Louis Gossett Jr. Oscar-Winning Actor from 'An Officer and a Gentleman' and 'Roots,' Dies At 87

[DallasEast]

Louis Gossett Jr., Oscar-winning actor from 'An Officer and a Gentleman' and 'Roots,' dies at 87​

By David Arkin | NBC News
March 29, 2024

Louis Gossett Jr., who became the first Black man to win the Oscar for best supporting actor for playing a no-nonsense drill sergeant in “An Officer and a Gentleman” (1982), has died, his family said Friday.

He was 87.

"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."

In an acting career that spanned six decades, Gossett appeared in dozens of movies and television shows, including the film adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in the Sun” (1961) and big-screen spectacles like “The Deep” (1977).

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[DallasEast]

 

[VaqueroTD]

RIP

Was good to see him in a few roles in old age. Felt like he disappeared, but was all over the screens in the 80's.

 

[DallasEast]

RIP

Was good to see him in a few roles in old age. Felt like he disappeared, but was all over the screens in the 80's.

Seeing Gossett a couple of years ago in HBO's Watchmen and this past December in the film The Color Purple made me wonder how much longer audiences would have the opportunity of seeing his work. It was more infrequent but I feel like he delivered quality work all the way to the end.

 

[VaqueroTD]

Seeing Gossett a couple of years ago in HBO's Watchmen and this past December in the film The Color Purple made me wonder how much longer audiences would have the opportunity of seeing his work. It was more infrequent but I feel like he delivered quality work all the way to the end.

Was thinking of Watchmen in particular. Wonder what ever happened to season 2? Great show, and Gossett was one of the reasons.

 

[DallasEast]

Was thinking of Watchmen in particular. Wonder what ever happened to season 2? Great show, and Gossett was one of the reasons.

The show was created as a one-shot. The creator wanted to translate the novel but not in an extended way. Not sure why HBO would agree to a single season offering that could have been easily extended with good imagination but it did.

I loved Regina King in it too. Heck. I picked her character as my MAX streaming service avatar, lol.

 

[JohnnyTheFox]

Really sad to hear this, loved pretty much everything he was in. His role as GySgt Foley was second to none. RIP.

 

[1942willys]

Another great actor forever remembered.

 

[rags747]

Yeah great in An Officer and a Gentleman, RIP Mr Gossett!

 

[Runwildboys]

Loves him in everything I ever saw him in, but to me, Enemy Mine will always be the first thing that comes to mind.

RIP, Mr. Gossett.

 

[VaqueroTD]

Loves him in everything I ever saw him in, but to me, Enemy Mine will always be the first thing that comes to mind.

RIP, Mr. Gossett.

Forgot about that one. That was good! As a kid, I loved the Iron Eagle movies. Haven't seen them since then. They may be a lot cheesier than I realize.

 

[Runwildboys]

Forgot about that one. That was good! As a kid, I loved the Iron Eagle movies. Haven't seen them since then. They may be a lot cheesier than I realize.

They probably are. Lol

 

[Tabascocat]

Lost a good one

I liked him a lot in Toy Soldiers, along with most of his work.

 

[Reverend Conehead]

I just heard about this on my lunch break. I'm super bummed. He was brilliant in Roots and An Officer and a Gentleman. This is a big loss. RIP, Louis Gossett Jr. He will be sorely missed.

 

[Creeper]

One of my favorite actors. RIP.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

Iron Eagle.

 

[Quickdraw]

Really sad to hear this, loved pretty much everything he was in. His role as GySgt Foley was second to none. RIP.

Mayonnaise!

 

[quickccc]

Rest in Peace, Lou

Great actor and one of the biggest impact pioneers of black actors in our history.

My thoughts, prayers and condolences to all his family friends and loved ones.

You will be missed and always remembered.

 

[Hardline]

Really sad to hear this, loved pretty much everything he was in. His role as GySgt Foley was second to none. RIP.

'I want your D.O.R."