APB Mourns the Loss of Louis Gossett Jr.

29 Mar 2024

One of APB’s longtime speakers and a true friend to all of us has passed away. Award-winning Actor Louis Gossett Jr. died on Friday. He was 87.

Gossett captured an Emmy, television’s highest honor, in 1977 for his compelling portrayal of “Fiddler” in the historic television mini-series, Roots. He electrified the screen in 1982 with his unforgettable portrayal of a relentless military sergeant in the hit film An Officer and a Gentleman, earning him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He was the first Black man to win a Supporting Actor Oscar.

Gossett struck gold again in 1992 for his poignant work in HBO’s The Josephine Baker Story and garnered a Golden Globe. Even in a guest-starring role for the popular CBS series Touched by an Angel, Gossett’s work was singled out and he received the 1998 NAACP Image Award.

Gossett’s passion for his work was matched only by his strong belief in helping others by giving back to the community. He served as a spokesperson and a behind-the-scenes leader for many charitable organizations. Gossett also developed a nonprofit foundation, The Eracism Foundation, with the aim of developing and producing entertainment that brings awareness and education to issues such as racism, ignorance and societal apathy. His work through this foundation earned him a Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award in 2016. Gossett was also an outspoken advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, speaking out about how it affects minorities in particular.

A member of the APB family for many years, we will forever feel grateful for Lou and proud for having known and worked with such an incredible human being.