Lou Gossett Jr. Death: ‘Color Purple’ Co-Stars Pay Tribute

Louis Cameron Gossett Jr., born on May 27, 1936, in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City, embarked on his acting journey at the age of 17, making his debut on stage. His talent soon earned him a spot in the Broadway play Take a Giant Step, leading to a string of notable performances in acclaimed productions like A Raisin in the Sun (1959), The Blacks (1961), and The Zulu and the Zayda (1965).

One of his career-defining moments came in 1977 when he starred in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots, garnering him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series.

Transitioning to discussing the aspects of Louis Gossett Jr.’s death, it’s important to note that he passed away on March 29, 2024, at the age of 87. His death occurred at a rehabilitation center in Santa Monica, California. Adding to the context, in late December 2020, Gossett was hospitalized in Georgia after contracting COVID-19. Despite these details, no specific cause of death has been disclosed. Below, we have details regarding aspects of his death.

Louis Gossett Jr Death: Reflections And Tributes

Holder Jacobs emphasized that Gossett Jr’s passing came as a shock, as it was not anticipated by those close to him. Reflecting on her connection with the late actor, she recalled their initial meeting on the set of “A Warm December” in London, where Sidney Poitier, the director, introduced them. Subsequently, Gossett Jr invited her to join him as his personal assistant, a role she embraced for over two decades.

Recalling fond memories, Holder Jacobs shared an anecdote about Gossett Jr enjoying fried chicken before attending the Oscars, highlighting his excitement about becoming the first black man to win a best supporting actor Oscar for “An Officer And A Gentleman.”

Colman Domingo, David Alan Grier, and Fantasia Barrino took to social media to share heartfelt tributes to Lou Gossett Jr. Barrino, in an Instagram post, remembered Gossett’s impactful presence and the stories he shared, accompanied by images and videos from their time together on the set of their 2023 musical film.

Domingo, reflecting on their shared experience working on “The Color Purple,” expressed gratitude for Gossett’s influence and legacy, acknowledging him as a true great and legend. Grier, reminiscing about a past encounter with Gossett, paid homage to him as one of his favorite acting heroes, accompanied by a throwback snapshot.

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He shared a funny moment from the morning after, recalling how Gossett Jr. teased him for leaving early, saying, “You couldn’t hang, could you?” The Associated Press was the first to report Gossett’s passing, announced by his nephew to the outlet. Gossett Jr.’s family confirmed his death in a statement to PEOPLE, expressing gratitude for the condolences and requesting privacy. Survived by his two adult sons, Satie and Sharron, Gossett Jr. leaves behind a legacy cherished by many.

The Life And Legacy Of Lou Gossett Jr.

Gossett had three marriages and fathered one biological son while adopting another. His first marriage to Hattie Glascoe was annulled, and his second marriage to Christina Mangosing ended in divorce after the birth of their son, Satie, in 1974.

His third marriage, to Cyndi James-Reese, resulted in the adoption of their son, Sharron, born in 1977. Gossett’s marriage to James-Reese ended in divorce in 1992.

Additionally, Gossett was the first cousin of actor Robert Gossett, known for his role on TNT’s The Closer. Gossett recounted an incident in 1966 where he was handcuffed to a tree by the Beverly Hills police for three hours.

On August 9, 1969, Gossett was socializing with members of The Mamas and the Papas when they received an invitation to a party at Sharon Tate’s house in Los Angeles. Gossett returned home to shower and change clothes.

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While preparing to leave, he saw on television the news report of Tate’s murder by Charles Manson and his followers. And in conclusion, we all fondly remember this great actor.