Louis Gossett Jr, first black man to win Best Supporting Actor Oscar, dies at 87

Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries “Roots,” has died.

He was 87 years old.

"With heavy hearts, we confirm the passing of our dear father this morning," stated the family of the actor. "We appreciate the outpouring of condolences received. We kindly request privacy during this challenging period."

Gossett's cousin fondly recalled a man who shared moments with Nelson Mandela and possessed a remarkable sense of humor. "Forget about the accolades, the luxury, and the material possessions," his cousin remarked. "What truly mattered to him was championing the dignity and humanity of others."

Throughout his six-decade acting career, Gossett garnered an Emmy for his portrayal of the character Fiddler, an elderly slave, in the groundbreaking ABC miniseries "Roots" (1977), appearing in three episodes of the series’ eight.

In a notable late-career performance, Gossett captivated audiences with his role in HBO’s “Watchmen” (2019), portraying the character Hooded Justice, a former vigilante. However, it was his portrayal of the stern and resilient Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley in “An Officer and a Gentleman,” a romantic drama alongside Richard Gere and Debra Winger, which left the most enduring impact on the public consciousness.

Gossett's victory at the 55th Academy Awards in 1983 marked him as just the second Black man to receive an acting Oscar, following Sidney Poitier's win for his leading role in "Lilies of the Field" 19 years prior.

Gossett’s standout achievement on stage was his role in the original cast of “A Raisin in the Sun,” a revered play depicting the struggles of a Black family striving for a brighter future. In this production, Gossett portrayed the affluent character George Murchison, a role he later revisited in the 1961 film adaptation directed by Daniel Petrie.

"An Officer and a Gentleman" propelled Gossett to nationwide recognition and solidified his position as the first-ever Black man to win a Supporting Actor Oscar. To prepare for the role, he immersed himself in intensive training, spending 10 rigorous days at a drill instructor school in Camp Pendleton, California. There, he dedicated long hours to marching, running, and honing his skills in karate, often from the early hours of 4:30 am until 9 pm each day.

He appeared in films of various genres, including “Jaws 3-D” (1983), “Enemy Mine” (1985), “The Principal” (1987), “The Punisher” (1989), “Toy Soldiers” (1991), “Diggstown” (1992), and “Blue Chips” (1994), along with a series of lesser-known indie movies from 2000 to 2010.

Gossett's last roles included portraying Ol' Mister Johnson in the 2023 film adaptation of "The Color Purple" and providing a voice role in the John Krasinski-directed fantasy film "IF," set for release in May.’