Today In Black History
Louis Gossett, Jr.: Acclaimed Actor, Educator, Author, and Activist
Issue #553 Today In Black History, Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Today’s Black History WOW!
Louis Gossett, Jr. was a renowned African American actor who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Born on May 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, Gossett began his acting career in the 1950s and has since appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions.
Louis Gossett, Jr. made his stage debut when he was 17 in "Take a Giant Step," which was selected as one of the 10 best Broadway shows of 1953 by The New York Times.
With more than 200 screen roles, Gossett's breakthrough role came in 1977 when he portrayed drill sergeant Emil Foley in the hit film "An Officer and a Gentleman." His performance earned him critical acclaim and a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award, making him the first African American male to win in that category.
Among his other awards are an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor for his portrayal of Fiddler in the groundbreaking ABC series "Roots," a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for "The Josephine Baker Story,” and a Golden Globe for "An Officer and a Gentleman." He has been nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes, one Academy Award, five Images Awards, and two Daytime Emmy Awards, and in 1992 received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
His last movie role was “Ol’ Mister,” the father of “Mister” in the recent musical version of “The Color Purple,” which was released in December 2023.
Louis Gossett, Jr. was also an accomplished writer, producer, and director. Off-screen he was a social activist, educator, and author dedicated to enriching the lives of others.
Louis Gossett, Jr. was the author of the bestselling autobiography "An Actor and a Gentleman," in which he chronicled the challenges and triumphs of his 50+ year career.
In addition to his various artistic accomplishments, Gossett was also known for his philanthropic work. He founded the Eracism Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting racial harmony and understanding. Through his foundation, Gossett worked tirelessly to combat racism and promote equality in all areas of society.
Louis Gossett, Jr. died at a rehabilitation center in Santa Monica, California, on March 28, 2024, at the age of 87.
Today In Black History
- In 1855, John Mercer Langston became the first Black person elected to public office when he was elected Clerk of Brownhelm Township, Ohio. Langston later became the first Black congressman from Virginia.
- In 1865, President Jefferson Davis of the Confederate States of America fled the Confederate Capital in Richmond, Virginia.
- In 1930, Haile Selassie was proclaimed Emperor of Abyssinia (Ethiopia).
- In 1968, Chad created the Union of Central African States.
- In 1984, Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson became the first Black coach to win the NCAA basketball tournament.
- In 2019, Lori Lightfoot was elected as the first female African American mayor of Chicago.
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