Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. dies at 87

Louis Gossett Jr., renowned for his acclaimed roles in "An Officer and a Gentleman" and the groundbreaking miniseries "Roots," has passed away at 87, as confirmed by a statement from his family.

“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 family’s statement, shared by Gossett’s longtime publicist, read.

Gossett made history by becoming the first Black man to receive an Academy Award for his supporting role in 1983's "An Officer and a Gentleman," where he portrayed the formidable drill instructor guiding Richard Gere's character. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gossett attributed his journey into acting to a high school English teacher, balancing his passion with a basketball career that even led him to try out for the New York Knicks.

Throughout the 1980s, Gossett portrayed various historical figures, including Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat and baseball legend Satchel Paige, in television movies. In 2010, he courageously disclosed his battle with prostate cancer, aiming to inspire African-American men to prioritize preventive examinations and early treatment.

Even in his later years, Gossett remained active in the entertainment industry, notably appearing in the film adaptation of "The Color Purple" and the HBO series "Watchmen," which earned him his eighth Emmy nomination in 2020.