Film legend Louis Gossett Jr. has passed away at the age of 87, and while he certainly lived a long and full life, there is still widespread curiosity about the actor’s cause of death.
Known for his roles in beloved films like 1961 A raisin in the sun and the 2023 musical adaptation of The color purpleGossett’s work on An officer and a gentleman made him the first black man to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
He has also appeared in groundbreaking TV series such as Roots, The JeffersonsIt is watchmakers.
The news of Gossett’s death was revealed in a statement released by his family.
![Louis Gossett Jr. cause of death: Hollywood legend dies at 87 11 Louis Gossett Jr. attends the Art For Amnesty Pre-Golden Globe Recognition Brunch at Chateau Marmont on January 8, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-504052016-1024x721.jpg)
![Louis Gossett Jr. cause of death: Hollywood legend dies at 87 12 Louis Gossett Jr. attends the Art For Amnesty Pre-Golden Globe Recognition Brunch at Chateau Marmont on January 8, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-504052016-1024x721.jpg)
“It is with our sincere regret that we confirm that our beloved father passed away this morning,” the statement read, according to the New York Post Office.
“We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time,” his family said in a statement.
The cause of death of Louis Gossett Jr.: how did the actor die?
According to comments from Gossett’s nephew, the cause of his death is currently unknown.
![Louis Gossett Jr. cause of death: Hollywood legend dies at 87 13 arrives for The Weinstein Company premiere "Mandela: Long walk to freedom" at ArcLight Cinemas on November 11, 2013 in Hollywood, California.](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-187708401-782x1024.jpg)
![Louis Gossett Jr. cause of death: Hollywood legend dies at 87 14 arrives for The Weinstein Company premiere "Mandela: Long walk to freedom" at ArcLight Cinemas on November 11, 2013 in Hollywood, California.](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-187708401-782x1024.jpg)
The actor was not known to have faced health problems during his long and prolific career.
The legacy of Louis Gossett Jr.
A Brooklyn native who made his stage debut in 1953, Gossett has racked up hundreds of credits over his eight decades in the business.
![Louis Gossett Jr. cause of death: Hollywood legend dies at 87 15 Louis Gossett Jr. attends a cocktail party celebrating the dynamic and diverse nominees for the 67th Emmy Awards hosted by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and SAG-AFTRA at Montage Beverly Hills on August 27, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California.](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-485529520-786x1024.jpg)
![Louis Gossett Jr. cause of death: Hollywood legend dies at 87 16 Louis Gossett Jr. attends a cocktail party celebrating the dynamic and diverse nominees for the 67th Emmy Awards hosted by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and SAG-AFTRA at Montage Beverly Hills on August 27, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California.](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-485529520-786x1024.jpg)
He is probably best remembered for his work on An officer and a gentlemanin which he played Richard Gere’s stern drill sergeant, and Rootsin which he played Fiddler, an older mentor of Levar Burton.
“All the major African-American actors were invited and I begged to be there,” Gossett once said or Roots in an interview for a book about the program’s legacy.
“I got the best role, I think. It was wonderful.”
![Louis Gossett Jr. cause of death: Hollywood legend dies at 87 17 Louis Gossett Jr. attends the 47th NAACP Image Awards presented by TV One at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 5, 2016 in Pasadena, California.](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-508645160-683x1024.jpg)
![Louis Gossett Jr. cause of death: Hollywood legend dies at 87 18 Louis Gossett Jr. attends the 47th NAACP Image Awards presented by TV One at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 5, 2016 in Pasadena, California.](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-508645160-683x1024.jpg)
On X (formerly Twitter) and elsewhere, news of Gossett’s passing made him a global trending topic, as tributes poured in from family, friends and a legion of devoted fans.
“He was open and generous. Kind beyond measure. Regal. We owe him a lot,” actor Colman Domingo posted on the website, alongside a photo of Gossett.
“When they talk about highly respected actors, Lou Gossett’s name is at the top of the list. Rest well,” added a Gossett fan.
![Louis Gossett Jr. cause of death: Hollywood legend dies at 87 19 Louis Gossett Jr. attends the screening of 'A Raisin in the Sun' at the 2019 10th Annual TCM Classic Film Festival on April 13, 2019 in Hollywood, California.](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-1142521219-1024x1024.jpg)
![Louis Gossett Jr. cause of death: Hollywood legend dies at 87 20 Louis Gossett Jr. attends the screening of 'A Raisin in the Sun' at the 2019 10th Annual TCM Classic Film Festival on April 13, 2019 in Hollywood, California.](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/GettyImages-1142521219-1024x1024.jpg)
Gossett was a unique talent and his influence will undoubtedly be felt for many years to come.
Our thoughts are with your loved ones during this difficult time.