Lung complications: Oscar winner Louis Gossett's cause of death revealed
Louis Gossett Jr., who had a distinguished career including an Oscar win, breathed his last on March 29 in Santa Monica. He was 87. Back then, no cause of death was shared. Now, TMZ has reported that he succumbed to complications from lung issues. The death certificate obtained by the portal cites chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as the primary cause, with heart failure and atrial fibrillation also contributing factors.
Medical jargon: What does the disease mean?
Per Mayo Clinic, "Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Symptoms include breathing difficulty, cough, mucus (sputum) production, and wheezing. It's typically caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke." "People with COPD are at increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer, and a variety of other conditions.
Gossett's family expressed gratitude amid sorrow
Following Gossett's passing, his family made a public announcement on March 29. They expressed their profound sorrow and gratitude for the outpouring of sympathy they received. In their statement, they requested, "We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family's privacy during this difficult time." Gossett is survived by his son, producer Satie Gossett, an adopted son, Sharron, and a nephew, actor Robert Gossett.
Gossett's groundbreaking career and early life
Born on May 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, Gossett first stepped onto the stage at age 17 in a school rendition of You Can't Take It with You. His talent led him to Broadway, where he landed a role in Take a Giant Step, and later shone in A Raisin in the Sun (1959). He reprised this role for the film version directed by Daniel Petrie in 1961.
Gossett's TV career and notable achievements
Gossett's television career began with appearances in late-1960s series like The Invaders and Daktari. He continued to make his mark in the early 1970s with shows such as Bonanza, Longstreet, The Mod Squad, and Good Times. His breakthrough role came in 1977 with the influential series Roots, which earned him an Emmy Award. Gossett remained active on television until 2019, appearing regularly on Watchmen leading to his seventh Emmy nomination.
Gossett's groundbreaking role in 'An Officer and a Gentleman'
Gossett delivered a groundbreaking performance as Sgt. Emil Foley in Taylor Hackford's 1982 film An Officer and a Gentleman. His portrayal of a tough drill instructor earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, making him the first Black man to win this Oscar category! While paying his tribute to Gossett, director Hackford recalled that the character was initially conceived as white but was revised to include actors of color after he visited a Navy training center.
