The Louis Gossett Jr. I knew

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Louis Gossett Jr., a legendary Black actor, died at the age of 87. The author, Wil Haygood, shares his personal connection to Gossett as his cousin. Haygood recounts their family history, with Gossett being part of a small group of Black actors who endured in the industry. Gossett's notable roles include Fiddler in the TV miniseries 'Roots' and a drill sergeant in 'An Officer and a Gentleman,' for which he won an Oscar. Haygood was inspired by Gossett to pursue acting and eventually became a journalist and book writer. They had exchanged notes over the years, and when Haygood started working on a book about the history of Blacks in Hollywood, he visited Gossett at his home in Georgia. They reminisced about their childhood and Gossett shared stories about his career, including his experiences with other Black actors and the impact of 'Roots.' Gossett's latest project was the movie musical version of 'The Color Purple,' set to be released in 2023. The article serves as a personal tribute to Gossett and highlights his contributions to the entertainment industry.

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https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/movies/2024/03/29/louis-gossett-jr-tribute/