As movie fans, co-stars and fellow actors mourn the loss of Louis Gossett Jr., tributes to his influential career have poured in. From his comedic work in the ‘70s, to his action heroes of the ‘80s, to his impactful work in important projects like “Roots,” the Oscar winner delivered trailblazing performances in every possible genre. Though we’ll never be able to truly showcase all of his spectacular work, we do need to celebrate the unforgettable legacy of Louis Gossett Jr. by examining some of his most memorable roles.
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The Mod Squad
Like many Black actors in his generation, Louis Gossett Jr. had guest roles in some of the most popular shows of the ‘70s and ‘80s, including “The Jefferson,” “The Six Million Dollar Man” and “The Rockford Files.” However, his most frequent appearances came in the gritty police drama, “The Mod Squad.”
Skin Game
Though he became known for his dramatic roles, some of Gossett’s best work was in comedy. This 1971 western co-starring James Garner shows just how good he was at subverting character expectations.
Roots
At this point, there’s not much left to say about the powerful impact of “Roots.” As Fiddler, Gossett Jr. is the wise elder who helps Kunta Kinte, and us, process the horrors of captivity while striving to maintain his humanity. Wise elder was a role he found himself in many times, but he made it unique and heartwarming every time.
Don’t Look Back: The Story of Leroy ‘Satchel’ Paige
The legend spent so much of his career delivering our stories and history to the world. Long before “Soul of the Game” and “42,” he gave us this film about the great Satchel Paige.
An Officer and a Gentleman
It’s no surprise that he won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance in “An Officer and a Gentleman,” because he commands the screen every minute he’s on it. The movie may be about Richard Gere and Debra Winger’s characters, but Foley is hands down the most interesting person in the film. He keeps the audience invested and captivated with his mere presence.
Enemy Mine
In this cult favorite, Louis Gossett Jr. took a role that no one else wanted and made it a classic. Despite the limitations of heavy special effects makeup and costuming, he never lets us forget about the emotions tormenting Jareeba. Now when we watch this movie, we can’t imagine anyone else in the role.
Iron Eagle
If you’re looking for an action franchise that embodies ‘80s movies, look no further than “Iron Eagle.” Yes, the films are all extremely ‘80s, but somehow Gossett Jr. manages to bring a few moments of serious acting to this unapologetically cheesy franchise.
A Gathering of Old Men
Gossett Jr. had an everyman quality that made viewers feel like they knew every character he played personally. No matter the setting or genre, it always felt like we were just getting a story from an old family friend.
Lackawanna Blues
“Lackawanna Blues” features a star-studded cast of extraordinary talent. But Gossett Jr. still manages to make his time on-screen and important.
The Book of Negroes
He once again leads a rebellious enslaved person on their journey to freedom. And once again he gives us a dignity that most slave stories don’t bother examining.
Watchmen
HBO’s “Watchmen” brilliantly continued the story of the graphic novel, effortlessly combining a superhero story with America’s history racial violence. If you need a legendary Black actor with gravitas to portray the first hero, there’s no better choice than Louis Gossett Jr. He brings an authenticity and influence to the role that makes the fantasy elements totally believable.
The Color Purple
In one of his final on-screen roles, Gossett Jr. breathed new life into Ol’ Mister making him more than just a one note angry old man. He was the reflection of Colman Domingo’s Mister, creating a space for his redemption arc.
IF
In one of his final roles, Gossett Jr. provides the voice of one of the imaginary friends in the upcoming film starring Ryan Reynolds. It’s currently scheduled for release on May 17.
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