Louis Gossett Jr. | |
|---|---|
 Gossett Jr. in 1978 | |
| Born | Louis Cameron Gossett Jr. (1936-05-27)May 27, 1936 Brooklyn,New York City, U.S. |
| Died | March 29, 2024(2024-03-29) (aged 87) Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1953–2024 |
| Works | Louis Gossett Jr. on screen and stage |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Robert Gossett (first cousin) |
| Awards | List of awards and nominations |
Louis Cameron Gossett Jr. (May 27, 1936 – March 29, 2024) was an American actor. He made his stage debut at the age of 17. Shortly thereafter, he successfully auditioned for theBroadway playTake a Giant Step. Gossett continued acting onstage in critically acclaimed plays includingA Raisin in the Sun (1959),The Blacks (1961),Tambourines to Glory (1963), andThe Zulu and the Zayda (1965). In 1977, Gossett appeared in the popularminiseriesRoots, for which he wonOutstanding Lead Actor for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series at theEmmy Awards.
Gossett continued acting in high-profile films, television, plays, and video games. In 1982, for his role asGunnery Sergeant Emil Foley inAn Officer and a Gentleman, he won theAcademy Award for Best Supporting Actor and became the first African-American actor to win in this category. At the Emmy Awards, Gossett continued to receive recognition, with nominations forThe Sentry Collection Presents Ben Vereen: His Roots (1978),Backstairs at the White House (1979),Palmerstown, U.S.A. (1981),Sadat (1983),A Gathering of Old Men (1987),Touched by an Angel (1997), andWatchmen (2019). He won and was nominated at other ceremonies including theGolden Globe Awards,Black Reel Awards, andNAACP Image Awards. Gossett was also well known for his role as Colonel Chappy Sinclair in theIron Eagle film series (1986–1995).
Gossett's other film appearances includeHal Ashby'sThe Landlord (1970),Paul Bogart'sSkin Game (1971),George Cukor'sTravels with My Aunt (1972),Stuart Rosenberg'sThe Laughing Policeman (1974),Philip Kaufman'sThe White Dawn (1974),Peter Yates'sThe Deep (1977),Wolfgang Petersen'sEnemy Mine (1985),Christopher Cain'sThe Principal (1987),Mark Goldblatt'sThe Punisher (1989),Daniel Petrie'sToy Soldiers (1991), andBlitz Bazawule'sThe Color Purple (2023), his television appearances includeBonanza (1971),The Jeffersons (1975),American Playhouse (1990),Stargate SG-1 (2005),Boardwalk Empire (2013),The Book of Negroes (2015).
Gossett was born inConey Island,Brooklyn, New York City, to Hellen, a nurse, and Louis Cameron Gossett, a porter.[1] He was an alumnus ofMark Twain Intermediate School 239 andAbraham Lincoln High School.[2][3][4] He contractedpolio during his youth.[5] His stage debut came at age 17, in a school production ofYou Can't Take It with You when a sports injury resulted in the decision to take an acting class.[1]
Gossett's high school teacher had encouraged him to audition for a Broadway part, resulting in his selection at the age of 17 for his first role on Broadway in the version ofTake a Giant Step in 1953. He replacedBill Gunn as Spencer Scott.[6] The play ran from late September to late November and had 76 performances.[7] The show was selected as one of the 10 best Broadway shows of 1953 byThe New York Times.[8][additional citation(s) needed] His performance was well received, and he won the Donaldson Award for best newcomer of the year.[9][10][11]
After graduating fromAbraham Lincoln High School in 1954, he attendedNew York University, declining an athletic scholarship.[12]
On October 24, 1955, the Broadway playThe Desk Set started its run, with Gossett acting in it. The show had 297 performances and closed on July 7, 1956.[13] Its a comedy about office workers. On its 200th performance, Jack Y. Kohl'sThe Morning Call review praised the entire cast.[14]
At the end of the 1950s, standing 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) tall, he was offered the opportunity to play for theNew York Knicks; he turned down the offer to instead accept a role inA Raisin in the Sun.[15]
In 1959, continuing hisBroadway career, Gossett played the role of George Murchison inA Raisin in the Sun. The story tells of a black family's experiences in southChicago, as they attempt to improve their financial circumstances.[16] The character of Murchison represents the "fully assimilated black man" who denies his African heritage with a "smarter than thou" attitude.[17] The play received rave reviews.[18] In Boyd Martin's review inThe Courier Journal he said that the play is "magnificently played by the entire cast."[19] It won best play at theNew York Drama Critics' Circle.[20]
During the early 1960s, Gossett was considered to be a talented folk musician, for which he was well known.[21] His singing career was helped along with appearing atGerde's Folk City in New York.[22] In 1961, Gossett had his cinematic debut withthe film adaptation ofA Raisin in the Sun.[23] Due to the critical acclaim of the play,Columbia Pictures bought the film rights. Most of the original cast, including Gossett, returned to their roles. The film, just like the play, received excellent reviews.[24] In the same year, Gossett appeared in the original cast ofJean Genet'sThe Blacks, the longest running off-Broadway play of the decade, running for 1,408 performances. The original cast also featuredJames Earl Jones,Roscoe Lee Browne,Cicely Tyson,Godfrey Cambridge,Maya Angelou andCharles Gordone.[25] — so "their collective star power" rubbed off on Mr. Gossett.[26]
In 1963, Gossett acted in the Broadway playTambourines to Glory.[27] William Glover in his review published inThe Bee, describes it as the first Broadway play with a gospel score, and praised the entirety of the cast for their energy and vocals.[28] In 1964, Gossett acted in the Broadway playGolden Boy.[29] Also that year, he signed to Powertree Records. Gossett's single, "Hooka' Dooka', Green Green" / "Goodmornin' Captain" was released in early 1964.[30] Later in May, "Red Rosy Bush" / "See See Rider" was released.[31] The following year, Gossett appeared in the musical playThe Zulu and the Zayda on Broadway as Paulus with music and lyrics byHarold J. Rome.[32] A December 1965 review ofThe Zulu, original cast recording that was released on Columbia Records noted Menasha Skulnik and Gossett's vocal performance of "It's Good to Be Alive.[33]
In 1966, Gossett acted in the Broadway playMy Sweet Charlie.[34] Gossett wrote the antiwar folk song "Handsome Johnny" withRichie Havens; Havens recorded the song in 1966.[35] "Handsome Johnny" was released in 1967, appearing onRichie Havens's albumMixed Bag,. Havens performed it onThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson which resulted in a standing ovation that lasted through two commercial breaks.[36] By September 1967, his single "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" / "Just a Girl" was released on Warner Brothers 7078. It was aCash Box Newcomer Pick and received a good review with the reviewer calling it "easy-paced blues working and a mighty fine smooth vocal join forces in putting across a tempting r&b reading of the folk standard."[37]
In 1968, Gossett acted in the playCarry Me Back to Morningside Heights.[38] In the spring of 1969, Gossett was listed among the actors who could not be determined or uncredited inStuart Rosenberg'sWUSA.[39]
In 1970, his albumFrom Me to You was released on B.T. Puppy Records BTPS-1013. It contained some of his own compositions.[40][41]
In 1971, Gossett acted inPaul Bogart's western comedySkin Game starringJames Garner. In it they play a pair scammers who repeatedly pretend that the character played by Gossett is Garner's slave named Jason O'Rourke, to resell him repeatedly in every town they pass by.[42] Michael Bate ofThe Ottawa Citizen said "Gossett larks his way through the film's early portions and develops a complex characterization with appealing good humor and restraint. He rarely overplays an easily overdone role and for this he deserves full credit."[43]
That year Gossett was cast in a film adaptation of the novelFinding Maubee, however the project went dormant, and was released asThe Mighty Quinn in 1989 with another cast.[44] On February 7, Gossett acted in "The Desperado", aBonanza episode.[45] Also that year he acted in the.playMurderous Angels,[46] which is about an investigation regarding Congolese leaderPatrice Lumumba. In hisDaily News review Douglas Watt said that Gossett's performance as Lumumba was "extremely convincing."[47]
In 1972, Gossett acted inGeorge Cukor'sTravels with My Aunt.[48] He was announced to act in a starring role inBrian De Palma'sSisters, but had to withdraw due to scheduling conflict,[49] and to play a gang leader inBarry Shear'sAcross 110th Street, but he is not in the finished product.[50]
In 1973, Gossett acted inStuart Rosenberg'sThe Laughing Policeman.[51] In 1974, Gossett acted inPhilip Kaufman'sThe White Dawn.[52]
In 1974, Gossett returned to his role fromSkin Games in the made for television sequelSidekicks.[53]
In 1975, Gossett acted inGeorge's Best Friend, an episode ofThe Jeffersons,[54]Clark Templeton O'Flaherty an episode ofThe Six Million Dollar Man.[55]
On April 4 of that year, the western comedyBlack Bart premiered on television. It was a spinoff ofBlazing Saddles (1974). Gossett played the lead as the first black sheriff in the old west.[56] Also that year, Gossett acted inDelancey Street: The Crisis Within a television film about a halfway house inSan Francisco for junkies and ex-convicts.[57]
In 1976, films Gossett acted in wereArthur Marks's horror filmJ. D.'s Revenge,[58] andKrishna Shah's dramaThe River Niger.[59] Both film were noted to have good performances by its cast.[60][61][62]
That year on television, Gossett acted inFoul on the First Plan an episode ofThe Rockford Files,[63] andThe Long Road Home an episode ofLittle House on the Prairie.[64]
In 1977, Gossett played the role of Fiddler in the television miniseriesRoots based onAlex Haley's bookRoots: The Saga of an American Family. Gossett stated that he was initially "insulted when they decided to give me the part of Fiddler. He resembledStepin Fetchit, the Uncle Tom part. But I said, OK, I will take it. I'll do something. Then doing the research I realized there's no such thing as an Uncle Tom. If it wasn't for Fiddler, we wouldn't be in America. He was a survivor. He understood both cultures and knew how to maneuver to stay alive and be solvent. We needed that lesson in order to survive here today. Having done Fiddler is a stripe on my uniform now". The program which ran for eight nights in a row was success with a record-breaking audience of 140 million.[65] The role was his screen breakthrough, earning him anEmmy Award for outstanding lead actor in a single appearance in a drama or comedy series.[66][67]
Other television appearances for Gossett that include one episode ofThe Rockford Files,[68] andFreeman an episode part of the anthology television series Visions.[69]
Premiering on January 16 of that year, Gossett acted the television filmLittle Ladies of the Night about prostitution.[70] It was the highest-rated program of its night, with a 36.9 rating and 53 share,[71] seen by 26,270,000 households. ABC claimed this made it the highest-rated TV movie of all time as it surpassed the 36.5 average rating forHelter Skelter (although the second part ofHelter Skelter had a higher rating of 37.5).[72][71] The rating for a made-for-TV movie was only bettered by 1983.[71] At the time of its broadcast, it was the twelfth-highest-rated movie to air on network television.[71]
In the same year, Gossett acted inRobert Aldrich'sThe Choirboys,[73] andPeter Yates'sThe Deep.[74]The Choirboys was a critical panned and viewed as one of Aldrich's weakest films.[75] In Yates's film, an underwater thriller, Gossett played the lead villain.[76] For his role he had to learn how to dive and said "to become an efficient diver I was trained in the largest swimming pool I'd ever been in every day for a whole month. Then the instructor said, 'I think you are ready now for the Atlantic Ocean. Once we got into the heavy stuff, those lessons saved my life quite a few times." On playing the lead villain he explained "there are villainous traits and there are heroic traits in all of us, and as an actor you are taught to dip into all those sections of your personality. I guess, in a non artistic profession, you have to keep certain doors locked. I like to play anything that is significant, and of a quality that I would call a stretch. Anything that is really quite different from what I have done before."[77] On his performance, he thought "he did one of his finest jobs of acting during the filming".[78] While the film got mixed to negative reviews,[79] critic Bernard Drew, in his review published inThe Courier-News, explained he liked it, enjoyed all performances and wrote that Gossett is "unctuous and evil as the arch-fiend".[80] The films was a success and was theeighth-highest-grossing film of 1977 in the United States and Canada with a gross of $47.3 million.[81] Overseas, the film was Columbia's highest-grossing film and grossed over $100 million worldwide.[82][83]
On March 2, 1978, the television specialThe Sentry Collection Presents Ben Vereen: His Roots premiered. ActorBen Vereen showcases key elements of his life through dance and music. Gossett was among the guest stars.[84] At the Emmy Awards, Gossett was nominated for "Outstanding continuing or single performance by a supporting actor in variety or music".[85]
On April 10, the two part television filmTo Kill a Cop premiered.[86] The film is about a cop who goes after a revolutionary, played by Gossett, who is murdering policemen.[87] On his role, he said "I see the character I'm portraying as a combination of those militant black leaders of 10 or 12 years ago: Eldridge Cleaver, Huey Newton, Stokely Carmichael, Bobby Seale. He was a guy who was in a shootout in Detroit. He lost his family and close friends. He escaped to Algeria where he was given asylum for 10 years. When he was asked to leave, he returned to the United States with one aim in mind: revenge."[88] Donna Rabel in herMorning News review liked the film and said "Lou Gossett, Jr., is properly menacing as the intellectual revolutionary."[89]
On September 11, the two part miniseriesThe Critical Hit premiered. It is drama set in a hospital, in a supporting role Gossett plays a black militant who provides evidence of health care fraud to the first secretary of national health.[90]
On January 28, 1979, the mini-seriesBackstairs at the White House premiered.[91] It is aboutWhite House servants who work during several presidencies. Gossett plays a servant who is 37 years of age when the series starts and 88 when it ends. He said ''I took the role because of the chance to age. No one will know who I am in the beginning. They'll have to put a sign on me with my name on it. The role appealed to me. I'll do anything I can to keep from being typecast. Even a small part if it offers something different. I had my choice of playing Mays, the doorman, or Mercer. Mays has a death scene, but Mercer gets to age".[92] At the Emmy Awards, Gossett was nominated for "Outstanding lead actor in a limited series or a special".[93]
On September 4, the seriesThe Lazarus Syndrome started, where Gossett plays a hospital chief of staff.[94] The initial episode gathered one of the biggest Nielsen audience of that week,[95] however the ratings dwindled and the show was pulled by October.[96]
On April 23, the television filmLawman Without a Gun premiered. Gossett plays about a civil rights activist who becomes the Sheriff of a Southern town, it is inspired by the true story of Thomas Gilmore.[97]
In 1981, Gossett was a guest star in an episode of the television seriesPalmerstown, U.S.A..[98] The episode is about a black soldier, played by Gossett, who lost his land after serving in theSpanish-American War and his attempt to regain it. At the time of its release, in his review published inThe Start Press, Steven H. Scheuer wrote that the episode was "emotionally, the most effective story so far."[99] For his performance Gossett was nominated at the Emmy Awards forOutstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.[100]
Also that year, inRichard A. Colla's television film biographyDon't Look Back: The Story of Leroy 'Satchel' Paige, Gossett played the role of baseball starSatchel Paige. On playing Paige, Gossett said "from the time I was three Satch was almost a God-like figure to me Yet when I got in front of the camera I had to be careful not to overdo it I tried to portray him as an incredibly gifted man rather than a legend, which he truly is."[101] Mike Duffy of theDetroit Free Press thought the film was outstanding, on Gossett he wrote that "he was perfectly cast as Paige. He captures Paige's overflowing exuberance for life, but also the man's innate intelligence, and his proud determination to gain acceptance for the genuine physical genius he possessed."[102]
On May 31, 1982,Michael Schultz's television filmBenny's Place premiered. The story is based on play that was also directed on stage by Schultz. In it Gossett plays an older man pushing retirement who is asked to trained a replacement for his position at the steel mill where he works. Gossett accepted the role to work with Schultz. Of his role Gossett said "they think he's getting too old. He figures if he trains a young man, they'll put a broom in his hand and take away his ace. To me, he represents old people quote-unquote and he shares their rage and predicament. He's still a vital man, he represents all those people faced with that predicament. I think it's a crime to send people that age off to pasture. They're in the prime of life and they have a lot to offer. I think it puts people in a psychological fear of reaching 70."[103] In his review published inNews-Press Bill Hayden wrote that "Louis Gossett Jr. gives a fiery and moving performance in this powerful production as a proud black man who believes he is committing the ultimate crime by growing old."[104]
On July 28 of that year,Taylor Hackford's motion pictureAn Officer and a Gentleman premiered. In it Gossett plays drill instructor Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley. The role was originally conceived for a white actor.[105] Hackford said "when I visited the Navy Officers Flight Training Center in Pensacola, FLA, I discovered that many of the Drill Instructors there were men of color. I found it interesting that Black & Brown enlisted men had 'make-or-break' control over whether white college graduates would become officers and fighter pilots. At that moment I changed the casting profile for Sergeant Foley and started meeting actors of color. Lou Gossett came to see me – I knew and admired his stage work. He told me that he'd served in the US Army as a Ranger, so in addition to being an accomplished actor, he knew military life. I hired him on the spot."[106] Hackford also pointed out that they were impressed because he "played the role as it was written'" and none of the script was modified "'to make the character black."[105] Gossett explained that his mindset guided him toward the part as he blamed both "white unconscious racism" and "black acceptance of that, so a black doesn't go out for a part Blacks need to change their mentality to knock down the walls of racism, and this includes trying out for parts like a district attorney or a lawyer or Judge traditional white roles. How do you know they won't hire you? I had to reeducate myself Gossett said. There are parts I'm sure I could have played before I came to this realization." To prepare for the role Gossett spent 10 days with a drill instructor and lifted weights to improve his upper body.[107] During shooting Gossett's accommodation were in different location from the rest of the cast, to keep him emotionally distant from the other actors.[105] The role won him anAcademy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He was the first African-American actor to win an Oscar in a supporting role and[5][1][108] the second African-American to win for acting afterSidney Poitier.[109][4] Additionally, Gossett won theGolden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor at theGolden Globe Awards,[110] andNAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture at theNAACP Image Awards.[citation needed]
On September 17 of that year, the science fiction seriesThe Powers of Matthew Star premiered. It is about a prince (Peter Barton) and his guardian played by Gossett who escaped their planet after the royal was assassinated. Now living on earth, the prince, who has telekinetic and mind reading abilities, passes for regular high school student who goes on various adventures.[111] Gossett explained that "it's another role he says he got because neither he nor those casting the film thought of race."[107] Of his role he said "people have been complaining a lot lately about the image of the black actor on television. Well, if there was ever a redeeming character, it's Walter Sheppard. He teaches goodness, character-building, values and morals to young Matthew. He's sort of likeObi-Wan was onStar Wars."[103] The shooting was delayed due to an on set accident that injured both Gossett and more severely Barton.[112] The show lasted until 1983.[113]
In 1983, he played the title role inSadat, a two-part miniseries which chronicled the life and assassination of Egypt presidentAnwar Sadat.[114] The producers of the show offered the role to Gossett due to his resemblance to Sadat.[115] However, in Egypt, the casting of ablack actor as Sadat was controversial, as theEgyptian Ministry of Culture pointed out that the real Sadat was sensitive about his dark complexion for which he was often ridiculed and that "the portrayal of Sadat by a black has revived the issue of race in Egypt, which is usually deeply submerged." It was among the reasons that a ban on all films and television programs distributed by Columbia Pictures.[116] On playing the role Gossett said "I was becoming over-prepared and stilted. Sadat is so recent in people's memory that I wanted to capture him exactly but what I was doing was becoming an imitation and not a living breathing human. I felt Sadat. I felt from the first day on the set that the spirit of Sadat was part of me I began to move more like him talk like him and even think like him. This is the first time in my career that I have not totally memorized all my lines."[114] For his performance, Gossett was nominated at the Emmy Awards forOutstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series,[117] and was nominated for theGolden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film.[110]
That same year, Gossett acted inJoe Alves's third instalment of the shark attack thriller film seriesJaws 3-D.[118] On accepting the role, Gossett said "I turned downJaws 3-D three or four times," he admits. "It was just a little part. Finally they said they'd expand the role." He also added that he accepted "because there was nothing else. There have not been a lot of offers sinceOfficer." On developing his character he said "I made my character a Creole, it gives him a more interesting flavor. He starts off as a shrewd entrepreneur, but he makes one mistake and everything falls through. He's almost likeCaptain Ahab."[119] The film grossed $13,422,500 on its opening weekend,[120] which was 1983's second highest-grossing opening weekend of the year,[121] playing to 1,311 theaters at its widest release and accounting for 29.5% of its final gross. It has achieved total lifetime worldwide gross of $87,987,055.[122] Reception for the movie was generally negative, it has an 11% 'rotten' rating atRotten Tomatoes based on 36 reviews, with an average rating of 3.5/10. Its critical consensus reads, "A cheese-soaked ocean thriller with no evident reason to exist,Jaws 3 bellows forth with a plaintive yet ultimately unheeded cry to put this franchise out of viewers' misery."[123] Gossett said he was the "only cast member to survive the generally negative reviews".[120] At the4th Golden Raspberry Awards, Gossett was nominated forWorst Supporting Actor.[124]
In 1984, Gossett acted inRichard Lester's ensemble comedyFinders Keepers.[125] The film generally received good reviews.[126][127][128][129][130][131]James Monaco reviewed the film in his book,The Movie Guide, and said of the acting "Finders Keepers benefits from the well-judged performances of its energetic cast."[132]
Also that year Gossett andMartin Sheen co-starred inDavid Greene's television filmThe Guardian.[133] The inhabitants of a New York City apartment building are plagued by burglaries and murder, and they have finally had enough. So they employ ex-military man (Gossett ) to protect their building as a security guard. His techniques are precise and intense, and soon his overbearing and power-mad nature begins to chafe resident (Sheen).[134] Gossett's role was originally written for a white actor but since he had just won an Oscar for a role that aimed at same demographic he was chosen. WriterRichard Levinson said "Lou had a lot of heat going for him. We didn't have to change anything in the script when he was cast." Gossett appreciated the duality of his role. On the project he said the "script said something about a modern social problem. When I was growing up in Brooklyn, there was a real feeling of community in our neighborhood. That kind of neighborhood is gone, and that's one of the reasons for the increase in crime. I think of the character I play as a necessary evil in today's society."[135]
In 1985, Gossett co-starred withDennis Quaid inWolfgang Petersen'sEnemy Mine. The film is about a human (Quaid) and alien soldier (Gossett), respectively, who become stranded together on an inhospitable planet and must overcome their mutual distrust in order to cooperate and survive.[136] About accepting the project, Gossett explained "everybody turned [the role] down because you couldn't see your face or your eyes. 'How can you do a performance?' So, there's a littleLon Chaney Sr. in me, you gotta try it. That's why I took it, because it was a challenge."[137] The production was troubled as the original director and the producer had creative difference. Petersen was asked to take over the directorial duties, however when he joined he found the original location, and footage unusable. Hence the production moved and new set were built. Quaid and Gossett received a salary to wait throughout the transition so they wouldn't start working on other projects. Also, Gossett's original alien costume was scrapped and it took five months to create the one used in final product.[138] On his preparation Gossett said "I went to the zoo with a mime, a dancer, an athlete and a linguist. There we studied lizards, snakes, wildcats, giraffes and the kangaroos, especially the females with the pouch. I also used a little ordinary cat and dog, and in the scenes where the Drac is in his religious ecstasy, a little bit of Stevie Wonder." On the scene where the alien gives birth he said "I don't think I'm gonna try and bear a child. But I wanted to do it. It was a cinematic first for an actor to give birth to a child. It's the hardest thing I've ever had to do, physically, but I took it because I would rather fail doing something difficult than succeed doing something too easy."[139] Petersen said "It took Lou several hours to get into makeup and the sand was always getting under his contact lenses and, yet, he never complained. He also gives a great performance, even though you can only see his lips. He gave us a lot so that the message of friendship and love could come through."[140] Gossett had to wear two sets of contact lenses, one for protection, the other to give him a lizard-look. However, the protection didn't work. After four weeks of shooting, he couldn't open his eyes, which were bloodshot-red. It took two weeks for him to get better and it was estimated it would take a year or two to heal entirely. Also, his costume was glued to his body and he had to be treated for severe abrasion and rashes. Upon the release of the film, Gossett explained that "barely a day went by during the filming ofEnemy Mine that he didn't think about going home, wondering if he was giving too much for art. However, it led him to be more than satisfied with both his own performance and the film."[141] The film was a flop at the box office,[142] and the critics were divided on whether the it was great or bad.[138] Over the years, the film developed a cult and started to receive positive re-assessments.[143][144] Michael Wilmington ofThe Los Angeles Times loved the film and said "Gossett always in perfect control. What he does here seems nearly the stripped down, boiled-off essence of the actor's art. It's amazing that he can communicate so much subtlety, emotion and strangeness beneath all those layers of latex and paint, those fishy scales, greenish limbs and faceted contact lenses. He's credibly extraterrestrial and touchingly human."[145]
In 1986, inSidney J. Furie's military aviation thrillerIron Eagle, Gossett played a retired Air Force colonel, Charles 'Chappy' Sinclair, who helps young man (Jason Gedrick) save his father who's held prisoner in the middle East.[146] Gossett accepted the part "because it offered a positive relationship between blacks and whites with race not being an issue or even mentioned."[147] The review were mostly negative,[148][149][150][151][152] however Janet Maslin of theNew York Times gave the film a favorable review, and said that "both leading actors are quite effective."[153] The film made $24,159,872 at the U.S. box office.[154] Although the movie was not a major success at the cinema, it generated $11 million in home video sales, enough to justify a sequel.[155]
Also that year, Gossett co-lead withChuck Norris inJ. Lee Thompson'saction-adventurecomedy filmFirewalker. Gossett and Norris play two seasonedtreasure hunters whose adventures rarely result in any notable success.[156] At the time Norris was known for successful action films where he portrayed stoic heroes, he explained that he wanted to show a lighter side of himself. Gossett appreciated Norris efforts and said "I have great respect for what actors call stretch. Chuck had to open up first to allow this atmosphere. It has to do with his desire to stretch. Someone else could have been quite insecure. He chose to open up. He's studying hard and he's serious."[157] The review were mostly negative, while some thought it was a fine for a light action film.[158][159][160][161][162][163][164] Kevin Thomas of theLos Angeles Times, enjoyed it of the cast he said they "really get into the light-hearted spirit of the occasion."[165] The film made $11,834,302 at the box-office.[166]
In 1987, Gossett acted inVolker Schlöndorff'sA Gathering of Old Men.[167] Gossett was very enthusiastic of the project and said "it's a strange, pleasant twist. The viewer thinks the story will go one way, and it doesn't. It's a beautiful and touching story". He explained that his character "is always there. You look at him, and there's the eyes and face. He doesn't have all that much dialogue. That makes him very hard to do as an actor. "What you have to do is use more concentration. When there are no lines, you write lines in your mind and those moments have to be clean. A director can't really help you. The satisfaction is that, after you see it, it's all there. The director didn't cut anything I did."[168] While it was screened in theUn Certain Regard section at the1987 Cannes Film Festival,[169] it was released as television film in the United States.[170] For his performance, Gossett was nominated at the Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Special.[171]
Also that year he acted inChristopher Cain'saction thrillerThe Principal. Gossett plays the head of security in an inner city school that just employed a new principal.[172] The film made $19,214,194 at the domestic box office.[173]
On December 13 of that year,Edwin Sherin's television filmThe Father Clements Story premiered. It's about the life of FatherGeorge Clements (Gossett), an African-American Roman Catholic priest who became famous for being the first United States priest to legally adopt a child.[174] Mike Hill ofThe Evening Sun said that Gossett to "displays his usual impeccable command of his character in playing Clements, depicted as an unorthodox priest whose methods had gained his church a wide following in its community, but also drawn the disapproval of the Chicago's Cardinal."[175]
In 1988, Gossett reunited with director Sidney J. Furie forIron Eagle II.[176] The reviews were negatives, however some found it to be fun mindless entertainment.[177][178][179][180][181][182][183] The film grossed $10,497,324 million theatrically domestically,[184] the film's 1989 US video release generated $12 million.[185]
On November 5 of that year, the three part mini seriesStraight Up premiered, where he co-starred withChad Allen. In it Allen plays a teen tempted by drugs, while Gossett plays a magical character who operates the "fate elevator", so that each time Allen is tempted by a substance Gossett takes him on an elevator ride which shows the consequence of that substance.[186]
That year he appeared in three television moviesSam Found Out: A Triple Play,[187]Goodbye, Miss 4th of July,[188] and returned to the role of Findler inRoots: The Gift.[189] He also hosted the documentaryCrimes of Violence.[190]
In 1989, Gossett co-starred inMark Goldblatt'sMarvel ComicsadaptationThe Punisher, withDolph Lundgren in the title role. Also initial reviews found it to be a trashy comic book film. However over the years the film developed a cult with some who think it's the best adaptation of the comic. The film was re-evaluated with a much more positive outlook who find a lot of qualities within the it, with a first rate cast.[191]
On February 20 of that year the first episode ofGideon Oliver played on television, in it Gossett played a crime solving anthropologist. Part ofThe ABC Monday Mystery Movie its last and fifth episode played on May 22, 1989.[192]
On February 14, 1990, Gossett acted inZora Is My Name!, an episode ofAmerican Playhouse.[193] On July 22,Peter Markle's made for television western comedy filmEl Diablo premiered with Gossett playing the secondary protagonist. Gossett said "for me it's a chance to be funny It's not likeOfficer and a Gentleman orIron Eagle. I got a chance to put tobacco in my mouth and get cantankerous and have fun."[194]
On September 9 of that year, Gossett co-starred withSara Gilbert inJoan Tewkesbury's made for television dramsSudie and Simpson. The film is set in the 1940s in a Southern town, where Gossett play Simpson a black recluse who befriend a white teen named Sudie (Gilbert). Eventually Simpson becomes a suspect in an attack against a young girl, while Sudie is speaking up against a school teacher who's a molester.[195] Ray Loynd ofThe Los Angeles Times liked it and of Gossett he said he "is memorable as a survivor hiding in a shack outside of town and tending his secret vegetable garden."[196]
On March 16, 1991,HBO premiered the television filmThe Josephine Baker Story.[197] For his role, Gossett was booked for five days inBudapest.[198] He appears briefly as an American officer who books Books baker for a performance with American soldiers.[199] For his acting, Gossett won theGolden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor.[110]
On September 30 of that year,John Erman's television filmCarolina Skeleton premiered. Based onDavid Stout's book by the same name, it gets inspiration from true events. It tell the story of a Green Beret (Gossett) who goes back to his home town in South Carolina to clear his brother's name who received the death penalty for a crime he didn't commit. Gossett explained "it's real special to me, not just because it's personal, but because of what it shows about our country and what it shows about how a man can conquer racism. There were a lot of young people who died unjustifiably in this way. It was the nature of our country at the time. It shows how we have evolved."[200] Jon Burlingame ofThe Morning Call said "Gossett is, as always, a commanding presence, and the story is convincingly told."[201]
Also in 1991, Gossett acted inManny Coto'sCover Up[202] co-starring withDolph Lundgren for the second time, andDaniel Petrie'sToy Soldiers.[203]
On January 25, 1992, Gossett played the lead inKeeper of the City, based on a novel by the same name byGerald Di Pego, made its American television premiere onShowtime while receiving a theatrical release abroad.[204] Gossett initially turned it down because his character was Italian in the screenplay and thought that directorBobby Roth wanted him for a smaller role.[205] Kevin Thomas ofThe Los Angeles Times said "performances are sharp, especially Gossett 's multidimensional cop."[206]
On June 12,John Glen'sAces: Iron Eagle III premiered, Gossett returned to the role of Chappy.[207] The film had a domestic gross of $2,517,600,[208] and received poor reviews.[209][210][211][212][213]
On August 14,Michael Ritchie'sDiggstown premiered. In it Gossett plays a boxer who comes back from retirement after a con-man (James Woods) convinces him to take a challenge of beating ten men in a day. To prepare for the role, Gossett trained for eight weeks and shed 35 pounds.[214] Gossett also recommended Woods for the role of the con-man, afterwards reading the script together they convinced Ritchie to trim various subplots.[215]
Also in 1992, Gossett worked on documentaries, he provided additional narration forBill Miles andNina Rosenblum's documentary filmThe Liberators: Fighting on Two Fronts in World War II,[216] he hostedGridiron Gang about teenagers learning football in ajuvenile detention camp for their reabilitation.[217][additional citation(s) needed]
On February 7, 1993, theNational Audubon Society's documentaryCaribbean Cool premiered on television, which Gossett hosted. In it he observed the work to preserve and protect the parrots of theWindward Islands.[218] Gossett was proud of the conversationist ofSaint Lucia he met and said "the example being set here is really wonderful, It's an example that Brazil must follow, that the United States must follow. Everyone in the world must be sensitive to the preservation of the planet."[219]
On April 16, the television filmFather & Son: Dangerous Relations premiered.[220] Directed byGeorg Stanford Brown, Gossett plays a man is paroled from prison early in order to keep tabs on another parolee, the man's estranged son.[221] On November 14, the Western mini seriesReturn to Lonesome Dove premiered. In it Gossett plays a horse trainer.[222] That year he also acted in theScience fiction filmMonolith.[223]
On May 13, 1994, Gossett starred and executive produced the made for television detective thrillerRay Alexander: A Taste For Justice. Gossett explained that pitching process to NBC was simple and quick, as his partner was previously part of their team. WriterDean Hargrove explained that he wanted a character that everyone "could relate to that has the same problem that everybody has." Hargrove also said that Gossett "really created a character as he got into it. He gave toe guy a lot of humor and a style. In terms of humor. the way the guy operates and the kind of moves he gives him in his performance."[224]
Also in 1994, Gossett played supporting roles inBruce Beresford'sA Good Man in Africa,[225]William Friedkin'sBlue Chips,[226] andCurse of the Starving Class.[227] He also acted inTerms of Estrangement, an episode of the television seriesPicket Fences.[228] He also acted inElliot Silverstein's crime filmFlashfire which premiered onHBO that year.[229][230]
On 1 January 1995, the made for television dramaA Father for Charlie premiered. Set in the 1930s, Gossett, also an executive producer, plays a farmer who ends up up taking care of the child a racist sharecropper.[231] It earned a 14.8 nationalNielsen rating, equalling 14.1 million households, making it the eighth highest-ratedprime time program for the week of December 26, 1994 to January 1, 1995.[232] In terms of total viewers, the film was the sixth most-watched prime time program with an audience of 22.9 million.[233]
In 1995, Gossett returned to the role of Chappy for Sidney J. Furie'sIron Eagle IV,[234] and Ray Alexander forRay Alexander: A Menu for Murder.[235] He also acted in the made for television urban dramaZooman about a child who dies from a strait bullet.[236]
On April 14, 1996, the period television filmCaptive Heart: The James Mink Story premiered. In it Gossett portrayedJames Mink.[237] The story is about Mink, an affluent black businessman from Canada, pretending to be his wife's slave to travel to the American South to rescue their daughter. who's been enslaved.[238] On the project Gossett explained that initially he "wasn't available but they came back and I'm glad they did It's a great script plus I'm a history fan so this was a most fortunate experience. What a joy to work with Kate Nelligan too It's like playing tennis to work with somebody who constantly makes you better. We just bounced off each other and it was wonderful."[239] Gossett was fascisnated by the evolution of his character and explained it "was the reason I grabbed at the part. It was an actor's journey, to go through the underground railway the wrong way Mink went from being a gentleman of stature to being one of the affluent men of the town and then to becoming his wife's slave."[240]
That year he played the lead inArthur Penn's filmInside which was screened at Cannes before being released as a television film,[241] where he also served as an executive producer.[242] For his effort Gossett received aCableACE Award nomination for "Best actor in a movie or mini-series".[243]
Also in 1996, Gossett acted in the Broadway playChicago,[244] acted in the made-for-television filmRun for the Dream: The Gail Devers Story,[245] and the documentary seriesThe Great War and the Shaping of the 20th Century.[citation needed]
On March 7, 1997,To Dance with Olivia premiere, a television film in which Gossett plays the lead and produce.[246] Robin Hall Domeier ofThe Tennessean said "Gossett gives a solid performance."[247]
On June 14, the made for television dramaIn His Father's Shoes premiered onShowtime. In it Gossett plays duals roles of a father and a grandfather. He explained the project came about when "the father of Showtime's programming chief,Jerry Offsay, passed away last year, and that prompted him to grab onto this when it came across his desk. It became very personal to him, and the film is dedicated to his father. The thing I like about the story is that much of the older generation was not taught to demonstrate affection. I knew my father cared about me, but I never knew how much until after he died."[248]
Additional project for 1997 include acting in the filmManagua,[249]G.I. Ellen an episode ofEllen,[250] andThe Medal an episode ofEarly Edition.[251] He provided narration ofDisney's Candlelight Processional cd namedCandlelight Processional and Massed Choir Program, telling the nativity story, was recorded and released byWalt Disney Records.[252] Gossett presentedWhen Animals Attack! 4, a one-hour special onFox.[253]
Also that year, Gossett had a guest role in theTouched by an Angel episodeAmazing Grace: Part 1.[254] It was part of a crossover with another series namedPromised Land, where the follow up took place.[255] For his performance, accredited toTouched by an Angel, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for "Outstanding guest actor in a drama series",[256] and won "Outstanding Supporting actor in a drama series" at theNAACP Image Awards.[257]
In 1998, Gossett acted in the filmBram Stoker's Legend of the Mummy.[258] On September 20, the television film thrillerThe Inspectors premiered.[259] Gossett is an executive producer and co-lead withJonathan Silverman as postal inspectors who track down a bomb. Kay Gardella liked it, in her review in theDaily News said "Gossett's efficient, low-key portrayal and Silverman's wide-eyed naivete make for an interesting combination, and suggest they're ideal for a spinoff."[260]
In 1999, he worked on the made-for-television filmLove Songs. The movie consists of three interwoven stories, the directorial duties are shared between Gossett,Robert Townsend, andAndre Braugher who also act in it. On directing Gossett said "now I realize I can direct" he said "Everything fell into place I felt very comfortable doing it If I can organize my acting career I want to do more of it I think I got a deeper performance by Robert Townsend than he has ever given."[261] For his efforts, atThe Black Reels Award in 2000, he was nominated for outstanding direction in a television movie or limited series.[citation needed]
Also that year, he playedVernon Jordan inErnest Dickerson'spolitical dramatelevision filmStrange Justice based on events regarding thesexual harassment accusation brought byAnita Hill during the Senate confirmation hearings ofClarence Thomas.[262] Finally in 1999, Gossett acted in the action filmY2K.[263]
In 2000, Gossett reunited with Jonathan Silverman inThe Inspectors 2: A Shred of Evidence,[264] and acted inThe Highwayman.[265]
That year, he also acted in the Canadian television filmDr Lucille: The Lucille Teasdale Story, it is about Canadian SurgeonLucille Teasdale-Corti efforts to develop medicine inUganda. Gossett plays a composite character of an Ugandan friend. To cast Gossett producer Francine Allaire explained "we didn't have the money to pay an L.A. salary, he did it for the film and the story. I'm quite stubborn. I just kept phoning and phoning and sent him a 27-page fax. He said, 'My God. I want to read the script. Who are these people who are so relentless?' He read it and loved it."[266]
Also in 2000, Gossett produced and starred in thedramatelevision filmThe Color of Love: Jacey's Story. The film is about a white grandmother and a black grandfather (Gossett) who are not married to each other, must overcome their differences to raise their suddenly orphaned granddaughter. The project was personal to Gossett who said "in order to save this planet, we need to put our hands together and take care of our children and be a little more human. The messages in the stories have to carry that."[267] At theSatellite Awards, Gossett was nominated in the category ofBest Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or a Motion Picture Made for Television.[268]
In 2001, Gossett executive-produced and played the lead inDouglas Barr'sFor Love of Olivia. It is a sequel of his 1997 effortTo Dance with Olivia, where he played a lawyer from the 1960s. Of the project Gossett said "I think it would make a terrific series, because it would take place at a great time in the history of America. All the real people who figured into it could come through, and we could deal with the civil-rights movement and the assassinations. It would be a rich tapestry. In my mind, I can see this town getting ready for Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. to come through. Of course, he is killed before he can get there, so the residents have to take the bunting down. I'd like to see that tackled, and I wont give up."[269]
In 2002, Gossett acted inDeceived,[270]What About Your Friends: Weekend Get-Away,[271] andResurrection Blvd.[272]
In 2003, Gossett co-lead withJon Voight inJeffrey W. Byrd'sJasper, Texas.[273] The film is aboutJasper's first black mayor R.C. Horn (Gossett) and sheriff Billy Rowles (Voight) handling the tensions between the white and black communities after the murder ofJames Byrd Jr. in 1998. Of the project Gossett said "what I saw in the story is a growth. The whole world was watching them and it made the mayor grow up so he was not just a figurehead mayor. It made the sheriff look into his past. It brought the whole town into the 21st century, in a sense to consider issues nobody had spoken about."[274]
That year he also acted in the science fiction suspense filmMomentum.[275]
In 2004, the video-gameHalf-Life 2 was released,[276] in it Gossett voiced an alien species calledVortigaunts.[277] That year he also acted in the sitcomHalf & Half, these episodes wereThe Big My Lover, My Brother,[278] andThe Big Thanks for Nothing.[279]
In 2005, Gossett acted in the Christian filmLeft Behind: World at War,[280] and the dramaLackawanna Blues.[281] That year on television, he played Free Jaffa LeaderGerak in several episodes of Season 9 of the sci-fi television seriesStargate SG-1.[282]
In 2006, the video-gameHalf-Life 2: Episode One was released,[283] Gossett reprised his voice role as the Vortigaunts.[277] He contributed to another voice role inSaving Private Brian an episode ofFamily Guy.[284] That year he also acted in the filmsSolar Attack,[285] andAll In.[286]
In 2007, he acted inTyler Perry'sDaddy's Little Girls,[287] andBill Duke'sCover.[288] and That year, he provided voice work in the documentaryRwanda Rising,[289] and playedLucius Fox inThe Batman animated series.[290]
In 2008, he flew to Africa to film a series of commercials for theNamibian beer Windhoek Lager.[291] He voice acted in the animated filmDelgo.[292]
In 2009, Gossett provided voice talents in theThomas Nelson audioBible production known asThe Word of Promise. In this dramatized audio, Gossett played the character ofJohn the Apostle. The project also featured a large ensemble of well known Hollywood actors includingJim Caviezel,Jason Alexander,Marisa Tomei, and more.[293][294] He acted in the filmsShannon's Rainbow,[295] andThe Least Among You.[296]
In 2010, Gossett acted in the filmDog Jack,[297] and Tyler Perry'sWhy Did I Get Married Too?.[298]
In 2011, Gossett acted in the filmThe Grace Card.[299]
In 2012, Gossett acted inThe Undershepherd,[300] andSmitty.[301]
In 2013, Gossett narrated anaudiobook based onTwelve Years a Slave.[302] He also acted inHavre de Grace, an episode of the drama seriesBoardwalk Empire.[303] Michael Noble ofDen of Geek wrote the quality of the episode is "done so largely through demonstrating its embarrassment of riches. The single-episode appearance of Louis Gossett Jr. is a case in point. In what was essentially a cameo, he offered a richly characterised performance, full of tiny gestures and behavioural tics, held together by a brilliantly earthy vocal delivery that perfectly captured the weary" character.[304]
From 2014 to 2015 he acted in a recurring role inExtant. He also appeared inMadam Secretary andThe Book of Negroes.[305][306]
In 2015, Gossett acted in the dramaBoiling Pot.[307] For his role, at the Moscow Indie Film Festival, he won 'best actor in supporting actor'.[308]
On July 18, 2016, Gossett cohosted as a guest programmer onTurner Classic Movies' primetime lineup. Allowed to choose four movies to air, he selectedBlackboard Jungle,Lifeboat,Touch of Evil, andThe Night of the Hunter.[citation needed] Also that year he acted inKing of the Dancehall.[309]
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In 2017, Gossett acted in the eight episode of the first season ofThe Good Fight namedReddick v Boseman.[310][311]
In 2018, Gossett acted inBreaking Brooklyn.[312]
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In 2019, Gossett acted in the seriesWatchmen.[313] For his performance he was nominated for thePrimetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie,[314] and at theBlack Reel Awards he received a nomination for "Outstanding Supporting Actor, TV Movie/Limited Series".[315]
In 2021, Gossett acted in the filmNot to Forget.[316]
In 2022, Gossett was cast in a supporting role for the upcoming American horror film,Awaken the Reaper.[317] The film is to be released in 2024.[318]
In 2023, he acted inBlitz Bazawule'smusical adaption ofThe Color Purple.[319] The film received many positive reviews,[320][321][322][323][324][325][326][327][328][329][excessive citations] and received many accolades.[330][331][332][333][334][335][336][337][338][339][340][341][342][343][344][345][346][347][excessive citations] Pete Hammond ofDeadline praised the film and said that "Louis Gossett Jr., who has some choice moments as Ol' Mister in a hilarious dinner scene that stands out later in the film."[348]
In 2024, the live-action/animation filmIF was released where he voiced Lewis the imaginary bear. The film is dedicated to his memory.[349]
Gossett was married three times; he fathered one son and adopted another. His first marriage was to Hattie Glascoe; it was annulled. His second, to Christina Mangosing, took place on August 21, 1973. Their son Satie was born in 1974. Gossett and Mangosing divorced in 1975. His third marriage, toStar Search champion Cyndi James-Reese, took place on December 25, 1987. They adopted a son, Sharron (born 1977). Gossett and James-Reese divorced in 1992.[350]
Gossett was the first cousin of actorRobert Gossett.[351]
Gossett stated that in 1966 he was handcuffed to a tree for three hours by the police inBeverly Hills.[352]
Gossett struggled with a debilitating illness during the 1990s and early 2000s, having been given a prognosis of six months to live from a doctor at one stage. In 2001, he learned much of his illness was due totoxic mold in hisMalibu home.[353]
On February 9, 2010, Gossett announced that he hadprostate cancer. He added the disease was caught in its early stages, and he expected to make a full recovery.[354][355]
In late December 2020, Gossett was hospitalized inGeorgia withCOVID-19.[66][356]
Gossett died fromchronic obstructive pulmonary disease at a rehabilitation center inSanta Monica, California, on March 29, 2024, at the age of 87; heart failure andatrial fibrillation were cited as contributing factors.[357]
Gossett wascremated according to his death certificate.[358]
In 1987, Gossett alongsideClint Eastwood andCharles Bronson made a series of ads to discourage vandalism in public parks. The campaign, launched by PresidentRonald Reagan, was named 'Take Pride in America'.[359]
Gossett was recognized for humanitarian activities. His Eracism Foundation is a501(c)(3) nonprofit entity.[360] It created and distributes a 'toolbox' and skill set for young adults in the hope that they can live "a racially diverse and culturally inclusive life." Features includecultural diversity, historical education and perspective, as well as anti-violence training.[8][361][362][363]
American actor best known for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley in the 1982 film An Officer and a Gentleman
Mr. Gossett was the first Black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
He won an Oscar playing a Marine drill instructor in 'An Officer and a Gentleman' and an Emmy as a wise old enslaved person in the groundbreaking miniseries 'Roots'
