Back in the day, as a high school student in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Louis Gossett Jr. wasn't dreaming of Oscars or Broadway lights. No, he was all about basketball. "We were the generation right after the Great Depression," Lou, now 84, shares with Closer Weekly. "We had all kinds of ambitions." But when one of Lou's teachers encouraged him to "think bigger," the young man considered careers as a surgeon or a lawyer. Fate, however, had other plans. At 17, with zero drama training, Lou stepped into the spotlight, landing the lead role on Broadway in the 1953 drama Take a Giant Step. The eight-week run was met with critical acclaim, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey in the world of acting.
Fast forward to today, and Lou has not only kept the spotlight shining but has earned every accolade an actor could dream of. An Academy Award winner for his unforgettable role in 1982’s An Officer and a Gentleman, Lou was more recently nominated for an Emmy for his stellar performance in HBO's limited series The Watchmen. Reflecting on his decades-long career, Lou says, "I've been in this game for over 65 years, but it's still such a thrill to be remembered and nominated." His journey has been nothing short of remarkable, filled with unforgettable roles and countless memories.
So, Acting Wasn't Always in the Plan?
Not at all. It was kind of like fate stepping in. I was invited to the Knicks' rookie camp in the Catskills, but let's be honest, I might not have made the team. Instead, I found myself joining the cast of A Raisin in the Sun on Broadway in 1959, alongside the legendary Sidney Poitier. That experience was truly a blessing. It was then that I realized my true passion lay in acting.
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What Was Growing Up in Brooklyn Like?
Brooklyn was a place where we didn't have much, but we had each other. We looked out for one another and used our imaginations to create fun. We'd use broomsticks to play stickball and punchball. It was a simpler time, long before cellphones took over our lives.
What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self?
One thing I'd tell that young kid is that there's no such thing as impossible. Anything can be achieved if you set your mind to it.
What Did You Learn From Your Role in Roots?
Roots was a pivotal moment in my career. Playing Fiddler and winning an Emmy for it gave me a deep curiosity about the people who endured forced labor and the history of their struggles. It's a journey of growth that we're still navigating today.
And Then There's Sgt. Foley in An Officer and a Gentleman—Another Iconic Role
That role was another stroke of luck. I had to train with the Marine Corps drill instructors, learning their techniques quickly. And you know what? That role earned me an Oscar. It was another moment of lightning in a bottle.
Do Those Stand Out as Your Favorite Roles?
Absolutely. Fiddler from Roots and Sgt. Foley from An Officer and a Gentleman are two of my favorites. I also loved playing the alien in Enemy Mine in 1985. Coming up soon is The Last Rifleman, where I play a man in a wheelchair who was one of the first Black soldiers at Normandy. It co-stars Pierce Brosnan, an old friend of mine.
Tell Us About The Foster Boy
The Foster Boy, releasing on September 25 in theaters and on demand, is a powerful story about a young boy who sues a corporation for millions due to a scandal that still happens today in America. These foster kids are sent to families with checks, but the families abuse them and don't spend the money on the children. This boy fought the system and won $20 million in court.
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Have You Ever Thought About Retiring?
Not a chance. Acting isn't work for me; it's part of my lifestyle. It's what I do.
Have You Ever Felt Frustrated by Your Career?
No, not at all. Thinking that way is just ego. Sure, I thought I might get more money after winning those awards, but dwelling on that is self-destructive. You have to take what life gives you and make the most of it. Humility keeps you grounded.
What About Your Work With the Eracism Foundation?
I started the Eracism Foundation to combat racism, and I've spoken about being harassed by police early in my career. It didn't fit with how I was raised to be a law-abiding person. But hopefully, we can make progress as a society, especially with the upcoming election. It's time to make a decision for change.
How Do You Feel at 84?
I'm amazed that I'm still here and still relevant! As an elder, I can tell you that life is simpler than we often make it. We dream of fame, fortune, and grandeur, but the truth is simpler. Each day, we have two choices to make: one leads us toward darkness, the other toward light. Be selfless, and you'll find your way. Stay good with God, and you'll be just fine.
What About Your Family?
I have two amazing sons. Satie followed in my footsteps in the movie business—I wonder where he got that idea? My other son, Sharron, was adopted from the streets of St. Louis when he was 6. He was a hungry and homeless child then, and now he's a successful chef. That's something I'm incredibly proud of.
Do You Have Grandchildren?
I have nine grandchildren! They bring so much joy to my life. There's nothing quite like the pride you feel for your grandchildren. It truly puts you in seventh heaven.
