A Look at Louis Gossett Jr.'s Incredible Life in Photos

Mar. 15, 2025

Louis Gossett Jr. at the 1983 Oscars.Photo:Elisa Leonelli/Shutterstock

Elisa Leonelli/Shutterstock

Louis Gossett Jr.has had one of the most impactful careers in film and television.

In commemoration of his incredible life and legacy, see Louis Gossett Jr.’s life in photos below.

01of 10Louis Gossett Jr.’s Serendipitous StartLouis Gossett Jr. and Sidney Poitier.courtesy everett collectionLouis Gossett Jr. was in training to be a New York Knick when he got the call from Lorraine Hansberry to star in the original 1959 Broadway production ofA Raisin in the Sun.“They said the part comes with $700 per diem, more money than most professional athletes had in the bank at the time. I put the basketball down, and the rest is history,” hetold PEOPLEearlier this year.

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Louis Gossett Jr.’s Serendipitous Start

Louis Gossett Jr. and Sidney Poitier.courtesy everett collection

courtesy everett collection

Louis Gossett Jr. was in training to be a New York Knick when he got the call from Lorraine Hansberry to star in the original 1959 Broadway production ofA Raisin in the Sun.

“They said the part comes with $700 per diem, more money than most professional athletes had in the bank at the time. I put the basketball down, and the rest is history,” hetold PEOPLEearlier this year.

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Louis Gossett Jr. Stars in ‘Roots’

03of 10Louis Gossett Jr. Hits the Big ScreenLouis Gossett with Richard Gere.Paramount/courtesy Everett CollectionNow an established actor, the New York Native starred as the no-nonsense Marine Sgt. Emil Foley opposite Richard Gere in the 1982 drama,An Officer and a Gentleman.

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Louis Gossett Jr. Hits the Big Screen

Louis Gossett with Richard Gere.Paramount/courtesy Everett Collection

Paramount/courtesy Everett Collection

Now an established actor, the New York Native starred as the no-nonsense Marine Sgt. Emil Foley opposite Richard Gere in the 1982 drama,An Officer and a Gentleman.

04of 10Louis Gossett Jr. Wins GoldLouis Gossett Jr, wins an Oscar.Bill Nation/Sygma via GettyGossett became the first Black Best Supporting Actor Oscar winner for his performance in the Taylor Hackford-directed film. “I was in shock,” he said of the historic moment. “It’s been a great life.”

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Louis Gossett Jr. Wins Gold

Louis Gossett Jr, wins an Oscar.Bill Nation/Sygma via Getty

Bill Nation/Sygma via Getty

Gossett became the first Black Best Supporting Actor Oscar winner for his performance in the Taylor Hackford-directed film. “I was in shock,” he said of the historic moment. “It’s been a great life.”

05of 10Louis Gossett Jr. Snags a Golden GlobeLouis Gossett Jr. during 49th Annual Golden Globe Awards.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via GettyThe film also won him a Golden Globe for best supporting actor. He would go on to snag another trophy in the same category for his role in 1992’sThe Josephine Baker Story.

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Louis Gossett Jr. Snags a Golden Globe

Louis Gossett Jr. during 49th Annual Golden Globe Awards.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

The film also won him a Golden Globe for best supporting actor. He would go on to snag another trophy in the same category for his role in 1992’sThe Josephine Baker Story.

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Louis Gossett Jr. Is Live from New York

Louis Gossett Jr. on ‘SNL’.Alan Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

Alan Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

07of 10Louis Gossett Jr. Plays Around with Richard PryorLouis Gossett Jr. with Richard Pryor.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty"We had a ball," Gossett told PEOPLE about his time shooting a 1971 episode of the television sitcom,The Patridge Familyalongside Richard Pryor.“It was amazing working with him.”

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Louis Gossett Jr. Plays Around with Richard Pryor

Louis Gossett Jr. with Richard Pryor.ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

“We had a ball,” Gossett told PEOPLE about his time shooting a 1971 episode of the television sitcom,The Patridge Familyalongside Richard Pryor.“It was amazing working with him.”

08of 10Louis Gossett Jr. Opens Up About FatherhoodLouis Gossett Jr. with his sons Sharron Anthony Gossett and Satie Gossett.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via GettyGossett, who was married three times, leaves behind two adult sons, Sharron and Satie, and some grandchildren. “Fatherhood is not always easy,” the actor admitted.“No time for error. The magnifying glass is on you and there is a lot of pressure. The good news is the success of my sons,” he said of Satie, 49, who’s a producer-director and Sharron, 46, who’s a chef.

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Louis Gossett Jr. Opens Up About Fatherhood

Louis Gossett Jr. with his sons Sharron Anthony Gossett and Satie Gossett.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Gossett, who was married three times, leaves behind two adult sons, Sharron and Satie, and some grandchildren. “Fatherhood is not always easy,” the actor admitted.

“No time for error. The magnifying glass is on you and there is a lot of pressure. The good news is the success of my sons,” he said of Satie, 49, who’s a producer-director and Sharron, 46, who’s a chef.

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Louis Gossett Jr.’s Activism

Louis Gossett Jr.Mark Sullivan/WireImage

Mark Sullivan/WireImage

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Louis Gossett Jr.’s Everlasting Legacy

When looking back at his life, Gossett emphasized the importance of doing better. “We improve one generation at a time for the benefit of us all,” the actor told PEOPLE in 2016. “That’s the role of an elder.”

source: people.com