Basic Information About Lou Gossett Jr
| Category | Celebrities › Actors |
|---|---|
| Professions | Actor, Film Producer, Television Director, Voice Actor, Television producer |
| Net worth | $5,000,000 |
| Date of birth | 1936-05-27 (87 years old) |
| Place of birth | Sheepshead Bay |
| Nationality | United States of America |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.93 m) |
| Social Media | ↗︎ Wikipedia |
Famous Network of Actors with Similar Net Worth
Lou Gossett Jr's photos
Lou Gossett Jr: An Oscar-winning Performer with a Rich Legacy in Film and Television
Lou Gossett Jr. is a remarkable American actor who has proved his mettle in the industry with exceptional screen performances and multiple accolades. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York City, Gossett has a net worth of $5 million dollars. Comprising of two Golden Globes, a Primetime Emmy, a Daytime Emmy, and an Academy Award, Lou Gossett Jr’s award portfolio complements his extraordinary set of acting skills.
Early Life and Education
Born on May 27, 1936, Gossett Jr. grew up in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, where he attended Mark Twain Intermediate School 239, and later went on to complete his education at Abraham Lincoln High School. Gossett kickstarted his acting journey in high school with his debut role in ‘You Can’t Take It with You’, a school production. He stepped in for Bill Gunn in the Broadway play ‘Take a Giant Step’ during high school as well.
Gossett received an offer for an athletic scholarship to play varsity basketball at New York University (NYU). However, being passionate about pursuing an acting career, he declined the opportunity to explore acting instead of sports. He continued to study drama in college and afterward on scholarship.
Film Career, Part 1
Lou Gossett Jr made his Hollywood debut in 1961 in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’, after first appearing on television.
Gossett’s first Hollywood movie titled ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ released in 1961 in which he played George Murchison. The movie was originally a 1959 play that followed an African-American family’s struggles after inheriting $10,000. The play by Christine Hansberry was a brave move for what it depicted and soon rose to fame and prominence for its authenticity and Gossett’s perfect execution of his role.
He was then seen in a number of films made in the 70s including ‘The Landlord’, ‘Skin Game’, ‘The White Dawn’, ‘The River Niger’ and more. He portrayed Major Ben F. Waverly in the 1981 Fathom Event film ‘White Christmas.’
Film Career, Part 2
His big break came with the film ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ in 1982 which won him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, these accolades were immensely important to Gossett, being the first black actor to win an Academy Award in a supporting role. He cemented his position as an actor who plays strong characters by playing Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley, aptly portraying the defense instructor drill who challenges Gere’s character. The movie won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Gossett featured in several other movies in the 80s such as ‘Iron Eagles’, ‘Toys Soldiers’, ‘Finders Keepers’ and many more.
Television Career, Part 1
Lou Gossett Jr’s presence in television has been remarkable since the 60s.”
Gossett is best known for playing the character of Fiddler in the historical TV miniseries ‘Roots’ for which he fetched Emmy Award recognition. The role earned him wide-ranging media coverage. His impressive portrayal as Fiddler left a lasting mark on all of his fans.
Television Career, Part 2
In addition to his legacy on the big screen, Lou Gossett Jr has an elaborate due courtesy of his noteworthy television career too. He has been a part of many fan-favorite television shows such as ‘Stargate SG-1,’ ‘The District,’ and ‘Emerald City.’
Personal Life
Off-screen, Gossett is marvellous too, he was once married to Hattie Glascoe who he met in his early days at NYU. The couple then welcomed a son named Satara.
Gossett Jr.’s recent appearance was December 2019 In the Netflix series “Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings” where legend country singer Dolly Parton also had a cameo.
Real Estate
Lou Gossett Jr owns real estate near the Palm Desert area of California, where he has directed and produced pieces for Cannes’ American Pavilion, and has donated up to $225,000 over four years in arts scholarships and grants to Chaffey’s of the Desert”. This institution is dedicated to providing underprivileged children with free dance education in memory of Gossett Jr’s second wife.
Achievements
To date, Lou Gossett Jr has won innumerable awards owing to his exceptional contributions in the movie industry. Some of these accolades include Golden Globe Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, Daytime Emmy Awards, and most noteworthy of all, the Academy Award.
Lou’s presence in old Hollywood is seen quite prominently today too, he passed his skills on to acting schools like HB Studio where his caricatured face still graces the entrance.
Gossett Jr. received the United States Navy’s Lone Sailor Award on Veterans Day in 2019 for his portrayal of Lieutenant Coffey in ‘ “Officer and a Gentleman.”
In Conclusion
Lou Gossett Jr is an indubitable gem in the fabric of the American film industry. His legacy has sustained over well over half a century and his contributions to the world of television and acting as a source of inspiration that remains unparalleled. Gossett continues to support charitable foundations in memory of his wife, remain active within the industry and create film choices that honour not only himself but honour many others as well.
