Louis Gossett Jr.
Louis Gossett Jr.
Louis Gossett Jr. is one of today’s most respected and widely beloved actors on stage, screen and television, and also serves as an accomplished writer, producer and director. Offscreen, he is a passionate social activist, notable author and speaker who is dedicated to enriching the lives of others through storytelling, as well as creating a better world through his Eracism Foundation.
Gossett was the first African American to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor thanks to his unforgettable performance as drill Sergeant Emil Foley in “An Officer and a Gentleman.” Among his other awards are an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor for his portrayal of Fiddler in the groundbreaking ABC series “Roots,” a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for “The Josephine Baker Story,” and a Golden Globe for “An Officer and a Gentleman.”
Gossett has been nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes, one Academy Award, five Images Awards, two Daytime Emmy Awards and, in 1992, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was recently nominated for a SAG award for his portrayal of Ole Mister in Oprah Winfrey’s 2023 musical, “The Color Purple,” and has also received numerous other honors throughout his illustrious career.
During the pandemic, Gossett digitally traversed the country for discussions and promotional appearances regarding one of his films, “The Cuban,” which premiered at the world’s first pandemic-era virtual film festival (Canadian Film Fest). He acted in other film and television shows, including HBO’s “Watchman,” and the independent films “Foster Boy,” “The Cuban,” and “The Reason” (2020).
His film debut was in the 1961 classic movie, “A Raisin in the Sun” with Sidney Poitier. Other film credits include, “The Deep,” “Blue Chips,” “Daddy’s Little Girls,” Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married Too?,” “Firewalker,” “Jaws-3D,” “Enemy Mine” and “Iron Eagle” 1-4, among many others. Television credits include “Extant,” “Madam Secretary,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “Family Guy” and “ER,” among dozens of others. Recently, Gossett played Ole Mister in Oprah Winfrey’s wildly acclaimed musical, “The Color Purple,” (December 2023).
Gossett is the author of the bestselling autobiography “An Actor and a Gentleman,” in which he chronicles the challenges and triumphs of his 50+ year career. In 2006, Gossett founded The Eracism Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating racism. The foundation provides young adults with tools to live a racially diverse and culturally inclusive life. Programs focus on fostering cultural diversity, historical enrichment, education, and anti-violence initiatives.
Gossett is markedly recognized for his humanitarian efforts as he is for his accomplishments as an actor. He has received numerous Lifetime Achievement Awards, and in November 2023, in recognition of Gossett’s achievements and contributions, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners declared November 4th as “Lou Gossett Jr. Appreciation Day.”
Gossett was born in Brooklyn and made his stage debut when he was 17 in “Take a Giant Step,” which was selected as one of the 10 best Broadway shows of 1953 by The New York Times. He has two adult sons.