Louis Gossett Jr., the second black man to win an Academy Award as best supporting actor, has died aged 87, a family statement confirmed on Friday without revealing the cause of death.
The Oscar-winning actor’s roles ranged from an enslaved man in the TV mini-series “Roots” to a no-nonsense drill sergeant in “An Officer and a Gentlemen.” In “Sadat,” he had the title role, playing the Egyptian leader who made peace with Israel.
Gossett, who was also a producer, director, social activist and the founder of the Eracism Foundation to combat racism, died at a rehabilitation center in Santa Monica, California.
“It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time,” the actor’s family said in its brief statement.
The tall, imposing actor made history in 1983 when he became only the second Black man, after actor Sidney Poitier 19 years earlier, to win an Oscar.
Gossett took home the award for best supporting actor as Sergeant Emil Foley in the romantic drama “An Officer and a Gentleman.”
