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Louis Gossett Jr., First Black Man to Win Oscar, Dead at 87
He is remembered as a trailblazer
Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “An Officer and a Gentleman,” has passed away at the age of 87.
According to Gossett’s nephew, the actor died Thursday night in Santa Monica, California. And, no cause of death was revealed.
Gossett became the third Black Oscar nominee in the supporting actor category in 1983. He won for his performance as the intimidating Marine drill instructor in An Officer and a Gentleman opposite Richard Gere and Debra Winger. He also won a Golden Globe for the same role.
He wrote in his 2010 memoir ‘An Actor and a Gentleman.’
“More than anything, it was a huge affirmation of my position as a Black actor.”
Remembering the Trailblazing Career of Louis Gossett Jr.
Louis Gossett Jr. had a prolific career in both stage and screen, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. One of his most notable roles was as Fiddler in the…
