The first Black man to receive an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, Lou Gossett Jr., has died.
Reports indicate that the actor died on Thursday night in Santa Monica, California. However, no details surrounding his death have been released.
Gossett’s most notable achievement was receiving an Academy Award, in the 1982 film “An Officer and a Gentleman,” which solidified his position as a Black actor, he stated in his 2010 memoir, “An Actor and a Gentleman.”
In 1964, Gossett had gotten critical acclaim for his part in Broadway’s ” A Raisin In The Sun.” This really laid down a foundation for him on the stage as he replaced Billy Daniels in “Golden Boy.”
And in 1977, that’s when he got his big Hollywood break that earned him an Emmy for his part in the TV series “Roots.”
What’s more, Gossett also won a Golden Globe for the TV movie “The Josephine Baker Story” in 1991.
He also played a major role in Enemy Mine, the TV series “Sadat,” and his part as Colonel Charles “Chappy” Sinclair in the “Iron Eagle” film series.
His most recent and last role was his part as ‘Ol Mister in the 2023 rendition of “The Color Purple.”
In 2010, Gossett had announced that he had prostate cancer which was detected early on.
Gossett was 87 years old.
RIP Sir!