Hollywood icon Louis Gossett Jr.’s cause of death has been released. The legendary actor, who graced the silver screen for decades, died at the age of 87 on March 29 in Santa Monica, California. According to multiple media outlets, his death certificate revealed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as the primary cause, with heart failure and atrial fibrillation contributing to his passing.
Gossett’s passing was announced in a moving statement by his family. His cousin, Neal L. Gossett, fondly recalled a man who walked alongside Nelson Mandela, a master of humor, and a relative who confronted racism with both dignity and laughter.
“Never mind the awards, never mind the glitz and glamor, the Rolls-Royces and the big houses in Malibu. It’s about the humanity of the people that he stood for,” his cousin said.
Born on May 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, Louis Cameron Gossett Jr. inherited his father’s name and carried the ‘Jr.’ suffix with pride. His early career mirrored a Cinderella story, with success embracing him at a young age and culminating in his Academy Award for his performance in ‘An Officer and a Gentleman.’
Gossett made his mark on television as Fiddler in the groundbreaking 1977 miniseries ‘Roots,’ which brought the horrors of slavery to the forefront of public consciousness. He shared the screen with a stellar cast that included Ben Vereen, LeVar Burton, and John Amos.
In 1983, Gossett made history as the third Black Oscar nominee in the supporting actor category. His exceptional portrayal of the intimidating Marine drill instructor in ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ earned him the coveted accolade, alongside a Golden Globe for the same role.
Throughout his career, Gossett graced numerous television shows, including ‘Bonanza,’ ‘The Rockford Files,’ ‘The Mod Squad,’ and ‘McCloud.’ He also shared the screen with the legendary Richard Pryor in ‘The Partridge Family.’ His recent work includes a memorable role as an obstinate patriarch in the 2023 remake of ‘The Color Purple.’
Gossett’s legacy extends beyond his professional achievements. He is survived by his sons Satie, a producer-director, and Sharron, a chef who he adopted after being moved by her plight on a television segment. Actor Robert Gossett is his first cousin.
