Louis Gossett Jr.’s life was one of significant cultural contributions and a constant fight for social justice, leaving a lasting impact on both the entertainment industry and the communities he touched.
Discover the captivating journey of Louis Gossett Jr. with our top 30 facts.
Early Life and Education
- Born: May 27, 1936, in Sheepshead Bay, Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City
- Parents: Hellen Rebecca Wray Gossett and Louis Gossett Sr.
- Early Education: Attended PS 135 and was student body president at Mark Twain Junior High School (PS 209)
- High School: Acted in a high school production of “You Can’t Take It With You” and was scouted for Broadway while at Abraham Lincoln High School
Broadway and Early Acting Career
- Broadway Debut: Starred in “Take A Giant Step” and won the Donaldson Award for best newcomer in 1952
- Further Broadway Work: Appeared in productions such as “A Raisin in the Sun” and “The Blacks” featuring fellow stars like James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson
- Education: Attended New York University on a basketball scholarship
Sports Career
- Basketball: Drafted by the New York Knickerbockers in 1958 but chose acting over a sports career
Acting Training
- The Actors Studio: Studied under John Sticks and Peggy Fury
Film and Television Career
- First Major Movie Role: “The Landlord” with Diana Sands
- Notable Appearances: Over 50 movies and hundreds of TV shows, including “Enemy Mine,” “Iron Eagle,” and the miniseries “Roots”
- Awards: Won an Emmy for “Roots” and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in “An Officer and a Gentleman”
Personal Life
- Marriages: Divorced in 1992
- Children: Has 2 children
- Relatives: First cousin is Robert Gossett
Later Years and Death
- Atlanta Move: Relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, in 2018 after living in Malibu for 30 years
- Passing: Louis Gossett Jr. passed away on March 29, 2024
Community Involvement
- Theatre Group for Youth: Co-founded a theatre group with a grant in 1964
- Shamba Centers: Partnered to teach African American history and culture
- Eracism: Developed a non-profit to combat racism 1.
- One Summer of Peace: Sponsored an anti-violence effort in Los Angeles in 2005
Legacy
- Influence: Known for portraying strong role models and speaking to youth groups
- Activism: Committed to social justice and equality
- Lasting Impact: Leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking achievements and profound humanity
Additional Work
- Voice Acting: Voiced characters in video games like “Half-Life 2” and projects like “The Word of Promise” audio Bible
Trivia
- Illness: Contracted polio during his youth
- Physical Stature: Stood 6 feet 4 inches tall
