Actor Louis Gossett Jr. is best known for roles in films such as “An Officer and a Gentleman” and the TV mini series “Roots.” He also well known as the first Black man to win an Oscar in the Best Supporting Actor category at the Academy Awards.

According to IMDB, Gossett acted in an impressive 200 projects during his long career in Hollywood, and he has 12 upcoming projects! Sadly, he will not get to see those projects once they are completed.

NPR reports that Gossett has died at the age of 87 years old. He was in Santa Monica, California at the time of his death on March 28, 2024.

TMZ obtained a death certificate copy which lists chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as the primary cause of death. Also, noted as contributing conditions are  heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Apparently, he has been battling COPD for many years. The death certificate states his body will be cremated.

Gossett began his career on stage. Before staring on TV and in movies, he was a star on Broadway. He acted alongside stars including Marilyn Monroe and Sidney Poitier.