Unfortunately, Louis Gossett Jr., an actor who has been with us for more than sixty years and who imprinted our screens and stages in a significant way, has died recently. Nevertheless, he molds an unconquerable way to perform forever in the industry he belongs to. Reminiscing on the journey that brought this bright talent to us today, it is the glimpse of his talent, tenacity, and passion for making music, that stand out as a sign of his unyielding commitment.
Gossett Jr’s story doesn’t start under the bright lights, but it begins in the gyms of the country. Having become an excellent player, he was granted a scholarship by New York University. But fate was the one that seemed to have blocked my way and pulled me down to the harsh reality. Injury started working on him, which happened to be the most fortunate event that he ever came across. He met the theatre. The teacher’s support gave courage to Gossett Jr. He tried out a short play, ‘Take a Giant Step.’ Another End Scene! It was the lights! lights! lights! around its outfit that embedded it in the minds of every spectator. There, the star was born.
His role on Broadway brought thunder, as he received the award of Donaldson himself for his great work. I felt the flaming energy, not a passing hot flash. Gossett Jr had that same magnetic effect on the crowd no matter what play he was acting in. In fact, ” A Raisin in the Sun” was one of the best plays of the best, and ” The Blacks” is among the ones he had that same dedication to theatre, though various motion pictures begged for his attention.
Interestingly enough, Hollywood, initially, wasn’t feeling hospitable. For Black actors, the chances of getting the role decreased and the character had to fit within the standardized stereotypes. Nonetheless, Gossett Jr. found his way of doing things not caring about being boxed in; he resisted the typecasting. His approach was multi-dimensionalized through all the characters, somehow he managed to be wobbly or stiff from a troubled boy in The Landlord to a strong-willed detective in Roots.
The scene shifted in 1982 with “An Officer and a Gentleman” which depicted Emil Foley who was a Gunnery Sergeant and concurrently he gave an act that inspired a viewer and likewise critics. Such an adaptation conveyed realistic passion mixed with compassion, which ensured the actor won the Oscar for being the first Black actor in the Best Supporting category.
It wasn’t just a trophy, it was a renovation of preconceived notions. Gossett Jr. took the stage and set the pace for color-conscious casting in Hollywood. This success led him to star in other films and TV shows where he enthralled us in movies like “Enemy Mine”, “The Principle” or the current HBO miniseries “Watchmen”.
However, the thing that made Louis Gossett Jr. more interesting was not the awards and nominations; it was the persona of a tough, gritty, and talkative guy. He was a very active activist for Social Justice. Through his grab, he was able to spread the message of diversity and equality, aside from that he founded The Eracism Foundation which campaigned for racial equality.
The legacy of Louis Gossett Jr has far more depth, especially given his activism. A towering figure, a generalissimo whose core competency was presenting leadership, and propaganda that would ensure equality if abided by all. He is, indeed, trading places for a new legacy of performing talents that span races and genres.
Henceforth, when you come across a courageous Black actor, whose performance influences stereotypes, reminds the spirit revolution of Louis Gossett Jr. His position in history though gone, his thirst for revolution in cinema and society will inspire meanwhile and for an eternity to come.
