An Officer and a Gentleman star Louis Gossett Jr. has died aged 87.
Louis was the first black man to win an Oscar for best-supporting actor in 1983.
The actor’s family released a statement confirming he passed away this morning.
The announcement read: “It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning,”
“We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
The actor’s nephew told the Associated Press that the actor was in Santa Monica, California at the time of his death.
No cause of death was released to the press.
Louis played an intimidating Marine drill instructor in An Officer And A Gentleman opposite Richard Gere and Debra Winger in 1982.
He also won a Golden Globe for the same role.
In film expert, Dave Karger’s, 2024 book 50 Oscar Nights, Louis wrote: “The Oscar gave me the ability of being able to choose good parts in movies like Enemy Mine, Sadat and Iron Eagle,”
He also revealed that his Oscar was kept in storage.
