Family confirms the passing away of Academy Award winning actor Lou Gossett Jr. 

At the age of 87, Lou Gossett Jr., the legendary actor known for his groundbreaking performance in Roots, passed away on March 29. He will always be remembered as the first Black man to win a Supporting Actor Oscar.

Neal L. Gossett, the first cousin of the actor, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that he passed away in Santa Monica, California. While the cause of death was not disclosed, the actor had previously shared his struggle with prostate cancer in 2010.

The death of Lou Gossett Jr. was confirmed by his family in a statement, in which they stated:

“It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father (Lou Gossett Jr.) passed away this morning. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”

In addition to winning an Oscar, Lou Gossett Jr. also earned numerous other awards, including an Emmy for his performance in the TV miniseries Roots.

Diving into Lou Gossett Jr.’s Journey in Hollywood and Beyond

Lou Gossett Jr. was born on May 27, 1936, in Brooklyn to a father who worked as a porter and a mother who was a nurse. He received his education at Mark Twain Intermediate School 239 and Abraham Lincoln High School.

Gossett’s career began on stage when he performed in a school production of You Can’t Take it With You. His high school English teacher motivated him to audition for Take a Giant Leap in Manhattan. At the young age of 16, he even substituted for Bill Gunn in the Broadway play Take a Giant Step. In a 1991 interview with Bob Costas, Gossett fondly remembered his entrance into the film industry.

“They’re looking for a young, Black kid to play a lead in a Broadway show called Take a Giant Step. They can’t find anybody in the business, so they’re going to the high schools. ‘Tell your mother to take you down there’. So, that’s how I got into show business.”

Although Gossett attended New York University, he turned down an athletic scholarship to play varsity basketball there. He made his acting debut in 1961 in the film A Raisin in the Sun. According to AP News, he fondly remembered his initial visit to Hollywood during the filming of A Raisin in The Sun. The actor resided in a motel infested with cockroaches, which was one of the rare accommodations that accepted Black individuals.

During his time in the industry, he starred in numerous movies including The Bushbaby, The Landlord, Skin Game, Travels with My Aunt, The Laughing Policeman, The White Dawn, The River Niger, J.D.’s Revenge, The Deep, The Choirboys, and many others.

In 1967, Gossett married his first wife, Hattie Glascoe. However, the marriage was annulled a year later. In 1973, he married Christina Mangosing, with whom he had a son named Satie. The couple divorced in 1975. Gossett later married Cyndi James-Resse in 1987 and they adopted a son named Sharron. Sadly, the couple divorced in 1992.

In addition to his acting talent, Lou was a generous philanthropist. In 2006, he established the Eracism Foundation with the goal of promoting tolerance, understanding, and equality for all races.

Despite facing challenges and discrimination, Lou Gossett Jr. persevered and became the first Black Man to win a supporting actor Oscar. He continued to receive recognition and acclaim in his career, including an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and an NAACP Image Award. In addition, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Gossett Jr. was renowned for his portrayal of military roles in the entertainment industry. Some of his notable performances include his roles as a military officer in An Officer and a Gentleman, a character in The Mod Squad, and a pilot in the movie Iron Eagle.

Lou’s sons, Satie and Sharon, and his first cousin, Robert Gossett, are among his surviving relatives.