Louis Gossett Jr. Obituary: Oscar winner 1st Black man, died at 87

Louis Gossett Jr. Obituary: Louis Gossett Jr. the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries “Roots,” has died. He was 87, in California.

His cousin confirmed his death to The Associated Press, noting Gossett’s remarkable career and his commitment to fighting racism with dignity and humor.

Gossett’s breakout role came in the iconic 1977 miniseries “Roots,” where he portrayed the character Fiddler, depicting the horrors of slavery.

This role paved the way for his success on both the small and big screens.

In 1983, Gossett made history by becoming the first Black man to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of a tough Marine drill instructor in “An Officer and a Gentleman.

Throughout his career, Gossett remained dedicated to his craft and used his platform to advocate for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.

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His contributions to film and television will be remembered as groundbreaking and influential.

Louis Gossett Jr.’s legacy extends beyond his acting accolades; he was also known for his humanity and his commitment to standing up against injustice.

His impact on the entertainment industry and society at large will be felt for generations to come.

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