. I was my own worst enemy. I said to myself, ‘What more can I do? Where’s the light at the end of the tunnel?’ I started to self-destruct.”
Gossett overcame struggles
Gossett began struggling with alcohol and drug addiction, which would become a years-long battle. He went to rehab, where he was diagnosed with toxic mold syndrome, which he said was caused by his house in Malibu.
In 2010, Gossett announced he had prostate cancer, but said it was caught early. In 2020, he was hospitalized with COVID-19.
Louis Cameron Gossett Jr. was born May 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York. He loved playing basketball, but an injury opened the door to acting. A high school teacher encouraged him to try out for a play — and that led to his Broadway debut in the 1953 production of “Take a Giant Step,” a coming-of-age story about a Black teenager growing up in a predominantly white community. A passion was born and he enrolled at New York University, which led to a role in the Broadway version of “The Desk Set” as well as small parts on television shows.
Gossett is survived by sons Satie and Sharron. His first cousin is actor Robert Gossett.
