Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr., famous for *An Officer and a Gentleman* and *Roots*, has passed away at 87. He made history as the first Black man to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. Over his illustrious career, Gossett appeared in over 200 films and TV shows, breaking racial barriers in Hollywood.
Gossett died on March 28, 2024, in Santa Monica from complications related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. He leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking work and personal resilience, having overcome racism, addiction, and personal struggles throughout his career. Gossett is survived by his two children, Satie and Sharron.