← The Oscars Decoded: 12 Black Actors Who Won & Their Career Impact

Louis-Gossett-620×480

By Anslem Samuel | Published February 23, 2012 | Full size is 620 × 480 pixels

LOUIS GOSSETT, JR. Gossett is best known for his role as Fiddler in the 1977 TV mini-series version of Alex Haley’s Roots; but it was his portrayal of Sergeant Emil Foley in the 1982 film, An Officer and a Gentleman, that won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Over the course of the next 30 years, he’s continued to deliver powerful performances in films ranging from Jaws 3, Enemy Mine and Iron Eagle to Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls and Why Did I Get Married Too? In 2010, Gossett expanded his career as an accomplished actor to include best-selling author with the release of his autobiography, An Actor and a Gentleman.

LOUIS GOSSETT, JR.

Gossett is best known for his role as Fiddler in the 1977…

(Image: Getty)