At 87, Louis Gossett Jr., famed for his roles in Roots and An Officer and a Gentleman, passed away, becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. He completed over 200 Hollywood productions, with 12 more pending release, but sadly won’t witness their debut.

Gossett died on March 28, 2024, in Santa Monica, California, from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coupled with atrial fibrillation and heart failure. His remains will be cremated.

Starting on stage, he shared Broadway with legends like Sidney Poitier. Despite facing severe racism, including being held by police for hours and shackled to a tree for being in Beverly Hills after dark, Gossett’s career flourished. He often reflected on how different his career could have been if he were white, comparing himself to Clint Eastwood.

Gossett also battled alcohol and drug addiction but turned his life around after rehab. He was married three times and is survived by his two children, Satie and Sharron.

Beyond his groundbreaking Hollywood career, Gossett will be remembered for his fight against racial inequality and his lasting legacy in the arts.