Academy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. has died

American actor Louis Gossett Jr. died on Thursday at the age of 87, his family announced.

The New York-born film and television star became the first African-American actor to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1983 for his performance in the film. An officer and a gentleman.

“It is with broken hearts that we confirm that our beloved father passed away this morning. We want to thank everyone for their messages of condolence. Thank you for respecting our family’s privacy during these difficult times,” the family of Louis Gossett Jr. said in a statement.

An avid basketball fan as a teenager, it was an injury that forced Mr. Gossett to give up the sport and he eventually discovered a passion for acting by enrolling in an acting class.

In 1953, when he was 15 years old, he landed a lead role in the Broadway play “Take a Giant Step,” even though he had not received any formal acting education.

Finally, during the 1970s, his acting career took off in film and television. During this period, he participated in more than 60 films and many television series, in addition to his participation in about fifty television films.

In addition to his distinguished role in Officer and gentlemanAudiences have been able to see him over the years in movies Jaws 3-D, Iron Eagle II And Third, The PunisherAnd recently Violet In 2023.

On the small screen, he was played by Louis Gossett Jr The Bill Cosby Show, Young Rebel, Bonanza, Little house on the meadowthe roots, Stargate SG-1, Empire Corridor, Hawaii Five-0 And The guards.