Louis Gossett Jr., First Black Man To win Supporting Actor Oscar, Passes Away At 87 • Hollywood Unlocked

Socialites, we have some unfortunate news to share this Friday morning: Louis Gossett Jr, the first black man to win a supporting actor Oscar for his role in An Officer And A Gentleman, has died aged 87.

The news of Gossett’s passing was confirmed by his first cousin Neal L. Gossett to The Associated Press. He died in Santa Monica, California, with the family releasing a statement announcing his death on Friday morning. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Described by his cousin as a man who walked alongside Nelson Mandela and possessed a great sense of humor, Gossett was remembered for his resilience in the face of racism and his commitment to standing up for humanity. “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 said.

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Gossett’s career was marked by significant achievements, with his portrayal of Fiddler in the 1977 miniseries “Roots” earning him widespread acclaim. He later made history by becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “An Officer and a Gentleman” in 1983. He also won a Golden Globe for the same role.

Reflecting on his career in his memoir “An Actor and a Gentleman,” Gossett saw his success as a testament to his position as a Black actor in Hollywood. His contributions to both stage and screen, from Broadway productions to iconic TV shows, solidified his legacy as a versatile and talented performer.

In addition to his acting career, Gossett was a passionate advocate for racial equality, founding the Eracism Foundation to combat racism and promote inclusivity.

Throughout his life, Gossett continued to inspire audiences with his performances and his dedication to social causes. His impact on the entertainment industry and his commitment to creating a more just world will be remembered by fans and colleagues.

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While his career had been successful, his health was a bit of a different story. In 2010, Gossett sadly announced he had prostate cancer, which he said was caught in the early stages. In 2020, he was hospitalized with COVID-19. Despite that, he stayed strong though his health journey.

Louis Gossett Jr. is survived by his sons Satie and Sharron, as well as his cousin Robert Gossett. His legacy as a pioneering actor and activist will continue to resonate for years to come.

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