Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has shared a touching message after the death of Louis Gossett Jr., the groundbreaking actor who made history by being the first African-American to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Gossett Jr., celebrated for his incredible work in the film industry, passed away at 87 years old in Santa Monica, California.
Mayor Dickens Statement on Louis Gossett Jr. Death
Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of Louis Gossett Jr., a legendary figure in the film industry and the first African-American to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Gossett, who passed away at the age of 87 in Santa Monica, California, was a resident of Atlanta, leaving a lasting impact on the city.
Expressing his sorrow, Mayor Dickens stated, “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Louis Gossett Jr., the Emmy Award-winning actor who called our city home.”
Mayor Dickens statement on the death of Louis Gossett Jr. https://t.co/uMud48SOQK
— 11Alive News (@11AliveNews) March 29, 2024
He emphasized Gossett’s significant contributions to cinema and acknowledged his historic achievements. “He will be forever remembered for his contributions to the film industry and for making history,” Dickens added, reflecting on the privilege Atlanta had in hosting such a distinguished talent.
Born on May 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, Gossett’s career soared with his portrayal of Fiddler in the groundbreaking miniseries “Roots” in 1977. His talent shone brightly, earning him critical acclaim and recognition as one of the industry’s finest actors.
His crowning moment came in 1983 when he clinched the Oscar for his compelling portrayal of a Marine drill instructor in “An Officer and a Gentleman.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Gossett graced both the big and small screens, leaving an indelible mark with roles in iconic productions such as “The Story of Satchel Paige” and “The Josephine Baker Story.” His dedication to his craft was honored at the Milledgeville Film Festival in 2019, where he received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Reflecting on his legacy, Gossett once remarked, “It’s a blessing. It means somebody on this planet gets what I want to contribute.” His impact transcended mere performances, touching the lives of many on and off-screen.
Louis Gossett Jr. is survived by his sons Satie and Sharron, as well as a host of admirers who will continue to cherish his memory.
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