Renowned actor Louis Gossett Jr., known for his iconic roles in ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ and the TV mini-series ‘Roots’, has sadly passed away at the age of 87.

He achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first Black man to ever receive an Oscar in the esteemed Best Supporting Actor category at the prestigious Academy Awards.

Gossett had an extensive career in Hollywood, working on a remarkable 200 projects and having 12 more in the pipeline, as reported by IMDb. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to witness the completion of these upcoming projects.

According to NPR, Gossett passed away in Santa Monica, California, on March 28, 2024. According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was identified as the main cause of death, with heart failure and atrial fibrillation listed as contributing factors. Gossett had been fighting COPD for several years, and his body will be cremated.

Prior to establishing himself in the world of television and film, Gossett initially embarked on his career in the realm of stage performances. He had the privilege of performing alongside iconic figures such as Marilyn Monroe and Sidney Poitier, leaving his mark on Broadway.

When Gossett arrived in Hollywood, he experienced both the royal treatment and the harsh reality of r*cism as a newcomer. Sharing an anecdote, he described how his journey to the hotel, which was supposed to be a 20-minute drive, turned into a frustrating four and a half hours. He mentioned that he was stopped by the police, who seemed curious about his identity. He also remembered being handcuffed to a tree for three hours for merely walking in Beverly Hills after 9 pm.

In spite of the challenges he faced, Gossett managed to establish a highly successful career, although he felt that it could have been even more extraordinary had he been of a white actor.

In an open and candid manner, Gossett shared his battles with drug and alcohol add*ction, recounting his decision to seek help in rehab two decades ago. He successfully finished a 12-step program that required him to confront and eliminate what he considered a major obstacle for everyone: resentment. «Resentment was the killer,» he explained.

Gossett’s personal life included three marriages, the first of which ended in annulment, while the other two ended in divorce. His two children, Satie and Sharron, are left behind.

Louis Gossett Jr.’s legacy is a testament to his remarkable accomplishments and unwavering determination in the face of challenges. His impact on the arts and his groundbreaking efforts to challenge r*cial barriers in Hollywood will be honored and cherished for generations.