A Decade of Off Broadway

Gossett’s career began to springboard after his off broadway performance of Jean Genet’s, “a play within a play,” The Blacks (Les Nègres). The play exposed the racial and stereotypical injustices of being a black person. Most of the who we now consider the Who’s Who in television and film, within the African American community, got their first major role from their performance in this play. The avant-garde cast consisted of Earl James Jones, Cicely Tyson, Roscoe Lee Browne, Roxie Roker, Maya Angelou, Raymond St. Jacques, Charles Gordone, and Abbey Lincolnrespectfully, to name a few. The play was the longest running off broadway, non musical play of the decade; running for 10 years in Paris. The play took place off Broadway on 8th Street and Second Ave. It later became known as the “negro assemble.” Officially on the map, The Blacks- would expand to play in theaters in New York, California, Chicago, Europe, South America. The play dismantled racial boundaries. From Fiddler to Foley…..

Gossett’s repertoire is one of prestigious accolades and standing ovations. He has starred in multifarious roles, demonstrating his uncanny ability to become the character needed for the role. He has unveiled the strength and knowledge that is learned, as well as given from heaven above. Gossett continued to whet his acting skills by appearing in over 50 movies and hundreds of television shows. Over a 28 year time span, Gossett appeared in the following films: Skin Game, The Deep , Don’t Look Back: The Story of Leroy “Satchel” Paige , Sadat , Finders Keepers, Enemy Mine, Firewalker , Iron Eagle, A Gathering of Old Men , The Principal, The Father Clements Story ,Diggstown , Return to Lonesome Dove , Curse of the Starving Class , A Good Man in Africa , Ray Alexander , Captive Heart: The James Mink Story , Y2K , and Lackawanna Blues.

Although Gossett won an Emmy for his portrayal of “Fiddler” in Alex Haley’s miniseries Roots, (1977) he was not fond of playing the role of Fiddler. Gossett expressed his vehement dislike for not wanting to play the role of an “Uncle Tom.” Connotatively speaking, an “Uncle Tom” is someone who brown noses and kisses up to the master or to a white person. They’re someone that snitches and can’t be trusted. This was not the portrayal that Gossett wanted his viewers to see him portrayed. During the course of studying the character of Fiddler, he came to the realization and “truth” about Fiddler. “There’s no such thing as an “Uncle Tom.” “He’s a survivor. And if he had not survived, we wouldn’t be sitting here.” He went on to win a Golden Globe for HBO’s life portrayal, The Josephine Baker Story (1991) and an Academy Award for best supporting actor for his portrayal of Sergeant Emil Foley in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982).

Gossett had a lot to say about his portrayal of Drill Instructor, Sergeant Foley in An Officer and a Gentleman. Richard Gere was originally chosen to play the character. But after playing the seductive and vain role as “Tony” in “Looking for Mr. Goodbar,”Gere was by no means fit to play the role of a hardcore marine drill instructor. Gossett became Sergeant Foley. After spending weeks in San Diego, California Marine Corp Recruiting Division, “ I was a marine, I wasn’t acting.”

The Broadway veteran’s latest endeavors include him being nominated for the HBO television series “Watchmen.” Just in case you’ve never seen Gossett in a supporting role, check him out in the American horror “Awaken the Reaper.” This coming December in theaters, you can expect to see him play the role of “Ol Mister” in the musical “The Color Purple,” presented by Warner Brothers.

E.R.A.C.I.S.M

Gossett’s 80 year reign in Hollywood, film, and television, “ain’t been no crystal stair.” He’s endured racism, the fight for equal pay as an African American male, and the unprecedented battle to get leading roles. His transparency with the extremities he’s endured and triumphed over is overwhelming in his book, “An Actor and a Gentleman,” written by the actor himself, accompanied by Phyllis Karas. He addresses not only daunting battles of achieving professionally, but his personal demons which included drugs and alcohol.

While speaking about the plight of racism and the continual journey to eradicate the disease, Gossett has used his passion for change, and has created the foundation, “ERACISM” that will in hopes do just that: erase racism. “ Our background and presence is utterly important for the salvation of us all; that’s why racism has to stop. The removal from existence of the belief that one race, one culture, one people is superior to another.” He uses the metaphor of a 747 jet about to crash while you have passengers on the plane fighting over who is going to get to sit in first class. Point taken. It is Gossett’s desire that everyone is provided for fairly and equally, and that it starts with the children. Wearing a shirt with the foundation’s logo, Gossett showcases a circle of culturally diverse hands placed one on top of one another. Reciting the pledge of allegiance, “one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.” This is an area that we need to practice on.

Eracism Foundation’s ultimate mission is to contribute to the creation of a society where racism does not exist. The nonprofit organization provides programs that foster cultural diversity, historical enrichment, education, and anti violence initiatives in an effort to eradicate racism. You can follow Mr. Gossett @Facebook Instagram @ jr.louisgossett Twitter @ @LouisGossettJr. For a complete list of his achievements, awards, nominations and more and to support the ERACISM Foundation, you can go to https:// eracismfoundation.org.