Louis Gossett Jr., the legendary actor celebrated for his roles in *An Officer and a Gentleman* and *Roots*, died at 87 on March 28, 2024, in Santa Monica, California. A Hollywood trailblazer, Gossett was the first Black actor to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Throughout his career, he starred in over 200 projects, with 12 still set for release.
Before his Hollywood fame, Gossett honed his skills on Broadway, performing with icons like Sidney Poitier and Marilyn Monroe. Despite facing racism and discrimination, he remained resilient, even sharing stories of unjust treatment by police due to his race. Gossett also overcame personal struggles, including addiction, and transformed his life after rehab.
Survived by his children, Satie and Sharron, Gossett’s legacy will be remembered for his groundbreaking achievements and his efforts to champion racial equality in the entertainment industry.