Remembering Louis Gossett Jr.
Legendary actor Louis Gossett Jr., who died last week at 87, accumulated more than 200 credits over a screen, stage and television career that spanned more than 60 years. Here are three highlights and where to stream them.
“Roots” (1977): Gossett plays the key role of Fiddler, an older enslaved man who becomes a mentor to the central character, Kunta Kinte (LeVar Burton). Fiddler allows Gossett to display several of the gifts that would distinguish him throughout his career: an inherent dignity, a nononsense toughness, and a (seemingly contradictory) warmth and humanity. Gossett won an Emmy for his unforgettable work. Details: Rent or buy it on most major platforms.
“An Officer and a Gentleman” (1982):
Gossett was 45when he won the Oscar for best supporting actor — the first Black actor to do so — for his magnificent turn in this Richard Gere-fronted romantic drama as Sgt. Foley, a drill instructor who breaks Gere's hotshot recruit while simultaneously becoming a father figure to the young man. Details: Stream it on Max; rent or buy it on major platforms.
“Diggstown” (1992):
One of the undiscovered gems of the Gossett filmography is this sports-tinged comedy by director Michael Ritchie. James Woods is a fast-talking con artist who makes a bet that his fighter can take on any 10 opponents in 24 hours and beat them all. Gossett is that fighter. In this “Sting”style twisty tale, no one and nothing are what they seem. Details: Stream it on Tubi and PluoTV; rent or buy it on Fandango at Home.