View source for Louis Gossett Jr.

{{Short description|American actor (1936–2024)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Louis Gossett Jr.
| image              = Lou Gossett Jr. 1978.jpg
| caption            = Gossett Jr. in 1978
| alt                = Gossett smiling
| birth_name         = Louis Cameron Gossett Jr.
| birth_date         = {{birth date|1936|05|27|mf=yes}}
| death_date         = {{death date and age|2024|03|29|1936|05|27}}
| birth_place        = [[New York City]], U.S.
| death_place        = [[Santa Monica, California]], U.S.
| spouse             = {{ubl
  | {{marriage|Hattie Glascoe|1967|1968|end=[[annulment|{{abbr|ann.|annulled}}]] }}
  | {{marriage|Christina Mangosing|August 21, 1973|1975|end=divorced}}
  | {{marriage|Cyndi James-Reese|December 25, 1987|1992|end=divorced}}
}}
| children           = 2
| relatives          = [[Robert Gossett]] (first cousin)
| occupation         = Actor
| works              = [[Louis Gossett Jr. on screen and stage]]
| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by Louis Gossett Jr.|List of awards and nominations]]
| years_active       = 1953–2024
}}

'''Louis Cameron Gossett Jr.''' (May 27, 1936 – March 29, 2024) was an American actor. He made his stage debut at age 17. Shortly thereafter, Gossett successfully auditioned for the [[Broadway theatre|Broadway play]] ''[[Take a Giant Step]].'' He continued acting onstage in critically acclaimed plays including ''[[A Raisin in the Sun]]'' (1959), ''[[The Blacks (play)|The Blacks]]'' (1961), ''[[Tambourines to Glory]]'' (1963), and ''[[The Zulu and the Zayda]]'' (1965). In 1977, Gossett appeared in the popular [[miniseries]] ''[[Roots (1977 miniseries)|Roots]]'', for which he won [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series|Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series]] at the [[Emmy Awards]].

Gossett continued acting in high-profile films, television, plays, and video games. In 1982, for his role as [[Gunnery Sergeant]] Emil Foley in ''[[An Officer and a Gentleman]]'', Gossett won the [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]] and became the first African-American actor to win in this category. At the Emmy Awards, he continued to receive recognition, with nominations for ''The Sentry Collection Presents Ben Vereen: His Roots'' (1978), ''[[Backstairs at the White House]]'' (1979), ''[[Palmerstown, U.S.A.]]'' (1981), ''[[Sadat (miniseries)|Sadat]]'' (1983), [[A Gathering of Old Men (film)|''A Gathering of Old Men'']] (1987), ''[[Touched by an Angel]]'' (1997), and [[Watchmen (TV series)|''Watchmen'']] (2019). Gossett won and was nominated at other ceremonies including the [[Golden Globe Awards]], [[Black Reel Awards]], and [[NAACP Image Awards]]. He was also well known for his role as Colonel Chappy Sinclair in the ''[[Iron Eagle]]'' film series (1986–1995).

Gossett's other film appearances include [[Hal Ashby]]'s ''[[The Landlord]]'' (1970), [[Paul Bogart]]'s ''[[Skin Game]]'' (1971), [[George Cukor]]'s ''[[Travels with My Aunt (film)|Travels with My Aunt]]'' (1972), [[Stuart Rosenberg]]'s ''[[The Laughing Policeman (film)|The Laughing Policeman]]'' (1974), [[Philip Kaufman]]'s ''[[The White Dawn]]'' (1974), [[Peter Yates]]'s ''[[The Deep (1977 film)|The Deep]]'' (1977), [[Wolfgang Petersen]]'s ''[[Enemy Mine (film)|Enemy Mine]]'' (1985), [[Christopher Cain]]'s ''[[The Principal]]'' (1987), [[Mark Goldblatt]]'s ''[[The Punisher (1989 film)|The Punisher]]'' (1989), [[Daniel Petrie]]'s ''[[Toy Soldiers (1991 film)|Toy Soldiers]]'' (1991), and [[Blitz the Ambassador|Blitz Bazawule]]'s [[The Color Purple (2023 film)|''The Color Purple'']] (2023). Gossett's television appearances include ''[[Bonanza]]'' (1971), ''[[The Jeffersons]]'' (1975), ''[[American Playhouse]]'' (1990), ''[[Stargate SG-1]]'' (2005), ''[[Boardwalk Empire]]'' (2013), and [[The Book of Negroes (miniseries)|''The Book of Negroes'']] (2015).

==Biography==
===1936–1954: Early life, education, and stage breakthrough===
Gossett was born on May 27, 1936, in [[Coney Island]], [[Brooklyn]], New York City, to Hellen, a nurse, and Louis Cameron Gossett, a porter.<ref name="AP"/> He was an alumnus of [[Mark Twain Intermediate School 239]] and [[Abraham Lincoln High School (Brooklyn, New York)|Abraham Lincoln High School]].<ref name="Carlson">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/apr/01/louis-gossett-jr-obituary?ref=upstract.com |title=Obituary: Louis Gossett Jr obituary |quote=American actor best known for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley in the 1982 film An Officer and a Gentleman |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |first1=Michael |last1=Carlson |date=April 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sprung |first=Shlomo |date=April 3, 2017 |title=Mark Twain Intermediate School hosts 4th annual gala |url=https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2017/04/03/mark-twain-intermediate-school-hosts-4th-annual-gala/ |access-date=March 29, 2024 |newspaper=[[Brooklyn Eagle]] |language=en-US |archive-date=March 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329192956/https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2017/04/03/mark-twain-intermediate-school-hosts-4th-annual-gala/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Gates>{{Cite web |last=Gates |first=Anita |date=March 29, 2024 |title=Louis Gossett Jr., 87, Dies; 'An Officer and a Gentleman' and 'Roots' Actor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/29/movies/louis-gossett-jr-dead.html |access-date=March 29, 2024 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |archive-date=March 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329143408/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/29/movies/louis-gossett-jr-dead.html |url-status=live }}{{subscription required}}</ref> Gossett contracted [[polio]] during his youth.<ref name="Variety">{{Cite web |last1=Dagan |first1=Carmel |date=March 29, 2024 |title=Louis Gossett Jr., 'An Officer and a Gentleman' Oscar Winner, Dies at 87 |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/obituaries-people-news/louis-gossett-jr-dead-an-officer-and-a-gentleman-roots-1235955575/ |access-date=March 29, 2024 |newspaper=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US |archive-date=March 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329195839/https://variety.com/2024/film/obituaries-people-news/louis-gossett-jr-dead-an-officer-and-a-gentleman-roots-1235955575/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His stage debut came at age 17, in a school production of ''[[You Can't Take It with You (play)|You Can't Take It with You]]'' when a sports injury resulted in the decision to take an acting class.<ref name="AP">{{cite news |url=https://time.com/6961898/louis-gossett-jr-dead/ |title=ENTERTAINMENT: Louis Gossett Jr., 1st Black man to win supporting actor Oscar, dies |date=March 29, 2024 |agency=[[Associated Press]] |first1=Beth |last1=Harris |first2=Mark |last2=Kennedy |first3=Kristin |last3=Hall |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |access-date=March 30, 2024 |archive-date=March 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330143503/https://time.com/6961898/louis-gossett-jr-dead/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Gossett's high school teacher had encouraged him to audition for a Broadway part, resulting in his selection at the age of 17 for his first role on Broadway in the version of ''[[Take a Giant Step]]'' in 1953. Gossett replaced [[Bill Gunn (writer)|Bill Gunn]] as Spencer Scott.<ref>{{cite web |title=Take A Giant Step |url=http://www.lortel.org/lla_archive/index.cfm?search_by=show&id=4654 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007093345/http://www.lortel.org/LLA_archive/index.cfm?search_by=show&id=4654 |archive-date=October 7, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2012 |work=[[Jan Hus Playhouse]] |publisher=[[Lortel Archives]]}}</ref> The play ran from late September to late November and had 76 performances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Take a giant step |url=https://playbill.com/production/take-a-giant-step-lyceum-theatre-vault-0000007185 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218171200/https://playbill.com/production/take-a-giant-step-lyceum-theatre-vault-0000007185 |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=Playbill}}</ref> The show was selected as one of the 10 best Broadway shows of 1953 by ''[[The New York Times]]''.<ref name="SeeJane">{{cite web |url=https://seejane.org/bio/louis-gossett-jr/ |title=Louis Gossett Jr. Academy Award-Winning Actor, Writer/Producer/Director |date=February 15, 2022 |publisher=Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media |access-date=March 31, 2024 |archive-date=March 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331213700/https://seejane.org/bio/louis-gossett-jr/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Additional citation needed|date=April 2024}} His performance was well received, and Gossett won the Donaldson Award for best newcomer of the year.<ref name="Hollywood">{{cite news |last1=Barnes |first1=Mike |last2=Byrge |first2=Duane |date=March 29, 2024 |title=Louis Gossett Jr., Star of 'An Officer and a Gentleman' and 'Roots,' Dies at 87 |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/louis-gossett-jr-star-officer-135334686.html?&p2=%5EEQ%5Emedici%5E&prod=DS&cmpgn=medici&annot=false&sameTabLaunch=false&o=APN12174&installSource=other&browser=Chrome&darkMode=false&ueid=9a4b3f84-2b72-4504-beb6-5f34771da7e3&doi=2020-01-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330110114/https://uk.news.yahoo.com/louis-gossett-jr-star-officer-135334686.html?&p2=%5EEQ%5Emedici%5E&prod=DS&cmpgn=medici&annot=false&sameTabLaunch=false&o=APN12174&installSource=other&browser=Chrome&darkMode=false&ueid=9a4b3f84-2b72-4504-beb6-5f34771da7e3&doi=2020-01-22 |archive-date=March 30, 2024 |access-date=March 30, 2024 |newspaper=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref><ref name="EB">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Louis Gossett, Jr. |encyclopedia=[[Encyclopaedia Britannica]] |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Louis-Gossett-Jr |date=March 29, 2024 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321033432/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Louis-Gossett-Jr |archive-date=March 21, 2019 |author=((The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica ))|access-date=March 31, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 29, 2024 |title=Louis Gossett Jr., Oscar-winning actor from 'An Officer and a Gentleman' and 'Roots,' dies at 87 |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/movies/louis-gossett-jr-oscar-winning-actor-officer-gentleman-roots-dies-87-rcna14835 |access-date=March 29, 2024 |publisher=[[NBC News]] |language=en |archive-date=March 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329221201/https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/movies/louis-gossett-jr-oscar-winning-actor-officer-gentleman-roots-dies-87-rcna14835 |url-status=live }}</ref>

After graduating from [[Abraham Lincoln High School (Brooklyn, New York)|Abraham Lincoln High School]] in 1954, Gossett attended [[New York University]], declining an athletic scholarship.<ref>Pfefferman, Naomi. [http://www.jewishjournal.com/articles/item/louis_gossett_jr_to_give_shul_inaugural_ball_toast_20090115/ "Louis Gossett Jr. to Give Shul Inaugural Ball Toast"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090429113352/http://www.jewishjournal.com/articles/item/louis_gossett_jr_to_give_shul_inaugural_ball_toast_20090115 |date=April 29, 2009 }}, ''[[The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles]]'', January 15, 2009. Accessed September 23, 2009. "Gossett suspects that his English teacher at Abraham Lincoln High School, Gustave Blum, identified with African Americans because he had experienced anti-Semitism as a result of the blacklists."</ref>

===1955–1977: Continued success to television breakthrough===
On October 24, 1955, the Broadway play ''The Desk Set'' started its run, with Gossett acting in it. The show had 297 performances and closed on July 7, 1956.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The desk set |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-desk-set-broadhurst-theatre-vault-0000002070 |website=Playbill |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=June 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627040251/https://www.playbill.com/production/the-desk-set-broadhurst-theatre-vault-0000002070 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is a comedy about office workers. On its 200th performance, Jack Y. Kohl's ''[[The Morning Call]]'' review praised the entire cast.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kohl |first=Jack Y. |date=April 15, 1956 |title="Desk Set" Hits 200th performance |pages=25 |work=[[The Morning Call]]}}</ref>

[[File:A Raisin in the Sun 1959 2.JPG|thumb|left|A scene from the play ''[[A Raisin in the Sun]]'' in 1959, with Gossett (left) as George Murchison, [[Ruby Dee]] as Ruth Younger, and [[Sidney Poitier]] as Walter Younger]]
At the end of the 1950s, standing {{convert|6|ft|1|in|m}} tall, Gossett was offered the opportunity to play for the [[New York Knicks]], but he turned down the offer to accept a role in ''A Raisin in the Sun.''<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Magliocchetti |first=Geoff |date=March 29, 2024 |title=Actor, New York Knicks Tryout Star Louis Gossett Jr. Dies at 88 |url=https://www.si.com/nba/knicks/news/louis-gossett-jr-new-york-knicks-tryout-actor-obituary |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329162607/https://www.si.com/nba/knicks/news/louis-gossett-jr-new-york-knicks-tryout-actor-obituary |archive-date=March 29, 2024 |access-date=March 29, 2024 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]}}</ref>

In 1959, continuing his [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] career, Gossett played the role of George Murchison in ''[[A Raisin in the Sun]]''. The story tells of a black family's experiences in south [[Chicago]], as they attempt to improve their financial circumstances.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A raisin in the sun |url=https://playbill.com/production/a-raisin-in-the-sun-ethel-barrymore-theatre-vault-0000004376 |website=Playbill |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926201424/https://playbill.com/production/a-raisin-in-the-sun-ethel-barrymore-theatre-vault-0000004376 |url-status=live }}</ref> The character of Murchison represents the "fully assimilated black man" who denies his African heritage with a "smarter than thou" attitude.<ref>{{Cite web |title=George Murchison |url=https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/r/a-raisin-in-the-sun/character-analysis/george-murchison |access-date=September 14, 2023 |website=www.cliffsnotes.com |archive-date=September 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928134459/https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/r/a-raisin-in-the-sun/character-analysis/george-murchison |url-status=live }}</ref> The play received rave reviews.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 14, 1959 |title=Winchell... On Broadway |pages=9 |newspaper=[[The Scranton Tribune]]}}</ref> In Boyd Martin's review in ''[[The Courier Journal]]'' he said that the play is "magnificently played by the entire cast."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Boyd |date=August 4, 1959 |title='Raisin in the sun' gives true picture of racial bias with splendid humor |pages=Section 2: 4}}</ref> It won best play at the [[New York Drama Critics' Circle]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://www.dramacritics.org/dc_history.html |access-date=September 14, 2023 |website=www.dramacritics.org |archive-date=May 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522065119/https://www.dramacritics.org/dc_history.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

During the early 1960s, Gossett was considered to be a talented folk musician, for which he was well known.<ref>Boweryboyshistory.com, August 7, 2009 - [https://www.boweryboyshistory.com/2009/08/cafe-wha-whys-wheres-whos-and-hows.html Cafe Wha?: the whys, wheres, whos and hows] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003121800/https://www.boweryboyshistory.com/2009/08/cafe-wha-whys-wheres-whos-and-hows.html |date=October 3, 2022 }}</ref> His singing career was helped along with appearing at [[Gerde's Folk City]] in New York.<ref>''[[New York Daily News]]'', August 14, 2017 -
 [https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/greenwich-village-birth-folk-movement-article-1.819739 MUSIC, Greenwich Village and the birth of the folk movement By David Hinckley] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003121759/https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/greenwich-village-birth-folk-movement-article-1.819739 |date=October 3, 2022 }}</ref> In 1961, Gossett had his cinematic debut with [[A Raisin in the Sun (1961 film)|the film adaptation]] of ''A Raisin in the Sun''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Raisin in the Sun {{!}} film by Petrie [1961] {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/A-Raisin-in-the-Sun-film-1961 |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220172209/https://www.britannica.com/topic/A-Raisin-in-the-Sun-film-1961 |url-status=live }}</ref> Due to the critical acclaim of the play, [[Columbia Pictures]] bought the film rights. Most of the original cast, including Gossett, returned to their roles. The film, just like the play, received excellent reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/23718-A-RAISININTHESUN?sid=e0d35861-b704-4f6f-8735-75322cc6a550&sr=11.376036&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=September 14, 2023 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125114744/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/23718-A-RAISININTHESUN?sid=e0d35861-b704-4f6f-8735-75322cc6a550&sr=11.376036&cp=1&pos=0 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the same year, Gossett appeared in the original cast of [[Jean Genet]]'s ''[[The Blacks (play)|The Blacks]]'', the longest running off-Broadway play of the decade, running for 1,408 performances. The original cast also featured [[James Earl Jones]], [[Roscoe Lee Browne]], [[Cicely Tyson]], [[Godfrey Cambridge]], [[Maya Angelou]] and [[Charles Gordone]].<ref>{{cite web |date=March 30, 2005 |title=Louis Gssett Jr. |url=http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biography/louis-cameron-gossett-jr |access-date=November 26, 2018 |work=The History Makers |archive-date=June 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603230608/http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biography/louis-cameron-gossett-jr |url-status=live }}</ref> {{mdash}} so "their collective star power" rubbed off on Mr. Gossett.<ref name="Playbill">{{cite news |url=https://www.playbill.com/article/academy-award-winner-louis-gossett-jr-dies-at-87 |title=OBITUARIES: Academy Award Winner Louis Gossett Jr. Dies at 87 |quote=Mr. Gossett was the first Black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. |first1=Margaret |last1=Hall |date=March 29, 2024 |access-date=March 31, 2024 |archive-date=March 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331041305/https://playbill.com/article/academy-award-winner-louis-gossett-jr-dies-at-87 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1963, Gossett acted in the Broadway play ''[[Tambourines to Glory]].''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tambourine to glory |url=https://playbill.com/productions/tambourines-to-glory-little-theatre-vault-0000006749 |website=Playbill |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125114748/https://playbill.com/productions/tambourines-to-glory-little-theatre-vault-0000006749 |url-status=live }}</ref> William Glover in his review published in ''The Bee'', describes it as the first Broadway play with a gospel score, and praised the entirety of the cast for their energy and vocals.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Glover |first=William |date=November 4, 1963 |title='Tambourine to Glory' is swiping trat |pages=10–b |work=The Bee}}</ref> In 1964, Gossett acted in the Broadway play ''Golden Boy''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Golden Boy |url=https://playbill.com/production/golden-boy-majestic-theatre-vault-0000007841 |website=Playbill |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=March 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322040941/https://www.playbill.com/production/golden-boy-majestic-theatre-vault-0000007841 |url-status=live }}</ref> That same year, he signed to Powertree Records. Gossett's single, "Hooka' Dooka', Green Green"&nbsp;/ "Goodmornin' Captain" was released in early 1964.<ref>45Cat - [https://www.45cat.com/artist/lou-gossett Lou Gossett - Discography, USA] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125114644/https://www.45cat.com/artist/lou-gossett |date=January 25, 2024 }}</ref> Later in May, "Red Rosy Bush"&nbsp;/ "[[See See Rider]]" was released.<ref>''Billboard'', May 30, 1964 - [https://books.google.com/books?id=9UQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA28 Page 28 Powertree Inks]</ref> The following year, Gossett appeared in the musical play ''[[The Zulu and the Zayda]]'' on Broadway as Paulus with music and lyrics by [[Harold Rome|Harold J. Rome]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Zulu and the Zayda |url=https://playbill.com/production/the-zulu-and-the-zayda-cort-theatre-vault-0000003517 |website=Playbill |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921131436/https://playbill.com/production/the-zulu-and-the-zayda-cort-theatre-vault-0000003517 |url-status=live }}</ref> A December 1965 review of ''The Zulu'', original cast recording that was released on Columbia Records noted Menasha Skulnik and Gossett's vocal performance of "It's Good to Be Alive".<ref>''Billboard'', December 25, 1965 - [https://books.google.com/books?id=bSkEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA30 Page 30 ''Album Reviews'' (continued), Special Merit Picks, Original Cast Special Merit, The Zulu]</ref>

In 1966, Gossett acted in the Broadway play ''My Sweet Charlie.''<ref>{{Cite web |title=My Sweet Charle |url=https://playbill.com/production/my-sweet-charlie-longacre-theatre-vault-0000006917 |website=Playbill |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219014211/https://playbill.com/production/my-sweet-charlie-longacre-theatre-vault-0000006917 |url-status=live }}</ref> Gossett wrote the antiwar folk song "Handsome Johnny" with [[Richie Havens]]; Havens recorded the song in 1966.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benitez-Eves |first1=Tina |title=The Song You Didn't Know Louis Gossett Jr. Co-Wrote with Richie Havens in the Late '60s |url=https://americansongwriter.com/the-song-you-didnt-know-louis-gossett-jr-co-wrote-with-richie-havens-in-the-late-60s/ |publisher=[[American Songwriter]] |date=March 29, 2024 |access-date=March 31, 2024 |archive-date=March 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331113916/https://americansongwriter.com/the-song-you-didnt-know-louis-gossett-jr-co-wrote-with-richie-havens-in-the-late-60s/ |url-status=live }}</ref> "[[Handsome Johnny]]" was released in 1967, appearing on [[Richie Havens]]'s album ''[[Mixed Bag]],''. Havens performed it on ''[[The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson]]'' which resulted in a standing ovation that lasted through two commercial breaks.<ref>''Rock Song Index'' by Bruce Pollock - [https://books.google.com/books?id=GxYiAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA132 Page 132 Handsome Johnny]</ref> By September 1967, his single "[[Where Have All the Flowers Gone?]]"&nbsp;/ "Just a Girl" was released on Warner Brothers 7078. It was a ''Cash Box'' Newcomer Pick and received a good review with the reviewer calling it "easy-paced blues working and a mighty fine smooth vocal join forces in putting across a tempting r&b reading of the folk standard."<ref>''Cash Box'', September 16, 1967 - [https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/60s/1967/CB-1967-09-16.pdf Page 34 Record Reviews, Newcomer Picks] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327024618/https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/60s/1967/CB-1967-09-16.pdf |date=March 27, 2022 }}</ref>

In 1968, Gossett acted in the play ''Carry Me Back to Morningside Heights''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Carry Me Back to Morningside Heights |url=https://playbill.com/production/carry-me-back-to-morningside-heights-john-golden-theatre-vault-0000008436 |website=Playbill |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923103757/https://www.playbill.com/production/carry-me-back-to-morningside-heights-john-golden-theatre-vault-0000008436 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the spring of 1969, Gossett was listed among the actors who could not be determined or uncredited in [[Stuart Rosenberg]]'s [[WUSA (film)|''WUSA'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/23499-WUSA?cxt=filmography |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218203531/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/23499-WUSA?cxt=filmography |url-status=live }}</ref>[[File:The Young Rebels cast photo 1970.JPG|thumb|right|Cast of [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] TV series ''[[The Young Rebels]]'' (1970): From left-[[Alex Henteloff]], Rick Ely, [[Philippe Forquet]], and Gossett.]]In 1970, Gossett's album ''From Me to You'' was released on B.T. Puppy Records BTPS-1013. It contained some of his own compositions.<ref>Discogs - [https://www.discogs.com/artist/1630023-Louis-Gossett-Jr?type=Releases&subtype=Albums&filter_anv=0 Louis Gossett, Jr., Discography, Albums] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003121803/https://www.discogs.com/artist/1630023-Louis-Gossett-Jr?type=Releases&subtype=Albums&filter_anv=0 |date=October 3, 2022 }}</ref><ref>BadCat Records - [http://badcatrecords.com/GOSSETTlou.htm Lou Gossett] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022193959/http://badcatrecords.com/GOSSETTlou.htm |date=October 22, 2021 }}</ref>

In 1971, Gossett acted in [[Paul Bogart]]'s western comedy ''[[Skin Game]]'' starring [[James Garner]]. In it, they play a pair scammers who repeatedly pretend that the character played by Gossett is Garner's slave named Jason O'Rourke, to resell him repeatedly in every town they pass by.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/54120-SKIN-GAME?cxt=filmography |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218175101/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/54120-SKIN-GAME?cxt=filmography |url-status=live }}</ref> Michael Bate of ''[[The Ottawa Citizen]]'' said: "Gossett larks his way through the film's early portions and develops a complex characterization with appealing good humor and restraint. He rarely overplays an easily overdone role and for this he deserves full credit."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bate |first=Michael |date=October 9, 1971 |title=Garner takes Maverick to the big screen - successfully |work=The Ottawa Citizen |pages=38}}</ref>

That year, Gossett was cast in a film adaptation of the novel ''[[Finding Maubee]]'', but the project went dormant, and was released as [[The Mighty Quinn (film)|''The Mighty Quinn'']] in 1989 with another cast.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/58195-THE-MIGHTY-QUINN?cxt=filmography |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218203529/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/58195-THE-MIGHTY-QUINN?cxt=filmography |url-status=live }}</ref> On February 7, Gossett acted in "The Desperado", a ''[[Bonanza]]'' episode.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bonanza |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/bonanza/episodes-season-12/1030242320/ |access-date=December 20, 2022 |work=[[TV Guide (magazine)|TV Guide]] |language=en |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220190341/https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/bonanza/episodes-season-12/1030242320/ |url-status=live }}</ref> That same year, he acted in the play ''Murderous Angels,''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Murderous Angels |url=https://playbill.com/production/murderous-angels-playhouse-theatre-vault-0000013422 |website=Playbill |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001050231/https://playbill.com/production/murderous-angels-playhouse-theatre-vault-0000013422 |url-status=live }}</ref> which is about an investigation regarding Congolese leader [[Patrice Lumumba]]. In his ''[[New York Daily News|Daily News]]'' review, Douglas Watt said that Gossett's performance as Lumumba was "extremely convincing."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Watt |first=Douglas |date=December 21, 1971 |title='Murderous Angels' takes a looks into Lumumba murder mystery |pages=62 |work=Daily News}}</ref>

In 1972, Gossett acted in [[George Cukor]]'s [[Travels with My Aunt (film)|''Travels with My Aunt'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/54562-TRAVELS-WITH-MY-AUNT?cxt=filmography |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218203539/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/54562-TRAVELS-WITH-MY-AUNT?cxt=filmography |url-status=live }}</ref> He was announced to act in a starring role in [[Brian De Palma]]'s [[Sisters (1972 film)|''Sisters'']], but had to withdraw due to scheduling conflict,<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/54780-SISTERS?cxt=filmography |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218203539/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/54780-SISTERS?cxt=filmography |url-status=live }}</ref> and to play a gang leader in [[Barry Shear]]'s ''[[Across 110th Street]]'', but Gossett is not in the finished product.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/54566-ACROSS-110TH-STREET?cxt=filmography |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218203539/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/54566-ACROSS-110TH-STREET?cxt=filmography |url-status=live }}</ref> He also had a role in The Rookies, Season 1 Episode 5.

In 1973, Gossett acted in [[Stuart Rosenberg]]'s [[The Laughing Policeman (film)|''The Laughing Policeman'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/54982-THE-LAUGHING-POLICEMAN?cxt=filmography |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218203528/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/54982-THE-LAUGHING-POLICEMAN?cxt=filmography |url-status=live }}</ref> The following year, he acted in [[Philip Kaufman]]'s ''[[The White Dawn]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/55447-THE-WHITE-DAWN?cxt=filmography |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218203529/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/55447-THE-WHITE-DAWN?cxt=filmography |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Good Times Lou Gossett 1976.JPG|thumb|Gossett with [[Esther Rolle]] in a publicity photo for ''[[Good Times]]'' in 1976]]In 1974, Gossett returned to his role from ''Skin Games'' in the made for television sequel ''[[Sidekicks (1974 film)|Sidekicks]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Paul |date=March 21, 1974 |title=CBS features 'Slither' and 'Sidekicks' |work=The Atlanta Constitution |pages=7–C}}</ref>

In 1975, Gossett acted in ''George's Best Friend'', an episode of ''[[The Jeffersons]],''<ref>{{Citation |title=The Jeffersons: Season 2, Episode 11 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_jeffersons/s02/e11 |access-date=December 20, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220190340/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_jeffersons/s02/e11 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Clark Templeton O'Flaherty'' an episode of ''[[The Six Million Dollar Man]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Six Million Dollar Man |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-six-million-dollar-man/episodes-season-3/1030036977/ |access-date=2024-05-11 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>

On April 4, 1975, the western comedy [[Black Bart (TV series)|''Black Bart'']] premiered on television. It was a spinoff of ''[[Blazing Saddles]]'' (1974). Gossett played the lead as the first black sheriff in the old west.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 4, 1975 |title=Slapstick 'Black Bart' Premieres |work=The Gallup Independent |pages=10}}</ref> That same year, Gossett acted in ''Delancey Street: The Crisis Within'' a television film about a halfway house in [[San Francisco]] for junkies and ex-convicts.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 19, 1975 |title=Best bets |work=San Francisco Examiner |pages=34}}</ref>

In 1976, films Gossett acted in were [[Arthur Marks]]'s horror film ''[[J. D.'s Revenge]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/55278-J-DS-REVENGE?cxt=filmography |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218203540/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/55278-J-DS-REVENGE?cxt=filmography |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Krishna Shah]]'s drama[[The River Niger (film)|''The River Niger'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/55960-THE-RIVER-NIGER?cxt=filmography |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218203533/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/55960-THE-RIVER-NIGER?cxt=filmography |url-status=live }}</ref> Both film were noted to have good performances by its cast.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fragoso |first=Sam |date=1976-07-05 |title=J.D.'s Revenge Movie Review & Film Summary (1976) |url=https://rogerebert.com/reviews/jds-revenge-1976 |access-date=2014-02-18 |publisher=Roger Ebert}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kristal |first=Marc |date=June 25, 1976 |title=He's just tired of being the super black man |work=The Herald-Journal |pages=Valley-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Morisson |first=Don |date=May 11, 1976 |title=Performances counter flow of cliches in 'River Niger' |work=The Minneapolis Star |pages=4 C}}</ref>

That year on television, Gossett acted in ''Foul on the First Plan'' an episode of ''[[The Rockford Files]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Rockford Files |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-rockford-files/episodes-season-2/1030260610/ |access-date=2024-05-11 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> and ''The Long Road Home'' an episode of [[Little House on the Prairie (TV series)|''Little House on the Prairie'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Little House on the Prairie |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/little-house-on-the-prairie/episodes-season-2/1030087235/ |access-date=2024-05-11 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>

In 1977, Gossett played the role of Fiddler in the television miniseries ''[[Roots (1977 miniseries)|Roots]]'' based on [[Alex Haley]]'s book ''[[Roots: The Saga of an American Family]]''. Gossett stated that he was initially "insulted when they decided to give me the part of Fiddler. He resembled [[Stepin Fetchit]], the Uncle Tom part. But I said, OK, I will take it. I'll do something. Then doing the research I realized there's no such thing as an Uncle Tom. If it wasn't for Fiddler, we wouldn't be in America. He was a survivor. He understood both cultures and knew how to maneuver to stay alive and be solvent. We needed that lesson in order to survive here today. Having done Fiddler is a stripe on my uniform now". The program which ran for eight nights in a row was success with a record-breaking audience of 140 million.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bruner |first=Jeryl |date=May 23, 2016 |title=Louis Gossett Jr. on Playing Fiddler In Roots: 'He Was a Survivor' |url=https://parade.com/479343/jerylbrunner/louis-gossett-jr-on-playing-fiddler-in-roots-he-was-a-survivor/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603035727/https://parade.com/479343/jerylbrunner/louis-gossett-jr-on-playing-fiddler-in-roots-he-was-a-survivor/ |archive-date=June 3, 2023 |access-date=June 2, 2023 |work=Parade}}</ref> The role was his screen breakthrough, earning Gossett an [[Emmy Award]] for outstanding lead actor in a single appearance in a drama or comedy series.<ref name="Bernstein">{{cite news |last1=Bernstein |first1=Adam |date=March 29, 2024 |title=Louis Gossett Jr., commanding actor of TV and film, dies at 87 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2024/03/29/louis-gossett-actor-roots-officer-and-gentleman-dead-obituary/ |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |quote=He won an Oscar playing a Marine drill instructor in 'An Officer and a Gentleman' and an Emmy as a wise old enslaved person in the groundbreaking miniseries 'Roots'}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Roots |url=https://www.emmys.com/shows/roots |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=Television Academy |language=en |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218192508/https://www.emmys.com/shows/roots |url-status=live }}</ref>

Other television appearances for Gossett that include one episode of ''The Rockford Files'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Mary Ann |date=February 15, 1977 |title=Pilot for Hayes, Gossett on 'Rockford' |work=The Memphis Press-Scimitar |pages=13}}</ref> and ''Freeman'' an episode part of the anthology television series V''isions.''<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 8, 1977 |title=The fall on PBS |work=The Miami News |pages=Tv week: 1}}</ref>

Premiering on January 16 of that year, Gossett acted the television film ''[[Little Ladies of the Night]]'' about prostitution.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 16, 1977 |title=Sunday, Jan. 16 |work=Sunday World Herald |pages=Entertainment: 9}}</ref> It was the highest-rated program of its night, with a 36.9 rating and 53 share,<ref name="rating">{{cite magazine |date=January 24, 1990 |title=Hit Movies on U.S. TV Since 1961 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |page=160}}</ref> seen by 26,270,000 households. ABC claimed this made it the highest-rated TV movie of all time as it surpassed the 36.5 average rating for ''[[Helter Skelter (1976 film)|Helter Skelter]]'' (although the second part of ''Helter Skelter'' had a higher rating of 37.5).<ref>{{cite news |date=Jan 19, 1977 |title='Little Ladies of the Night' Highest Rated Program |work=Los Angeles Times |page=e15}}</ref><ref name="rating" /> The rating for a made-for-TV movie was only bettered by 1983.<ref name="rating" /> At the time of its broadcast, it was the twelfth-highest-rated movie to air on network television.<ref name="rating" />

In the same year, Gossett acted in [[Robert Aldrich]]'s [[The Choirboys (film)|''The Choirboys'']],<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/55919-THE-CHOIRBOYS?cxt=filmography |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218192510/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/55919-THE-CHOIRBOYS?cxt=filmography |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Peter Yates]]'s [[The Deep (1977 film)|''The Deep'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/55885-THE-DEEP?cxt=filmography |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125114704/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/55885-THE-DEEP?cxt=filmography |url-status=live }}</ref> ''The Choirboys'' was a critical panned and viewed as one of Aldrich's weakest films.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Choirboys - Movie Reviews {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/choirboys/reviews |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |language=en |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418094523/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/choirboys/reviews |url-status=live }}</ref> In Yates's film, an underwater thriller, Gossett played the lead villain.<ref>{{cite AV media |title=The Deep |date=1977 |last=Yates |first=Peter |type=VHS |language=en |publisher=COLUMBIA PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT |id=VH10150E}}</ref> For his role, Gossett had to learn how to dive and said "to become an efficient diver I was trained in the largest swimming pool I'd ever been in every day for a whole month. Then the instructor said, 'I think you are ready now for the Atlantic Ocean. Once we got into the heavy stuff, those lessons saved my life quite a few times." On playing the lead villain, he explained, "there are villainous traits and there are heroic traits in all of us, and as an actor you are taught to dip into all those sections of your personality. I guess, in a non artistic profession, you have to keep certain doors locked. I like to play anything that is significant, and of a quality that I would call a stretch. Anything that is really quite different from what I have done before."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Byrne |first=Catherine |date=June 19, 1977 |title=Louis Gossett: The Fiddler Is in 'The Deep' Adventure |work=The San Francisco Examiner |pages=Art: 22}}</ref> On his performance, Gossett thought "he did one of his finest jobs of acting during the filming".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kleiner |first=Dick |date=April 27, 1977 |title='Roots' Brings Fame To Successful Actor |work=Times Record News |pages=13A}}</ref> While the film got mixed to negative reviews,<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 17, 1977 |title=The Deep {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/deep |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |language=en |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011112004/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/deep |url-status=live }}</ref> critic Bernard Drew, in his review published in ''[[The Courier-News]]'', explained he liked it, enjoyed all performances and wrote that Gossett is "unctuous and evil as the arch-fiend".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Drew |first=Bernard |date=June 28, 1977 |title=The Deep': Bracing dash of sea adventure, villains |work=The Courier-News |pages=A-13}}</ref> The films was a success and was the [[1977 in film|eighth-highest-grossing film of 1977]] in the United States and Canada with a gross of $47.3 million.<ref>{{cite web |title=''The Deep'', Box Office Information |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=deep.htm |access-date=July 4, 2020 |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |archive-date=July 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713192525/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=deep.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Overseas, the film was Columbia's highest-grossing film and grossed over $100 million worldwide.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Segers |first=Frank |date=April 12, 1978 |title=At Three-Quarter Fiscal Pole, Col, $71,367,000 (Credit Sci-Fi) |magazine=[[Variety (Magazine)|Variety]] |page=4}}</ref><ref name="ww">{{cite magazine |last=Schreger |first=Charles |date=May 10, 1978 |title='Explain' Film Deal-Making, Blow Minds |magazine=[[Variety (Magazine)|Variety]] |page=5}}</ref>

===1978–1997: Motion picture breakthrough and continued acclaim===
[[File:Richard Pryor and Lou Gossett Jr.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|left|[[Richard Pryor]] with Gossett Jr. in 1978]]
On March 2, 1978, the television special ''The Sentry Collection Presents Ben Vereen: His Roots'' premiered. Actor [[Ben Vereen]] showcases key elements of his life through dance and music. Gossett was among the guest stars.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 26, 1978 |title=Ben Vereen's Talents Showcases |pages=26 |newspaper=[[Morning Star (British newspaper)|Morning Star]]}}</ref> At the Emmy Awards, Gossett was nominated for "Outstanding continuing or single performance by a supporting actor in variety or music".<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Sentry Collection Presents Ben Vereen-His Root |url=https://www.emmys.com/shows/sentry-collection-presents-ben-vereen-his-root |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=Television Academy |language=en |archive-date=April 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402072313/https://www.emmys.com/shows/sentry-collection-presents-ben-vereen-his-root |url-status=live }}</ref>

On April 10, the two part television film ''To Kill a Cop'' premiered.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 9, 1978 |title=Movies |work=The Idaho Statesman |pages=Tv Weekly: 4}}</ref> The film is about a cop who goes after a revolutionary, played by Gossett, who is murdering policemen.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 6, 1978 |title=To Kill a Cop |work=Emery County Progress |pages=TV & Entertainment Guide: 3}}</ref> On his role, he said, "I see the character I'm portraying as a combination of those militant black leaders of 10 or 12 years ago: Eldridge Cleaver, Huey Newton, Stokely Carmichael, Bobby Seale. He was a guy who was in a shootout in Detroit. He lost his family and close friends. He escaped to Algeria where he was given asylum for 10 years. When he was asked to leave, he returned to the United States with one aim in mind: revenge."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gardella |first=Kay |date=April 10, 1978 |title=Gossett's views on black on TV |work=The San Francisco Examiner |pages=27}}</ref> Donna Rabel in her ''Morning News'' review liked the film and said "Lou Gossett, Jr., is properly menacing as the intellectual revolutionary."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rabel |first=Donna |date=August 27, 1979 |title='To Kill A Cop' urban action drama stars Joe Don Baker |work=Morning News |pages=8}}</ref>

On September 11, the two part miniseries ''The Critical Hit'' premiered. It is drama set in a hospital, in a supporting role Gossett plays a black militant who provides evidence of health care fraud to the first secretary of national health.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Buck |first=Jerry |date=September 8, 1978 |title=Tube Talk: Lloyd Bridges and "The Critical List" |work=The Lewinson Daily Sun |pages=20}}</ref>

On January 28, 1979, the mini-series ''[[Backstairs at the White House]]'' premiered.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 28, 1979 |title=TV Highlights |pages=Dayton Leisure 23 |newspaper=[[Dayton Daily News]]}}</ref> It is about [[White House]] servants who work during several presidencies. Gossett plays a servant who is 37 years of age when the series starts and 88 when it ends. He said <nowiki>''</nowiki>I took the role because of the chance to age. No one will know who I am in the beginning. They'll have to put a sign on me with my name on it. The role appealed to me. I'll do anything I can to keep from being typecast. Even a small part if it offers something different. I had my choice of playing Mays, the doorman, or Mercer. Mays has a death scene, but Mercer gets to age".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Buck |first=Jerry |date=May 31, 1981 |title=Meet the new Louis Gossett Jr. |work=Minneapolis Tribune |pages=Tv Week 5}}</ref> At the Emmy Awards, Gossett was nominated for "Outstanding lead actor in a limited series or a special".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie Nominees / Winners 1979 |url=https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/1979/outstanding-lead-actor-in-a-miniseries-or-a-movie |access-date=December 19, 2022 |website=Television Academy |language=en |archive-date=September 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913043944/https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/1979/outstanding-lead-actor-in-a-miniseries-or-a-movie |url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 4, the series ''[[The Lazarus Syndrome]]'' started, where Gossett plays a hospital chief of staff.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hopkins |first=Tom |date=September 4, 1979 |title='The Lazarus Syndrome' at last a TV show that is color blind |work=Dayton Daily News |pages=38}}</ref> The initial episode gathered one of the biggest Nielsen audience of that week,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hoffman |first=Steve |date=September 18, 1979 |title='Lazarus' looks promising |work=The Cincinnati Enquirer |pages=C-8}}</ref> however the ratings dwindled and the show was pulled by October.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Buck |first=Jerry |date=October 10, 1979 |title=ABC pulls 'Lazarus Syndrome after poor showing in rating war |work=Arizona Daily Star |pages=Page Four Section C}}</ref>

On April 23, the television film ''[[Lawman Without a Gun]]'' premiered. Gossett plays about a civil rights activist who becomes the Sheriff of a Southern town, it is inspired by the true story of Thomas Gilmore.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Connelly |first=David |date=April 23, 1979 |title='Roots' star returns to TV |work=The Shreveport Journal |pages=5B}}</ref>

In 1981, Gossett was a guest star in an episode of the television series ''[[Palmerstown, U.S.A.]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Buck |first=Jerry |date=March 16, 1981 |title=CBS series set in the South during the depression |pages=11A |newspaper=[[Argus Leader]]}}</ref> The episode is about a black soldier, played by Gossett, who lost his land after serving in the [[Spanish–American War|Spanish-American War]] and his attempt to regain it. At the time of its release, in his review published in [[The Star Press|''The Start Press'']], Steven H. Scheuer wrote that the episode was "emotionally, the most effective story so far."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Scheuer |first=Steven H. |date=April 7, 1981 |title=Tv key previews |work=The Star Press |pages=12}}</ref> For his performance Gossett was nominated at the Emmy Awards for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series|Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series Nominees / Winners 1981 |url=https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/1981/outstanding-lead-actor-in-a-drama-series |access-date=December 19, 2022 |website=Television Academy |language=en |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219203238/https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/1981/outstanding-lead-actor-in-a-drama-series |url-status=live}}</ref>

Also that year, in [[Richard A. Colla]]'s television film biography ''[[Don't Look Back: The Story of Leroy 'Satchel' Paige]]'', Gossett played the role of baseball star [[Satchel Paige]]. On playing Paige, Gossett said "from the time I was three Satch was almost a God-like figure to me Yet when I got in front of the camera I had to be careful not to overdo it I tried to portray him as an incredibly gifted man rather than a legend, which he truly is."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=George |date=May 29, 1981 |title=Stirring Biography Of Satchel Paige |work=The Sacramento Bee |pages=B11}}</ref> Mike Duffy of the ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' thought the film was outstanding, on Gossett he wrote that "he was perfectly cast as Paige. He captures Paige's overflowing exuberance for life, but also the man's innate intelligence, and his proud determination to gain acceptance for the genuine physical genius he possessed."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Duffy |first=Mike |date=May 29, 1981 |title=This time, Satchel Paige is gainin' |work=Detroit Free Press |pages=8D}}</ref>

On May 31, 1982, [[Michael Schultz]]'s television film ''Benny's Place'' premiered. The story is based on play that was also directed on stage by Schultz. In it Gossett plays an older man pushing retirement who is asked to trained a replacement for his position at the steel mill where he works. Gossett accepted the role to work with Schultz. Of his role Gossett said "they think he's getting too old. He figures if he trains a young man, they'll put a broom in his hand and take away his ace. To me, he represents old people quote-unquote and he shares their rage and predicament. He's still a vital man, he represents all those people faced with that predicament. I think it's a crime to send people that age off to pasture. They're in the prime of life and they have a lot to offer. I think it puts people in a psychological fear of reaching 70."<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Buck |first=Jerry |date=May 31, 1982 |title=Lou Gossett Jr. battles time tonight in 'Benny's Place' |work=Tallahassee Democrat |pages=13A}}</ref> In his review published in ''[[The News-Press|News-Press]]'' Bill Hayden wrote that "Louis Gossett Jr. gives a fiery and moving performance in this powerful production as a proud black man who believes he is committing the ultimate crime by growing old."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hayden |first=Bill |date=May 31, 1982 |title='Benny's Place' is jewel |work=News-Press |pages=4D}}</ref>

On July 28 of that year, [[Taylor Hackford]]'s motion picture ''[[An Officer and a Gentleman]]'' premiered. In it Gossett plays drill instructor Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley. The role was originally conceived for a white actor.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/68219 |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> Hackford said "when I visited the Navy Officers Flight Training Center in Pensacola, FLA, I discovered that many of the Drill Instructors there were men of color. I found it interesting that Black & Brown enlisted men had 'make-or-break' control over whether white college graduates would become officers and fighter pilots. At that moment I changed the casting profile for Sergeant Foley and started meeting actors of color. Lou Gossett came to see me – I knew and admired his stage work. He told me that he'd served in the US Army as a Ranger, so in addition to being an accomplished actor, he knew military life. I hired him on the spot."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Greg |date=2024-03-29 |title='Roots' Co-Star LeVar Burton & 'An Officer And A Gentleman' Director Taylor Hackford Pay Tribute To Louis Gossett Jr. As Hollywood Remembers Late Actor |url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/taylor-hackford-louis-gossett-remembered-1235871721/ |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> Hackford also pointed out that they were impressed because he "played the role as it was written'" and none of the script was modified "'to make the character black."<ref name=":0" /> Gossett explained that his mindset guided him toward the part as he blamed both "white unconscious racism" and "black acceptance of that, so a black doesn't go out for a part Blacks need to change their mentality to knock down the walls of racism, and this includes trying out for parts like a district attorney or a lawyer or Judge traditional white roles. How do you know they won't hire you? I had to reeducate myself Gossett said. There are parts I'm sure I could have played before I came to this realization." To prepare for the role Gossett spent 10 days with a drill instructor and lifted weights to improve his upper body.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Themal |first=Harry |date=September 21, 1982 |title=Old habits die hard in show business |work=The Herald Statesman |pages=Section B: 6}}</ref> During shooting Gossett's accommodation were in different location from the rest of the cast, to keep him emotionally distant from the other actors.<ref name=":0" /> The role won him an [[Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor]]. He was the first African-American actor to win an Oscar in a supporting role and<ref name="Variety" /><ref name="AP" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 16, 2015 |title=Louis Gossett Jr. on race, Hollywood and the Oscars |url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/episode-216-lou-gossett-jr-on-oscar-s-whiteout-flying-rhinos-to-safety-hate-laws-and-free-speech-1.2920729/louis-gossett-jr-on-race-hollywood-and-the-oscars-1.2920735 |publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC]] |access-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220190340/https://www.cbc.ca/radio/day6/episode-216-lou-gossett-jr-on-oscar-s-whiteout-flying-rhinos-to-safety-hate-laws-and-free-speech-1.2920729/louis-gossett-jr-on-race-hollywood-and-the-oscars-1.2920735 |url-status=live}}</ref> the third African-American to win for acting after [[Sidney Poitier]] and [[Hattie McDaniel]] in [[Gone with the Wind (film)|Gone With the Wind]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Arkin |first1=Daniel |title=Louis Gossett Jr., Oscar-winning actor from 'An Officer and a Gentleman' and 'Roots,' dies at 87 Gossett's vict |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/movies/louis-gossett-jr-oscar-winning-actor-officer-gentleman-roots-dies-87-rcna14835 |access-date=March 31, 2024 |publisher=NBC News |archive-date=March 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329221201/https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/movies/louis-gossett-jr-oscar-winning-actor-officer-gentleman-roots-dies-87-rcna14835 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Gates" /> Additionally, Gossett won the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture|Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor]] at the [[Golden Globe Awards]],<ref name=":03">{{Cite web |url=https://www.goldenglobes.com/person/louis-gossett-jr |title=Louis Gossett Jr. |access-date=December 20, 2022 |publisher=[[Golden Globe Awards]] |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220200310/https://www.goldenglobes.com/person/louis-gossett-jr |url-status=live}}</ref> and [[NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture]] at the [[NAACP Image Awards]].{{Citation needed|date=April 2024}}

On September 17 of that year, the science fiction series ''[[The Powers of Matthew Star]]'' premiered. It is about a prince ([[Peter Barton (actor)|Peter Barton]]) and his guardian played by Gossett who escaped their planet after it was invaded and the royal family was executed. Now living on earth, the prince, who has telekinetic and mind reading abilities, passes for regular high school student who goes on various adventures.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hopkins |first=Tom |date=September 17, 1982 |title=Star back after nova event; 7 brides on with 100 yawns |work=Dayton Daily News |pages=42}}</ref> Gossett explained that "it's another role he says he got because neither he nor those casting the film thought of race."<ref name=":1" /> Of his role he said "people have been complaining a lot lately about the image of the black actor on television. Well, if there was ever a redeeming character, it's Walter Sheppard. He teaches goodness, character-building, values and morals to young Matthew. He's sort of like [[Obi-Wan Kenobi|Obi-Wan]] was on ''[[Star Wars]]''."<ref name=":2" /> The shooting was delayed due to an on-set accident that injured both Gossett and more severely Barton.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shull |first=Richard K. |date=September 10, 1982 |title=An unearthly adventure |work=The Indianapolis News |pages=15}}</ref> The show lasted until 1983.<ref>{{Cite web |title=6 reasons 'The Powers of Matthew Star' is one of the most interesting sci-fi shows of the '80s |url=https://www.metv.com/lists/6-reasons-the-powers-of-matthew-star-is-one-of-the-most-interesting-sci-fi-shows-of-the-80s |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411225843/https://www.metv.com/lists/6-reasons-the-powers-of-matthew-star-is-one-of-the-most-interesting-sci-fi-shows-of-the-80s |archive-date=April 11, 2024 |access-date=2024-04-11 |website=Me-TV Network |language=en}}</ref>

In 1983, he played the title role in ''[[Sadat (miniseries)|Sadat]]'', a two-part miniseries which chronicled the life and assassination of Egypt president [[Anwar Sadat]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Hurst |first=John V. |date=October 30, 1983 |title=Playing Sadat, with mind, spirit |pages=Tv Today 3 |newspaper=[[The Sacramento Bee]]}}</ref> The producers of the show offered the role to Gossett due to his resemblance to Sadat.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Henniger |first=Paul |date=October 29, 1983 |title=A genius for doing the unexpected |work=The Sentinel |pages=Funtime: 4}}</ref> However, in Egypt, the casting of a [[African American|black]] actor as Sadat was controversial, as the [[Egyptian Ministry of Culture]] pointed out that the real Sadat was sensitive about his dark complexion for which he was often ridiculed and that "the portrayal of Sadat by a black has revived the issue of race in Egypt, which is usually deeply submerged." It was among the reasons that a ban on all films and television programs distributed by Columbia Pictures.<ref>{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Judith |date=1984-02-05 |title=Egypt disapproves of TV movie 'Sadat' |access-date= |work=[[Gainesville Sun]] |pages=5B |agency=The New York Times News Service}}</ref> On playing the role Gossett said "I was becoming over-prepared and stilted. Sadat is so recent in people's memory that I wanted to capture him exactly but what I was doing was becoming an imitation and not a living breathing human. I felt Sadat. I felt from the first day on the set that the spirit of Sadat was part of me I began to move more like him talk like him and even think like him. This is the first time in my career that I have not totally memorized all my lines."<ref name=":3" /> For his performance, Gossett was nominated at the Emmy Awards for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie|Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie Nominees / Winners 1984 |url=https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/1984/outstanding-lead-actor-in-a-miniseries-or-a-movie |access-date=December 19, 2022 |website=Television Academy |language=en |archive-date=September 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913231844/https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/1984/outstanding-lead-actor-in-a-miniseries-or-a-movie |url-status=live }}</ref> and was nominated for the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film]].<ref name=":03" />

That same year, Gossett acted in [[Joe Alves]]'s third instalment of the shark attack thriller film series ''[[Jaws 3-D]].''<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57994-JAWS-3-D?sid=dc75ca2a-cfc0-4773-9d4f-f87e48bdd705&sr=12.059091&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=April 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402072351/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57994-JAWS-3-D?sid=dc75ca2a-cfc0-4773-9d4f-f87e48bdd705&sr=12.059091&cp=1&pos=0 |url-status=live }}</ref> On accepting the role, Gossett said "I turned down ''Jaws 3-D'' three or four times," he admits. "It was just a little part. Finally they said they'd expand the role." He also added that he accepted "because there was nothing else. There have not been a lot of offers since ''Officer''." On developing his character he said "I made my character a Creole, it gives him a more interesting flavor. He starts off as a shrewd entrepreneur, but he makes one mistake and everything falls through. He's almost like [[Captain Ahab]]."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mills |first=Nancy |date=February 26, 1983 |title=An officer and a superstar |work=The Windsor Star |pages=C1}}</ref> The film grossed $13,422,500 on its opening weekend,<ref name="jet">{{cite magazine |date=August 1983 |title=Gossett Rises Above Bad Reviews of 'Jaws 3D' |magazine=Jet |volume=64 |issue=25 |page=37}}</ref> which was 1983's second highest-grossing opening weekend of the year,<ref>{{Cite web |title=1983 Yearly Box Office Results - Box Office Mojo |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=opening&yr=1983&p=.htm |access-date=2018-12-28 |website=Box Office Mojo}}</ref> playing to 1,311 theaters at its widest release and accounting for 29.5% of its final gross. It has achieved total lifetime worldwide gross of $87,987,055.<ref>{{cite web |title=JAWS 3D |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=jaws3d.htm |access-date=2007-01-13 |work=BoxOffice Mojo}}</ref> Reception for the movie was generally negative, it has an 11% 'rotten' rating at [[Rotten Tomatoes]] based on 36 reviews, with an average rating of 3.5/10. Its critical consensus reads, "A cheese-soaked ocean thriller with no evident reason to exist, ''Jaws 3'' bellows forth with a plaintive yet ultimately unheeded cry to put this franchise out of viewers' misery."<ref>{{cite web |date=July 22, 1983 |title=Jaws 3D |url=https://rottentomatoes.com/m/jaws_3/ |access-date=2007-01-24 |work=Rotten Tomatoes}}</ref> Gossett said he was the "only cast member to survive the generally negative reviews".<ref name="jet"/> At the [[4th Golden Raspberry Awards]], Gossett was nominated for [[Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor|Worst Supporting Actor]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Jankiewicz |first=Patrick |author-link=Pat Jankiewicz|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eqY-DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT179 |title=Just When You Thought It Was Safe: A Jaws Companion |date=9 June 2013 |publisher=BearManor Media |page=179}}</ref>

In 1984, Gossett acted in [[Richard Lester]]'s ensemble comedy [[Finders Keepers (1984 film)|''Finders Keepers'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57080-FINDERS-KEEPERS?cxt=filmography |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218235149/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57080-FINDERS-KEEPERS?cxt=filmography |url-status=live }}</ref> The film generally received good reviews.<ref>{{cite news |author=Canby, Vincent |date=May 18, 1984 |title=Film: 'Finders Keepers,' Comedy Directed By Richard Lester |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/05/18/movies/film-finders-keepers-comedy-directed-by-richard-lester.html |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=December 31, 1983 |title=Finders Keepers |url=https://variety.com/1983/film/reviews/finders-keepers-2-1200426095 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927032819/https://variety.com/1983/film/reviews/finders-keepers-2-1200426095/ |archive-date=September 27, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Fristoe |first=Roger |date=May 19, 1984 |title=Caper movie, 'Finders Keepers', begin runs |work=The Courier-Journal |pages=B 6}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Laubach |first=David |date=June 6, 1984 |title=Finders Keepers, Winners, Sleepers |work=Valley Advocate Springfield |pages=20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wolf |first=William |date=May 19, 1984 |title='Finders Keepers' is a real gem |work=Green Bay Press-Gazette |pages=A-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Freedman |first=Richard |date=May 19, 1984 |title=Finders Keepers wonderfully wacky |work=The Montana Standard |pages=Time Out: 4}}</ref> [[James Monaco]] reviewed the film in his book, ''The Movie Guide'', and said of the acting "''Finders Keepers'' benefits from the well-judged performances of its energetic cast."<ref name="Monaco1992">{{cite book |last=Monaco |first=James |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s7MUAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA251 |title=The Movie Guide |publisher=Perigee Books |year=1992 |isbn=978-0-399-51780-8 |pages=251–}}</ref>

Also that year Gossett and [[Martin Sheen]] co-starred in [[David Greene (director)|David Greene]]'s television film [[The Guardian (1984 film)|''The Guardian'']].<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 20, 1984 |title=Best Bets |work=The Miami Herald |pages=8D}}</ref> The inhabitants of a New York City apartment building are plagued by burglaries and murder, and they have finally had enough. So they employ ex-military man (Gossett ) to protect their building as a security guard. His techniques are precise and intense, and soon his overbearing and power-mad nature begins to chafe resident (Sheen).<ref>{{cite AV media |title=The Guardian |date=1985 |last=Green |first=David |type=VHS |medium= |language=English |publisher=Vestron Video |trans-title= |location= |time= |access-date= |id=02848514162 |isbn= |oclc= }}</ref> Gossett's role was originally written for a white actor but since he had just won an Oscar for a role that aimed at same demographic he was chosen. Writer [[Richard Levinson]] said "Lou had a lot of heat going for him. We didn't have to change anything in the script when he was cast." Gossett appreciated the duality of his role. On the project he said the "script said something about a modern social problem. When I was growing up in Brooklyn, there was a real feeling of community in our neighborhood. That kind of neighborhood is gone, and that's one of the reasons for the increase in crime. I think of the character I play as a necessary evil in today's society."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Farber |first=Stephen |date=October 19, 1984 |title='Guardian' now being filmed |work=The Paducah Sun |pages=B-10}}</ref>

In 1985, Gossett co-starred with [[Dennis Quaid]] in [[Wolfgang Petersen]]'s ''[[Enemy Mine (film)|Enemy Mine]]''. The film is about a human (Quaid) and alien soldier (Gossett), respectively, who become stranded together on an inhospitable planet and must overcome their mutual distrust in order to cooperate and survive.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57674-ENEMY-MINE?sid=4efd2c23-12de-49e8-95d3-440903bc718e&sr=11.3858185&cp=1&pos=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204221952/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57674-ENEMY-MINE?sid=4efd2c23-12de-49e8-95d3-440903bc718e&sr=11.3858185&cp=1&pos=0 |archive-date=December 4, 2022 |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> About accepting the project, Gossett explained "everybody turned [the role] down because you couldn't see your face or your eyes. 'How can you do a performance?' So, there's a little [[Lon Chaney Sr.]] in me, you gotta try it. That's why I took it, because it was a challenge."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shorter |first=Marcus |date=2024-03-29 |title=Actor Louis Gossett Jr. loved Hollywood even when it didn't love him back |url=https://andscape.com/features/louis-gossett-jr-dead-at-87/ |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=Andscape |language=en-US}}</ref> The production was troubled as the original director and the producer had creative difference. Petersen was asked to take over the directorial duties, however when he joined he found the original location, and footage unusable. Hence the production moved and new set were built. Quaid and Gossett received a salary to wait throughout the transition so they wouldn't start working on other projects. Also, Gossett's original alien costume was scrapped and it took five months to create the one used in final product.<ref name="LAT123085">David T. Friendly, [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-12-30-ca-29993-story.html One Studio Has Seen The 'Enemy', And It Is Costly], ''Los Angeles Times'', December 30, 1985, Accessed December 23, 2010.</ref> On his preparation Gossett said "I went to the zoo with a mime, a dancer, an athlete and a linguist. There we studied lizards, snakes, wildcats, giraffes and the kangaroos, especially the females with the pouch. I also used a little ordinary cat and dog, and in the scenes where the Drac is in his religious ecstasy, a little bit of Stevie Wonder." On the scene where the alien gives birth he said "I don't think I'm gonna try and bear a child. But I wanted to do it. It was a cinematic first for an actor to give birth to a child. It's the hardest thing I've ever had to do, physically, but I took it because I would rather fail doing something difficult than succeed doing something too easy."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lawson |first=Terry |date=December 22, 1985 |title=Gossett rises above his roles |work=Dayton Daily News |pages=1-D and 2-D}}</ref> Petersen said "It took Lou several hours to get into makeup and the sand was always getting under his contact lenses and, yet, he never complained. He also gives a great performance, even though you can only see his lips. He gave us a lot so that the message of friendship and love could come through."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Blowen |first=Michael |date=December 17, 1985 |title=Wolfgang Petersen |work=The Boston Globe |pages=67–68}}</ref> Gossett had to wear two sets of contact lenses, one for protection, the other to give him a lizard-look. However, the protection didn't work. After four weeks of shooting, he couldn't open his eyes, which were bloodshot-red. It took two weeks for him to get better and it was estimated it would take a year or two to heal entirely. Also, his costume was glued to his body and he had to be treated for severe abrasion and rashes. Upon the release of the film, Gossett explained that "barely a day went by during the filming of ''Enemy Mine'' that he didn't think about going home, wondering if he was giving too much for art. However, it led him to be more than satisfied with both his own performance and the film."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Themal |first=Harry F. |date=December 22, 1985 |title='Enemy Mine' suffers for his art |work=Sunday News Journal |pages=H1 and H2}}</ref> The film was a flop at the box office,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kantor |first=Jonathan H. |date=2023-09-09 |title='80s Box Office Bombs That Are Actually Worth Watching |url=https://www.looper.com/1387514/80s-box-office-bombs-regret-missing-hidden-gems/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=Looper |language=en-US}}</ref> and the critics were divided on whether the it was great or bad.<ref name="LAT123085" /> Over the years, the film developed a cult and started to receive positive re-assessments.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-07-01 |title=Cult Movie: Production design makes 80s sci-fi parable Enemy Mine worth revisiting |url=https://www.irishnews.com/arts/2016/07/01/news/cult-movie-production-design-makes-80s-sci-fi-parable-enemy-mine-worth-revisiting-581245/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=The Irish News |language=en}}</ref><ref name="NYT032402">{{cite news |last=Genzlinger |first=Neil |author-link=Neil Genzlinger |date=March 24, 2002 |title=MOVIES: CRITIC'S CHOICE (Published 2002) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/24/tv/movies-critic-s-choice.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503052827/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/24/tv/movies-critic-s-choice.html |archive-date=May 3, 2021 |access-date=March 12, 2021 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> Michael Wilmington of ''[[The Los Angeles Times]]'' loved the film and said "Gossett always in perfect control. What he does here seems nearly the stripped down, boiled-off essence of the actor's art. It's amazing that he can communicate so much subtlety, emotion and strangeness beneath all those layers of latex and paint, those fishy scales, greenish limbs and faceted contact lenses. He's credibly extraterrestrial and touchingly human."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wilmington |first=Michael |date=December 20, 1985 |title='Enemy Mine': on a scale of thirds, A2 |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=Part VI: 6}}</ref>

In 1986, in [[Sidney J. Furie]]'s military aviation thriller ''[[Iron Eagle]]'', Gossett played a retired Air Force colonel, Charles 'Chappy' Sinclair, who helps young man ([[Jason Gedrick]]) save his father who's held prisoner in the middle East.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57377-IRON-EAGLE?sid=825d9a80-f320-4dc9-9daa-8689c0a02d62&sr=11.473811&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> Gossett accepted the part "because it offered a positive relationship between blacks and whites with race not being an issue or even mentioned."<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 12, 1985 |title=Gassett back in uniform as 'Iron Eagle' aviator |work=The Evening Press |pages=7C}}</ref> The review were mostly negative,<ref name="L.A. Times 1">{{cite news |author=Thomas, Kevin |author-link=Kevin Thomas (film critic) |date=January 17, 1986 |title='Iron Eagle': Middle-east rescue mission |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-01-17-ca-773-story.html |access-date=February 19, 2020 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref><ref>Maltin 2006, p. 660.</ref><ref>The Phantom's Ultimate Video Guide, 19</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=December 31, 1985 |title=Review: 'Iron Eagle' |url=http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117792029?refcatid=31 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106163623/http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117792029?refcatid=31 |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |access-date=February 19, 2020 |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Iron Eagle |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/iron_eagle |access-date=May 20, 2019 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |publisher=[[Fandango Media]]}}</ref> however Janet Maslin of the ''[[New York Times]]'' gave the film a favorable review, and said that "both leading actors are quite effective."<ref>{{cite news |author=Maslin, Janet |author-link=Janet Maslin |date=January 18, 1986 |title="Iron Eagle", a tale of teen-age military rescue |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/18/movies/screen-iron-eagle-a-tale-of-teen-age-miltary-eescue.html |access-date=February 19, 2020 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The film made $24,159,872 at the U.S. box office.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iron Eagle |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1633322497/weekend/ |access-date=October 10, 2023 |website=Box Office Mojo |archive-date=January 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131023750/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=ironeagle.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Although the movie was not a major success at the cinema, it generated $11 million in home video sales, enough to justify a sequel.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120524102340/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1987-01-16/features/8701040030_1_ron-samuels-shooting-site-tri "Cassette sales help `Iron Eagle II` to fly."] ''[[New York Daily News]]'', January 16, 1987. Retrieved: May 20, 2019.</ref>

Also that year, Gossett co-lead with [[Chuck Norris]] in [[J. Lee Thompson]]'s [[Action-adventure film|action-adventure]] [[comedy film]] [[Firewalker (film)|''Firewalker'']]. Gossett and Norris play two seasoned [[Treasure hunting|treasure hunters]] whose adventures rarely result in any notable success.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/MovieDetails/57321 |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> At the time Norris was known for successful action films where he portrayed stoic heroes, he explained that he wanted to show a lighter side of himself. Gossett appreciated Norris efforts and said "I have great respect for what actors call stretch. Chuck had to open up first to allow this atmosphere. It has to do with his desire to stretch. Someone else could have been quite insecure. He chose to open up. He's studying hard and he's serious."<ref>{{cite news |last=Sussman |first=Soll |date=September 13, 1986 |title=Swashbuckler hero turns to comedy |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |page=B7 |via= |volume=61 |issue=18,609}}</ref> The review were mostly negative, while some thought it was a fine for a light action film.<ref name="Ebert">{{cite news |last=Ebert |first=Roger |author-link=Roger Ebert |date=21 November 1986 |title=Firewalker |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/firewalker-1986 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010001540/http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19861121/REVIEWS/611210303 |archive-date=10 October 2012 |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Canby |first=Vincent |author-link=Vincent Canby |date=November 21, 1986 |title=''Firewalker'' Movie Review |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/11/21/movies/firewalker.html |access-date=2010-11-07 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=''Firewalker'': Review |url=http://movies.tvguide.com/firewalker/review/126192 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029195201/http://movies.tvguide.com/firewalker/review/126192 |archive-date=2014-10-29 |access-date=2010-11-07 |magazine=[[TV Guide]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bentley |first=Rick |date=December 2, 1986 |title='Firewalker' movie has right blend to spoof adventure films |work=The Town Talk |pages=C-7}}</ref><ref>"Film Reviews: Firewalker". ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]''. November 26, 1986. 14.</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=1986-11-21 |title=''Firewalker'' Movie Review |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/firewalkerrkempley_a0cad5.htm |access-date=2010-11-07 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Severson |first=Ed |date=November 26, 1986 |title='Firewalker' is an entertaining turkey |work=Arizona Star |pages=Seven B}}</ref> Kevin Thomas of the ''[[Los Angeles Times]],'' enjoyed it of the cast he said they "really get into the light-hearted spirit of the occasion."<ref name="HandsomeHokum">{{cite news |last=Thomas |first=Kevin |date=1986-11-24 |title='Firewalker' Is Handsome Hokum |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-11-24-ca-12881-story.html |access-date=2010-08-30 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> The film made $11,834,302 at the box-office.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Firewalker (1986) - Financial Information |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Firewalker |access-date=2024-04-14 |website=The Numbers}}</ref>

In 1987, Gossett acted in [[Volker Schlöndorff]]'s [[A Gathering of Old Men (film)|''A Gathering of Old Men'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=A GATHERING OF OLD MEN - Festival de Cannes |url=https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/films/a-gathering-of-old-men |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=www.festival-cannes.com |language=en |archive-date=December 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204222650/https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/films/a-gathering-of-old-men |url-status=live }}</ref> Gossett was very enthusiastic of the project and said "it's a strange, pleasant twist. The viewer thinks the story will go one way, and it doesn't. It's a beautiful and touching story". He explained that his character "is always there. You look at him, and there's the eyes and face. He doesn't have all that much dialogue. That makes him very hard to do as an actor. "What you have to do is use more concentration. When there are no lines, you write lines in your mind and those moments have to be clean. A director can't really help you. The satisfaction is that, after you see it, it's all there. The director didn't cut anything I did."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Crockett |first=Lana |date=May 9, 1987 |title='A Gathering of Old Men' examines love and respect |work=Hattiesburg American |pages=10B}}</ref> While it was screened in the [[Un Certain Regard]] section at the [[1987 Cannes Film Festival]],<ref name="festival-cannes.com">{{cite web |title=Festival de Cannes: A Gathering of Old Men |url=http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/463/year/1987.html |access-date=July 20, 2009 |work=festival-cannes.com |archive-date=October 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003003243/http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/463/year/1987.html |url-status=live }}</ref> it was released as television film in the United States.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=John J. |date=May 10, 1987 |title="Old men" is memorable TV drame |pages=C9 |newspaper=[[The South Bend Tribune]]}}</ref> For his performance, Gossett was nominated at the Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Special.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie Nominees / Winners 1987 |url=https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/1987/outstanding-lead-actor-in-a-miniseries-or-a-movie |access-date=December 19, 2022 |website=Television Academy |language=en |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914005916/https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/1987/outstanding-lead-actor-in-a-miniseries-or-a-movie |url-status=live }}</ref>

Also that year he acted in [[Christopher Cain]]'s [[action thriller]] ''[[The Principal]]''. Gossett plays the head of security in an inner city school that just employed a new principal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57789-THE-PRINCIPAL?sid=f3ec25cf-b149-4250-b8b2-f0f8e3cb6168&sr=7.3045526&cp=1&pos=0 |access-date=December 4, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=December 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204222647/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/57789-THE-PRINCIPAL?sid=f3ec25cf-b149-4250-b8b2-f0f8e3cb6168&sr=7.3045526&cp=1&pos=0 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film made $19,214,194 at the domestic box office.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Principal (1987) - Financial Information |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Principal-The |access-date=2024-04-14 |website=The Numbers}}</ref>

On December 13 of that year, [[Edwin Sherin]]'s television film ''[[The Father Clements Story]]'' premiered. It's about the life of Father [[George Clements]] (Gossett), an African-American Roman Catholic priest who became famous for being the first United States priest to legally adopt a child.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tucker |first=Ken |date=December 13, 1987 |title=Premiere of 2 films, both at 9 |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |pages=18–G}}</ref> Mike Hill of ''The Evening Sun'' said that Gossett to "displays his usual impeccable command of his character in playing Clements, depicted as an unorthodox priest whose methods had gained his church a wide following in its community, but also drawn the disapproval of the Chicago's Cardinal."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hill |first=Michael |date=December 11, 1987 |title=Two movies Sunday are excellent views of families |work=The Evening Sun |pages=C-19}}</ref>

In 1988, Gossett reunited with director Sidney J. Furie for ''[[Iron Eagle II]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iron Eagle II |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/79406/iron-eagle-ii |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219013311/https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/79406/iron-eagle-ii |url-status=dead }}</ref> The reviews were negatives, however some found it to be fun mindless entertainment.<ref>Thomas, Kevin. [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-11-15-ca-24-story.html "'Iron Eagle II': A sequel proves its mettle."] ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', November 15, 1988. Retrieved: May 21, 2019.</ref><ref>Harrington, Richard. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/ironeagleii.htm "'Iron Eagle II' (PG)."] ''[[The Washington Post]]'' November 15, 1988. Retrieved: May 21, 2019.</ref><ref>"Review:'Iron Eagle II'." '[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'', December 31, 1987.''</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Connelly |first=David |date=November 14, 1988 |title='Iron Eagle II' has humorous hokiness |work=The Shreveport Journal |pages=3B}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shanaberger |first=Doug |date=November 12, 1988 |title=Iron Eagle If fails to fly, leaves bad taste of sequels |work=The Pittsburgh Press |pages=B7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Davis |first=Chuck |date=November 18, 1988 |title='Iron Eagle II' Not That Bad |work=The Daily Oklahoman |pages=Weekend: 8}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bentley |first=Rick |date=November 22, 1988 |title=No-name cast obscured by hot aeronautic scenes |work=The Town Talk |pages=C-7}}</ref> The film grossed $10,497,324 million theatrically domestically,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iron Eagle II |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1650099713/weekend/ |access-date=2024-04-15 |website=Box Office Mojo}}</ref> the film's 1989 US video release generated $12 million.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Bart |first=Peter |author-link=Peter Bart |date=September 24, 1990 |title=Stars to studios: Pass the Bucks |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |page=1}}</ref>

On November 5 of that year, the three part mini series ''Straight Up'' premiered, where he co-starred with [[Chad Allen (actor)|Chad Allen]]. In it Allen plays a teen tempted by drugs, while Gossett plays a magical character who operates the "fate elevator", so that each time Allen is tempted by a substance Gossett takes him on an elevator ride which shows the consequence of that substance.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 28, 1988 |title=Straight Up Fights Drug Abuse With Fantasy, Reality Scenes |work=Times-Press-Recorder |pages=22}}</ref>

That year he appeared in three television movies ''Sam Found Out: A Triple Play'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shirley |first=Don |date=1988-05-31 |title=TV REVIEW : 'Sam' a Triple-Header for Liza Minnelli Fans |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-05-31-ca-3426-story.html |access-date=2024-04-15 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> ''Goodbye, Miss 4th of July'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Goodbye, Miss 4th of July |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/goodbye-miss-4th-of-july/2030124547/ |access-date=2024-04-15 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> and returned to the role of Findler in ''[[Roots: The Gift]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roots: The Gift |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/roots-the-gift/2030010868/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415215536/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/roots-the-gift/2030010868/ |archive-date=April 15, 2024 |access-date=2024-04-15 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> He also hosted the documentary ''Crimes of Violence''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bianculli |first=David |title=Tv Tonight |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |pages=6E}}</ref>

In 1989, Gossett co-starred in [[Mark Goldblatt]]'s [[Marvel Comics]] [[Punisher|adaptation]] ''[[The Punisher (1989 film)|The Punisher]],'' with [[Dolph Lundgren]] in the title role. Also initial reviews found it to be a trashy comic book film. However over the years the film developed a cult with some who think it's the best adaptation of the comic. The film was re-evaluated with a much more positive outlook who find a lot of qualities within the it, with a first rate cast.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jolliffe |first=Tom |date=2020-09-01 |title=The Best Marvel Movie You Haven't Seen: The Punisher |url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2020/09/the-best-marvel-movie-you-havent-seen-the-punisher/ |access-date=2024-04-16 |website=Flickering Myth |language=en-US}}</ref>

On February 20 of that year the first episode of ''[[Gideon Oliver]]'' played on television, in it Gossett played a crime solving anthropologist. Part of ''[[The ABC Monday Mystery Movie]]'' its last and fifth episode played on May 22, 1989.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gideon Oliver |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/gideon-oliver/episodes-season-1/1000037124/ |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>

On February 14, 1990, Gossett acted in ''Zora Is My Name!'', an episode of ''[[American Playhouse]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Playhouse |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/american-playhouse/episodes-season-9/1000233155/ |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=TV Guide |language=en |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220194017/https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/american-playhouse/episodes-season-9/1000233155/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 22, [[Peter Markle]]'s made for television western comedy film [[El Diablo (1990 film)|''El Diablo'']] premiered with Gossett playing the secondary protagonist. Gossett said "for me it's a chance to be funny It's not like ''Officer and a Gentleman'' or ''Iron Eagle''. I got a chance to put tobacco in my mouth and get cantankerous and have fun."<ref>{{Cite news |last=King |first=Susan |date=July 22, 1990 |title=Gossett finds change of pace In 'El Diablo' |work=Omaha World-Herald |pages=11–TV}}</ref>

On September 9 of that year, Gossett co-starred with [[Sara Gilbert]] in [[Joan Tewkesbury]]'s made for television drams ''[[Sudie and Simpson]]''. The film is set in the 1940s in a Southern town, where Gossett play Simpson a black recluse who befriend a white teen named Sudie (Gilbert). Eventually Simpson becomes a suspect in an attack against a young girl, while Sudie is speaking up against a school teacher who's a molester.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Buck |first=Jerry |date=September 9, 1990 |title=Sara Gilbert plays teen who befriends black man |work=The Tennessean |pages=The Tennessean Showcase: 4}}</ref> Ray Loynd of ''[[The Los Angeles Times]]'' liked it and of Gossett he said he "is memorable as a survivor hiding in a shack outside of town and tending his secret vegetable garden."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Loynd |first=Ray |date=September 14, 1990 |title=Sudie and Simpson': Triumph Over Racism |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=F33}}</ref>

On March 16, 1991, [[HBO]] premiered the television film ''[[The Josephine Baker Story]]''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Scott |date=March 15, 1991 |title=HBO's 'Josephine Baker Story' is a magnificent film |newspaper=[[The Shreveport Journal]] |pages=D-One}}</ref> For his role, Gossett was booked for five days in [[Budapest]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Murray |first=Steve |date=May 16, 1990 |title=On track with Gossett |work=The Atlanta Constitution |pages=D1 and D4}}</ref> He appears briefly as an American officer who books Books baker for a performance with American soldiers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Buck |first=Jerry |date=March 15, 1991 |title=Whitfield immerse herself in Barker role |work=The Shreveport Journal |pages=D-One}}</ref> For his acting, Gossett won the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film|Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor]].<ref name=":03" />

On September 30 of that year, [[John Erman]]'s television film ''Carolina Skeleton'' premiered. Based on [[David Stout]]'s book by the same name, it gets inspiration from true events. It tell the story of a Green Beret (Gossett) who goes back to his home town in South Carolina to clear his brother's name who received the death penalty for a crime he didn't commit. Gossett explained "it's real special to me, not just because it's personal, but because of what it shows about our country and what it shows about how a man can conquer racism. There were a lot of young people who died unjustifiably in this way. It was the nature of our country at the time. It shows how we have evolved."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Elias |first=Thomas D. |date=September 30, 1991 |title=TV movie special to Gossett |work=The Town Talk |pages=C-5}}</ref> Jon Burlingame of ''[[The Morning Call]]'' said "Gossett is, as always, a commanding presence, and the story is convincingly told."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Burlingame |first=Jon |date=September 30, 1991 |title='LBJ' a good look !' at a complex man |work=The Morning Call |pages=D2}}</ref>

Also in 1991, Gossett acted in [[Manny Coto]]'s ''Cover Up'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cover-Up |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/71647/cover-up |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219090023/https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/71647/cover-up |url-status=dead }}</ref> and [[Daniel Petrie]]'s [[Toy Soldiers (1991 film)|''Toy Soldiers'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/59068-TOY-SOLDIERS?cxt=filmography |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218234606/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/59068-TOY-SOLDIERS?cxt=filmography |url-status=live }}</ref>

On January 25, 1992, Gossett played the lead in ''[[Keeper of the City]]'', based on a novel by the same name by [[Gerald Di Pego]], made its American television premiere on [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]] while receiving a theatrical release abroad.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moca |first=Diane Joy |date=January 25, 1992 |title='Keeper' is not just another cable movie |work=Daily Press |pages=D6}}</ref> Gossett initially turned it down because his character was Italian in the screenplay and thought that director [[Bobby Roth]] wanted him for a smaller role.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |date=January 24, 1992 |title=Louis Gossett's got it on cable this week |work=The Akron Beacon Journal |pages=D23}}</ref> Kevin Thomas of ''The Los Angeles Times'' said "performances are sharp, especially Gossett 's multidimensional cop."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thomas |first=Kevin |date=January 25, 1992 |title=A serial killer targets the Mafia |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=F13}}</ref>

On June 12, [[John Glen (director)|John Glen]]'s ''[[Aces: Iron Eagle III]]'' premiered, Gossett returned to the role of Chappy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/59172-ACES--IRON-EAGLE-III?cxt=filmography |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218234603/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/59172-ACES--IRON-EAGLE-III?cxt=filmography |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> The film had a domestic gross of $2,517,600,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aces: Iron Eagle III |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1666876929/weekend/ |access-date=2024-04-21 |website=Box Office Mojo}}</ref> and received poor reviews.<ref>Harrington, Richard. [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/acesironeagle3rharrington_a0ab2d.htm "'Iron Eagle III'."] ''[[The Washington Post]]'', June 15, 1992. Retrieved: May 21, 2019.</ref><ref>[[James Berardinelli|Berardinelli, James]]. [http://preview.reelviews.net/movies/a/aces3.html "Review: 'Iron Eagle III'."] '[[ReelViews]]'', June 12, 1992. Retrieved: May 21, 2019.''</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Aird |first=Elizabeth |date=June 13, 1992 |title=Our brave heroes fly to wild, blue yonder in search of distressed damsels and cliches |work=The Vancouver Sun |pages=E10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Davitt |first=Patrick |date=June 21, 1992 |title=Movies |work=The Regina Sun |pages=33}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Law |first=John |date=June 20, 1992 |title=No flight left in incompetent 'Iron Eagle III' Trilogy like the idiot half-brother of 'Top Gun' |work=Niagara Falls Review |pages=B8}}</ref>

On August 14, [[Michael Ritchie (filmmaker)|Michael Ritchie]]'s ''[[Diggstown]]'' premiered. In it Gossett plays a boxer who comes back from retirement after a con-man ([[James Woods]]) convinces him to take a challenge of beating ten men in a day. To prepare for the role, Gossett trained for eight weeks and shed 35 pounds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/59228-DIGGSTOWN?cxt=filmography |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218235150/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/59228-DIGGSTOWN?cxt=filmography |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> Gossett also recommended Woods for the role of the con-man, afterwards reading the script together they convinced Ritchie to trim various subplots.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hackett |first=Larry |date=August 12, 1992 |title=Gossett, Woodsdefend feel-good formula of 'Diggstown' |work=Columbus Ledger-Enquirer |pages=B-2}}</ref>

Also in 1992, Gossett worked on documentaries, he provided additional narration for [[Bill Miles]] and [[Nina Rosenblum]]'s documentary film ''[[The Liberators: Fighting on Two Fronts in World War II]],''<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/59302-LIBERATORS--FIGHTING-ON-TWO-FRONTS-IN-WORLD-WAR-II?cxt=filmography |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218203528/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/59302-LIBERATORS--FIGHTING-ON-TWO-FRONTS-IN-WORLD-WAR-II?cxt=filmography |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> he hosted [[Gridiron Gang (1993 film)|''Gridiron Gang'']] about teenagers learning football in a [[juvenile detention camp]] for their reabilitation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Heffley |first=Lynne |date=September 7, 1992 |title='Gridiron Gang' follows convicted teen offenders |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=E12}}</ref>{{Additional citation needed|date=April 2024}}

On February 7, 1993, the [[National Audubon Society]]'s documentary ''Caribbean Cool'' premiered on television, which Gossett hosted. In it he observed the work to preserve and protect the parrots of the [[Windward Islands]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 21, 1993 |title=Lou Gossett Jr. will host 'Caribbean Cool a World of Audubon Special, on TBS |work=Citizens' Voice |pages=27}}</ref> Gossett was proud of the conversationist of [[Saint Lucia]] he met and said "the example being set here is really wonderful, It's an example that Brazil must follow, that the United States must follow. Everyone in the world must be sensitive to the preservation of the planet."<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 8, 1991 |title=People in the news |work=News-Journal |pages=2–A}}</ref>

On April 16, the television film ''[[Father & Son: Dangerous Relations]]'' premiered.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 16, 1993 |title=Tv movies |work=Independent Record |pages=19D}}</ref> Directed by [[Georg Stanford Brown]], Gossett plays a man is paroled from prison early in order to keep tabs on another parolee, the man's estranged son.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Father & Son: Dangerous Relations |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/father-and-son-dangerous-relations/cast/2000023553/ |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> On November 14, the Western mini series ''[[Return to Lonesome Dove]]'' premiered. In it Gossett plays a horse trainer.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Ron |date=November 14, 1993 |title='Lonesome Dove' sequel is 'thoroughly satisfying' |work=The State |pages=Tv Weekly: 3}}</ref> That year he also acted in the [[Science fiction]] film ''Monolith''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Monolith |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/monolith/2000347179/ |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>

On May 13, 1994, Gossett starred and executive produced the made for television detective thriller ''Ray Alexander: A Taste For Justice''. Gossett explained that pitching process to NBC was simple and quick, as his partner was previously part of their team. Writer [[Dean Hargrove]] explained that he wanted a character that everyone "could relate to that has the same problem that everybody has." Hargrove also said that Gossett "really created a character as he got into it. He gave toe guy a lot of humor and a style. In terms of humor. the way the guy operates and the kind of moves he gives him in his performance."<ref>{{Cite news |last=King |first=Susan |date=May 9, 1994 |title=Pitching new show easy for Gossett |work=The Wichita Eagle |pages=9A}}</ref>

Also in 1994, Gossett played supporting roles in [[Bruce Beresford]]'s ''[[A Good Man in Africa]],''<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/59809-A-GOOD-MAN-IN-AFRICA?cxt=filmography |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218203532/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/59809-A-GOOD-MAN-IN-AFRICA?cxt=filmography |url-status=live }}</ref> [[William Friedkin]]'s ''[[Blue Chips]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blue Chips |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/blue-chips/cast/2030131229/ |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> and [[Curse of the Starving Class (film)|''Curse of the Starving Class'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Curse of the Starving Class |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/curse-of-the-starving-class/cast/2030102818/ |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> He also acted in ''Terms of Estrangement,'' an episode of the television series ''[[Picket Fences]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Picket Fences |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/picket-fences/episodes-season-2/1030004766/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501005604/https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/picket-fences/episodes-season-2/1030004766/ |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> He also acted in [[Elliot Silverstein]]'s crime film [[Flashfire (film)|''Flashfire'']] which premiered on [[HBO]] that year.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hopkins |first=Tom |date=September 5, 1994 |title=Dayton native finds profit, peril on screen |work=Dayton Daily News |pages=4B}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 15, 1994 |title=Thursday's television |work=The Times and Democrat |pages=12A}}</ref>

On 1 January 1995, the made for television drama ''[[A Father for Charlie]]'' premiered. Set in the 1930s, Gossett, also an executive producer, plays a farmer who ends up up taking care of the child a racist sharecropper.<ref>{{Cite news |last=King |first=Susan |date=December 30, 1995 |title=Family films give Gossett opportunity to reach kids |work=The State |pages=B9}}</ref> It earned a 14.8 national [[Nielsen rating]], equalling 14.1 million households, making it the eighth highest-rated [[prime time]] program for the week of December 26, 1994 to January 1, 1995.<ref name="ratings">{{cite web |date=January 6, 1995 |title=Football Games Lead Nielsen List |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/388706107 |access-date=August 20, 2022 |work=[[Sun-Sentinel]] |page=5.E |via= |id={{ProQuest|388706107}}}}</ref> In terms of total viewers, the film was the sixth most-watched prime time program with an audience of 22.9 million.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Fretts |first=Bruce |date=January 20, 1995 |title=The week |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |page= |pages=44–45 |issue=258 |issn=1049-0434}}</ref>

In 1995, Gossett returned to the role of Chappy for Sidney J. Furie's [[Iron Eagle on the Attack|''Iron Eagle IV'']],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Iron Eagles IV |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/453563/iron-eagle-iv#overview |website=Turner Classic Movies |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=April 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427074930/https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/453563/iron-eagle-iv/#overview |url-status=dead }}</ref> and Ray Alexander for ''Ray Alexander: A Menu for Murder''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nicewonger |first=Kirk |date=March 20, 1995 |title=Sleuth 'Ray Alexander' returns; a look at the Internet on CPTV |work=Hartford Courant |pages=E2}}</ref> He also acted in the made for television urban drama ''Zooman'' about a child who dies from a strait bullet.<ref>{{Cite news |last=de la Vina |first=Mark |date=March 16, 1995 |title=Phila. streets inspired 'Zooman' |work=The Philadelphia Daily News |pages=47}}</ref>

On April 14, 1996, the period television film ''Captive Heart: The James Mink Story'' premiered. In it Gossett portrayed [[James Mink]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 13, 1996 |title=Sunday evening |work=The Pantagraph |pages=Preview: 7}}</ref> The story is about Mink, an affluent black businessman from Canada, pretending to be his wife's slave to travel to the American South to rescue their daughter. who's been enslaved.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brennan |first=Patricia |date=April 13, 1996 |title='Captive Heart' |work=The Gazette |pages=2T}}</ref> On the project Gossett explained that initially he "wasn't available but they came back and I'm glad they did It's a great script plus I'm a history fan so this was a most fortunate experience. What a joy to work with Kate Nelligan too It's like playing tennis to work with somebody who constantly makes you better. We just bounced off each other and it was wonderful."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bobbin |first=Jay |date=April 14, 1996 |title=Theme in 'Captive' familiar to Gossett |work=The Daily Herald |pages=Tv Week: 1 and 2}}</ref> Gossett was fascisnated by the evolution of his character and explained it "was the reason I grabbed at the part. It was an actor's journey, to go through the underground railway the wrong way Mink went from being a gentleman of stature to being one of the affluent men of the town and then to becoming his wife's slave."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brennan |first=Patricia |date=April 14, 1996 |title=Wrong-was trip on underground railway |work=Oakland Tribune |pages=CUI-1 and CUI-6}}</ref>

That year he played the lead in [[Arthur Penn]]'s film [[Inside (1996 film)|''Inside'']] which was screened at Cannes before being released as a television film,<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 24, 1996 |title='Bonnie & Clyde' director Arthur Penn is at home on Cable |work=Corvallis Gazette-Times |pages=B6}}</ref> where he also served as an executive producer.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Inside |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/inside/2000105394/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220230012/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/inside/2000105394/ |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> For his effort Gossett received a [[CableACE Award]] nomination for "Best actor in a movie or mini-series".<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=September 24, 1997 |title=CableAce Nominations |url=https://variety.com/1997/tv/news/cableace-nominations-111662390/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224101811/https://variety.com/1997/tv/news/cableace-nominations-111662390/ |archive-date=December 24, 2017 |access-date=December 20, 2022 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

Also in 1996, Gossett acted in the Broadway play [[Chicago (play)|''Chicago'']],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago |url=https://playbill.com/person/louis-gossett-jr-vault-0000091359 |website=Playbill |access-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-date=June 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627040257/https://www.playbill.com/person/louis-gossett-jr-vault-0000091359 |url-status=live }}</ref> acted in the made-for-television film ''Run for the Dream: The Gail Devers Story'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Run for the Dream: The Gail Devers Story |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/run-for-the-dream-the-gail-devers-story/2000123767/ |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> and the documentary series ''[[The Great War and the Shaping of the 20th Century]].''{{Citation needed|date=April 2024}}

On March 7, 1997, ''To Dance with Olivia'' premiere, a television film in which Gossett plays the lead and produce.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 8, 1997 |title=A broken family heals |work=Albuquerque Journal |pages=Entertainer: 1}}</ref> Robin Hall Domeier of ''[[The Tennessean]]'' said "Gossett gives a solid performance."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hall Domeier |first=Robin |date=March 7, 1997 |title='Dance' combines love, mystery, fine acting |work=The Tennessean |pages=13F}}</ref>

On June 14, the made for television drama ''In His Father's Shoes'' premiered on [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]]. In it Gossett plays duals roles of a father and a grandfather. He explained the project came about when "the father of Showtime's programming chief, [[Jerry Offsay]], passed away last year, and that prompted him to grab onto this when it came across his desk. It became very personal to him, and the film is dedicated to his father. The thing I like about the story is that much of the older generation was not taught to demonstrate affection. I knew my father cared about me, but I never knew how much until after he died."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bobbin |first=Jay |date=June 14, 1997 |title=A youngster walks on Louis Gossett Jr,'s 'shoes' |work=The Billings Gazette |pages=Saturday morning supplement: 7}}</ref>

Additional project for 1997 include acting in the film ''Managua'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Managua |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/managua/2000004881/ |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> ''G.I. Ellen'' an episode of ''[[Ellen (TV series)|Ellen]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ellen |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/ellen/episodes-season-5/1030004764/ |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> and ''The Medal'' an episode of ''[[Early Edition]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Early Edition |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/early-edition/episodes-season-2/1000260082/ |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> He provided narration of [[Disney's Candlelight Processional]] cd named ''Candlelight Processional and Massed Choir Program'', telling the nativity story, was recorded and released by [[Walt Disney Records]].<ref>[https://www.amazon.com/Candlelight-Processional-Massed-Choir-Program/dp/B000A63O34 ''Amazon.Com Candlelight CD Gosset Jr''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211085428/https://www.amazon.com/Candlelight-Processional-Massed-Choir-Program/dp/B000A63O34|date=December 11, 2022}} Retrieved August 18, 2023</ref> Gossett presented ''[[When Animals Attack!|When Animals Attack! 4]]'', a one-hour special on [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=WHEN ANIMALS ATTACK 4 |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/483304/when-animals-attack-4#overview |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614163130/https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/483304/when-animals-attack-4#overview |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 14, 2021 |website=TCM}}</ref>

Also that year, Gossett had a guest role in the ''[[Touched by an Angel]]'' episode ''Amazing Grace: Part 1.''<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 23, 1997 |title=Sunday prime time |pages=TV Week 18 |newspaper=[[Hartford Courant]]}}</ref> It was part of a crossover with another series named [[Promised Land (1996 TV series)|''Promised Land'']], where the follow up took place.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nicewonger |first=Kirk |date=February 25, 1997 |title=Memory can play tragic mind games |work=The Times Herald |pages=12B}}</ref> For his performance, accredited to ''Touched by an Angel'', he was nominated for an Emmy Award for "Outstanding guest actor in a drama series",<ref>{{Cite web |title=Outstanding Guest Actor In A Drama Series Nominees / Winners 1997 |url=https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/1997/outstanding-guest-actor-in-a-drama-series |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=Television Academy |language=en |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218234603/https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/1997/outstanding-guest-actor-in-a-drama-series |url-status=live }}</ref> and won "Outstanding Supporting actor in a drama series" at the [[NAACP Image Awards]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gray |first=Tim |date=1998-03-04 |title=NAACP Image nods to 'Soul Food,' 'Touched' |url=https://variety.com/1998/film/news/naacp-image-nods-to-soul-food-touched-1117468335/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430084858/https://variety.com/1998/film/news/naacp-image-nods-to-soul-food-touched-1117468335/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>

===1998–2024: Later works===
In 1998, Gossett acted in the film ''[[Bram Stoker's Legend of the Mummy]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bram Stoker's Legend of the Mummy |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/bram-stokers-legend-of-the-mummy/2030278167/ |access-date=December 19, 2022 |website=TV Guide |language=en |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219214614/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/bram-stokers-legend-of-the-mummy/2030278167/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 20, the television film thriller''The Inspectors'' premiered.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 17, 1998 |title=Movies |work=Stevens Point Journal |pages=Tv today: 27}}</ref> Gossett is an executive producer and co-lead with [[Jonathan Silverman]] as postal inspectors who track down a bomb. Kay Gardella liked it, in her review in the ''Daily News'' said "Gossett's efficient, low-key portrayal and Silverman's wide-eyed naivete make for an interesting combination, and suggest they're ideal for a spinoff."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gerdella |first=Kay |date=September 19, 1998 |title=Postal 'Inspectors' is a first-class whodunit |work=Daily News |pages=C 44}}</ref>

In 1999, he worked on the made-for-television film ''Love Songs''. The movie consists of three interwoven stories, the directorial duties are shared between Gossett, [[Robert Townsend (actor)|Robert Townsend]], and [[Andre Braugher]] who also act in it. On directing Gossett said "now I realize I can direct" he said "Everything fell into place I felt very comfortable doing it If I can organize my acting career I want to do more of it I think I got a deeper performance by Robert Townsend than he has ever given."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thomas |first=Bob |date=April 25, 1999 |title=An actor and director |work=Statesville Record and Landmark |pages=Television: 10}}</ref> For his efforts, at [[The Black Reel Awards|The Black Reels Award]] in 2000, he was nominated for outstanding direction in a television movie or limited series.{{Citation needed|date=April 2024}}

Also that year, he played [[Vernon Jordan]] in [[Ernest Dickerson]]'s [[political drama]] [[television film]] [[Strange Justice (1999 film)|''Strange Justice'']] based on events regarding the [[sexual harassment]] accusation brought by [[Anita Hill]] during the Senate confirmation hearings of [[Clarence Thomas]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Owen |first=Rob |date=August 27, 1999 |title=Drama depicts Thomas, Hill as pawns |work=San Francisco Examiner |pages=C-12}}</ref> Finally in 1999, Gossett acted in the action film ''Y2K''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Y2K |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/y2k/2000130409/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>

In 2000, Gossett reunited with Jonathan Silverman in ''The Inspectors 2: A Shred of Evidence'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Inspectors 2: A Shred of Evidence |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-inspectors-2-a-shred-of-evidence/2000277818/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> and acted in ''The Highwayman''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Highwayman |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-highwayman/2000277942/ |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>

That year, he also acted in the Canadian television film ''Dr Lucille: The Lucille Teasdale Story'', it is about Canadian Surgeon [[Lucille Teasdale-Corti]] efforts to develop medicine in [[Uganda]]. Gossett plays a composite character of an Ugandan friend. To cast Gossett producer Francine Allaire explained "we didn't have the money to pay an L.A. salary, he did it for the film and the story. I'm quite stubborn. I just kept phoning and phoning and sent him a 27-page fax. He said, 'My God. I want to read the script. Who are these people who are so relentless?' He read it and loved it."<ref>{{Cite news |last=McMillan |first=Alison |date=April 29, 2000 |title=Angel of mercy |work=The Ottawa Citizen |pages=Tv times: 4}}</ref>

Also in 2000, Gossett produced and starred in the [[Drama film|drama]] [[television film]] ''[[The Color of Love: Jacey's Story]]''. The film is about a white grandmother and a black grandfather (Gossett) who are not married to each other, must overcome their differences to raise their suddenly orphaned granddaughter. The project was personal to Gossett who said "in order to save this planet, we need to put our hands together and take care of our children and be a little more human. The messages in the stories have to carry that."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Huff |first=Richard |date=March 17, 2000 |title=Gossett film on CBS takes aim at racism |work=Detroit Free Press |pages=4E}}</ref> At the [[5th Golden Satellite Awards|Satellite Awards]], Gossett was nominated in the category of [[Satellite Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film|Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or a Motion Picture Made for Television]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Reifsteck |first=Greg |date=December 18, 2000 |title='Gladiator,' 'Traffic' lead Golden Sat noms |url=https://variety.com/2000/film/awards/gladiator-traffic-lead-golden-sat-noms-1117790733/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731191144/http://variety.com/2000/film/awards/gladiator-traffic-lead-golden-sat-noms-1117790733/ |archive-date=July 31, 2017 |access-date=December 20, 2022 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

In 2001, Gossett executive-produced and played the lead in [[Douglas Barr]]'s ''For Love of Olivia''. It is a sequel of his 1997 effort ''To Dance with Olivia'', where he played a lawyer from the 1960s. Of the project Gossett said "I think it would make a terrific series, because it would take place at a great time in the history of America. All the real people who figured into it could come through, and we could deal with the civil-rights movement and the assassinations. It would be a rich tapestry. In my mind, I can see this town getting ready for Dr. [[Martin Luther King Jr.]] to come through. Of course, he is killed before he can get there, so the residents have to take the bunting down. I'd like to see that tackled, and I wont give up."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bobbin |first=Jay |date=March 18, 2001 |title=Louis Gossett Jr. lays down the law again in CBS TV movie sequel |work=Lincoln Journal Star |pages=Tv week: 2}}</ref>

In 2002, Gossett acted in ''Deceived'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Deceived |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/deceived/2030287620/ |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> ''What About Your Friends: Weekend Get-Away'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=What About Your Friends: Weekend Get-Away |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/what-about-your-friends-weekend-get-away/2030013411/ |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> and ''[[Resurrection Blvd.]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Resurrection Blvd. |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/resurrection-blvd/episodes-season-3/1000346105/ |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>

In 2003, Gossett co-lead with [[Jon Voight]] in [[Jeffrey W. Byrd]]'s [[Jasper, Texas (film)|''Jasper, Texas'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jasper, Texas |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/533839/jasper-texas |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=Turner Classic Movies |language=en |archive-date=June 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606053100/https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/533839/jasper-texas |url-status=dead }}</ref> The film is about [[Jasper, Texas|Jasper]]'s first black mayor R.C. Horn (Gossett) and sheriff Billy Rowles (Voight) handling the tensions between the white and black communities after the murder of [[Murder of James Byrd Jr.|James Byrd Jr.]] in 1998. Of the project Gossett said "what I saw in the story is a growth. The whole world was watching them and it made the mayor grow up so he was not just a figurehead mayor. It made the sheriff look into his past. It brought the whole town into the 21st century, in a sense to consider issues nobody had spoken about."<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 8, 2003 |title=Docudrama takes close look at town divided by racial furor |work=Johnson City Press |pages=12E}}</ref>

That year he also acted in the science fiction suspense film ''[[Momentum (2003 film)|Momentum]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Momentum |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/momentum/2000039297/ |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>

In 2004, the video-game ''[[Half-Life 2]]'' was released,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Slague |first=Matt |date=November 29, 2004 |title=Valve's Half-Life T video game: Nuanced, technical masterpiece |work=Northwest Herald |pages=6D}}</ref> in it Gossett voiced an alien species called [[Vortigaunt]]s.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Snow |first=Samantha Nicole |date=2024-03-31 |title=Half-Life 2 Vortigaunts Voice Actor Louis Gossett Jr Has Died |url=https://gamerant.com/louis-gossett-jr-half-life-2-vortigaunts-voice-actor-death/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430105617/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/solar-attack/2000135637/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref> That year he also acted in the sitcom ''[[Half & Half]]'', these episodes were ''The Big My Lover, My Brother'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Half & Half |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/half-and-half/episodes-season-2/1000171258/ |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> and ''The Big Thanks for Nothing''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Half & Half |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/half-and-half/episodes-season-3/1000171258/ |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>

In 2005, Gossett acted in the Christian film ''[[Left Behind: World at War]],''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Left Behind III: World at War |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/left-behind-iii-world-at-war/2030284470/ |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=TV Guide |language=en |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218203529/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/left-behind-iii-world-at-war/2030284470/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the drama [[Lackawanna Blues (film)|''Lackawanna Blues'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lackawanna Blues |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/lackawanna-blues/2000056156/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430090042/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/lackawanna-blues/2000056156/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> That year on television, he played Free Jaffa Leader [[Gerak]] in several episodes of Season 9 of the sci-fi television series ''[[Stargate SG-1]].''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stargate SG-1 |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/stargate-sg-1/episodes-season-9/1000237855/ |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=TV Guide |language=en |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220194014/https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/stargate-sg-1/episodes-season-9/1000237855/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2006, the video-game ''[[Half-Life 2: Episode One]]'' was released,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Saltzman |first=Marc |date=July 3, 2006 |title='Half-Life 2' short, full of excitement |work=The Jackson Sun |pages=10A}}</ref> Gossett reprised his voice role as the Vortigaunts.<ref name=":4" /> He contributed to another voice role in ''Saving Private Brian'' an episode of ''[[Family Guy]].''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Family Guy |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/family-guy/episodes-season-5/1030036796/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430104447/https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/family-guy/episodes-season-5/1030036796/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> That year he also acted in the films ''Solar Attack'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Solar Attack |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/solar-attack/2000135637/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430105617/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/solar-attack/2000135637/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> and ''All In''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All In |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/all-in/2000137403/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430105009/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/all-in/2000137403/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>

In 2007, he acted in [[Tyler Perry]]'s ''[[Daddy's Little Girls]],''<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/64208-TYLER-PERRYS-DADDYS-LITTLE-GIRLS?cxt=filmography |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218203535/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/64208-TYLER-PERRYS-DADDYS-LITTLE-GIRLS?cxt=filmography |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com}}</ref> and [[Bill Duke]]'s [[Cover (film)|''Cover'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cover |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/cover/cast/2030148417/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501001017/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/cover/cast/2030148417/ |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> and That year, he provided voice work in the documentary ''Rwanda Rising'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=Eldredge |first=Richard L. |date=February 10, 2024 |title=New B-52's album taxis toward fall |work=The Atlanta Constitution |pages=B2}}</ref> and played [[Lucius Fox]] in ''[[The Batman (TV series)|The Batman]]'' animated series.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lucius-Fox |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Batman/Lucius-Fox |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402110318/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Batman/Lucius-Fox |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 2, 2024 |access-date=April 2, 2024 |publisher=behindthevoiceactors.com}}</ref>

In 2008, he flew to Africa to film a series of commercials for the [[Namibia]]n beer Windhoek Lager.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hollywood actor in SA, Namibia for TV ads |url=https://www.bizcommunity.com/InBrief/196/17/8869.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501003752/https://www.bizcommunity.com/InBrief/196/17/8869.html |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=Bizcommunity |language=en}}</ref> He voice acted in the animated film ''[[Delgo]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Delgo |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/delgo/cast/2030149442/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501000451/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/delgo/cast/2030149442/ |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>

In 2009, Gossett provided voice talents in the [[Thomas Nelson (publisher)|Thomas Nelson]] audio [[Bible]] production known as ''The Word of Promise''. In this dramatized audio, Gossett played the character of [[John the Apostle]]. The project also featured a large ensemble of well known Hollywood actors including [[Jim Caviezel]], [[Jason Alexander]], [[Marisa Tomei]], and more.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Word of Promise: Cast |work=Word of Promise |publisher=[[Thomas Nelson Publishing]] |url=http://wordofpromise.thomasnelson.com/cast.php |access-date=November 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029002922/http://wordofpromise.thomasnelson.com/cast.php |archive-date=October 29, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Groves |first=Martha |date=November 16, 2009 |title=BELIEFS : Stars lined up for elaborate audio Bible : Michael York, Jason Alexander and many others gave voice to a 79-CD reading of Old and New Testaments |newspaper=[[LA Times]] |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-16-me-beliefs16-story.html |access-date=November 26, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214194441/http://articles.latimes.com/2009/nov/16/local/me-beliefs16 |archive-date=February 14, 2017}}</ref> He acted in the films ''[[Shannon's Rainbow]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shannon's Rainbow |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/shannons-rainbow/cast/2000143620/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501010257/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/shannons-rainbow/cast/2000143620/ |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> and ''[[The Least Among You]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Least Among You |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-least-among-you/2030164376/ |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>

In 2010, Gossett acted in the film ''[[Dog Jack]],''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dog Jack |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/dog-jack/cast/2030018790/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501012138/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/dog-jack/cast/2030018790/ |archive-date=May 1, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> and Tyler Perry's ''[[Why Did I Get Married Too?]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too? |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/tyler-perrys-why-did-i-get-married-too/cast/2030291821/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502002747/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/tyler-perrys-why-did-i-get-married-too/cast/2030291821/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>

In 2011, Gossett acted in the film ''[[The Grace Card]].''<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFI{{!}}Catalog |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Film/66998-THE-GRACE-CARD?cxt=filmography |access-date=December 18, 2022 |website=catalog.afi.com |archive-date=December 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218203536/https://catalog.afi.com/Film/66998-THE-GRACE-CARD?cxt=filmography |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2012, Gossett acted in ''[[The Undershepherd]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Undershepherd |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-undershepherd/cast/2000171990/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502004140/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-undershepherd/cast/2000171990/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> and ''[[Smitty (film)|Smitty]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Smitty |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/smitty/cast/2030178250/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502004520/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/smitty/cast/2030178250/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>

In 2013, Gossett narrated an [[audiobook]] based on ''[[Twelve Years a Slave]]''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Morgan |first=Jennifer Wilde |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZUmVCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA200 |title=Come to the Garden: A Novel |date=February 23, 2016 |publisher=[[Simon and Schuster]] |isbn=9781501131332 |page=200}}</ref> He also acted in [[Havre de Grace (Boardwalk Empire)|''Havre de Grace'']], an episode of the drama series ''[[Boardwalk Empire]]''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Leeds |first1=Sarene |date=November 18, 2013 |title=Chalky and Daughter Hit the Road on 'Boardwalk Empire' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/boardwalk-empire-recap-susquehanna-blues-233799/ |access-date=December 20, 2022 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|language=en-US |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220194015/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/boardwalk-empire-recap-susquehanna-blues-233799/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Michael Noble of ''[[Den of Geek]]'' wrote the quality of the episode is "done so largely through demonstrating its embarrassment of riches. The single-episode appearance of Louis Gossett Jr. is a case in point. In what was essentially a cameo, he offered a richly characterised performance, full of tiny gestures and behavioural tics, held together by a brilliantly earthy vocal delivery that perfectly captured the weary" character.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Michael |date=November 19, 2013 |title=Boardwalk Empire season 4 episode 11 review: Havre de Grace |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/boardwalk-empire-season-4-episode-11-review-havre-de-grace/ |access-date=August 1, 2023 |work=[[Den of Geek]]}}</ref>

From 2014 to 2015 he acted in a recurring role in ''[[Extant (TV series)|Extant]]''. He also appeared in ''[[Madam Secretary (TV series)|Madam Secretary]]'' and [[The Book of Negroes (miniseries)|''The Book of Negroes'']].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Bacardi |first1=Francesca |date=February 4, 2014 |title=Louis Gossett Jr., Cuba Gooding Jr. Star In 'Book of Negroes' Mini-Series for BET |url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/louis-gossett-jr-cuba-gooding-jr-to-star-in-book-of-negroes-mini-series-for-bet-1201086079/ |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=April 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402072352/https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/louis-gossett-jr-cuba-gooding-jr-to-star-in-book-of-negroes-mini-series-for-bet-1201086079/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Book of Negroes |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-book-of-negroes/1000532750/ |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=TV Guide |language=en |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220194016/https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-book-of-negroes/1000532750/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2015, Gossett acted in the drama ''[[Boiling Pot]].''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Boiling Pot |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/boiling-pot/2000031248/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502004857/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/boiling-pot/2000031248/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref> For his role, at the Moscow Indie Film Festival, he won 'best actor in supporting actor'.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 |url=https://moscowindiefilmfestival.weebly.com/2022.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511162141/https://moscowindiefilmfestival.weebly.com/2022.html |archive-date=May 11, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-12 |website=Moscow Indie Film Festival |language=es-US}}</ref>

On July 18, 2016, Gossett cohosted as a guest programmer on [[Turner Classic Movies]]' primetime lineup. Allowed to choose four movies to air, he selected ''[[Blackboard Jungle]],'' ''[[Lifeboat (1944 film)|Lifeboat]],'' ''[[Touch of Evil]]'', and ''[[The Night of the Hunter (film)|The Night of the Hunter]].''{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}} Also that year he acted in [[King of the Dancehall (film)|''King of the Dancehall'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=King of the Dancehall |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/king-of-the-dancehall/cast/2030237591/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502024303/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/king-of-the-dancehall/cast/2030237591/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>[[File:CFC in L.A. 2017 (33453802462) (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|left|Louis Gossett Jr. with [[Eugene Levy]] in 2017]]In 2017, Gossett acted in the eight episode of the first season of ''[[The Good Fight]]'' named ''Reddick v Boseman''.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ng |first=Philiana |date=February 9, 2017 |title=Exclusive: 'The Good Fight' Creators Reveal Three New Guest Stars |url=http://www.etonline.com/tv/209957_the_good_fight_creators_reveal_three_new_guest_stars/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127064711/https://www.etonline.com/tv/209957_the_good_fight_creators_reveal_three_new_guest_stars |archive-date=November 27, 2018 |access-date=November 26, 2018 |work=[[ET Online]] |publisher=[[CBS Television Distribution]] |agency=[[CBS Studios Inc.]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Good Fight |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-good-fight/episodes-season-1/1030742007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502023806/https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/the-good-fight/episodes-season-1/1030742007/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>

In 2018, Gossett acted in ''Breaking Brooklyn''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Breaking Brooklyn |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/breaking-brooklyn/cast/2000319214/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502024656/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/breaking-brooklyn/cast/2000319214/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Louis Gossett Jr. (Guadalajara Film Festival).jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Gossett Jr. at the [[Guadalajara Film Festival]]]]
In 2019, Gossett acted in the series [[Watchmen (TV series)|''Watchmen'']].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watchmen |url=https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/watchmen/cast/1030733442/ |access-date=December 19, 2022 |website=TV Guide |language=en |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219222612/https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/watchmen/cast/1030733442/ |url-status=live }}</ref> For his performance he was nominated for the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie Nominees / Winners 2020 |url=https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2020/outstanding-supporting-actor-in-a-miniseries-or-a-movie |access-date=December 19, 2022 |website=Television Academy |language=en |archive-date=July 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728160828/https://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2020/outstanding-supporting-actor-in-a-miniseries-or-a-movie |url-status=live }}</ref> and at the [[Black Reel Awards]] he received a nomination for "Outstanding Supporting Actor, TV Movie/Limited Series".<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=Black Reel Awards for TV -Past Winners & Nominees by Category |url=https://www.blackreelawards.com/past-winners-nominees-by-category |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220233119/https://www.blackreelawards.com/past-winners-nominees-by-category |archive-date=December 20, 2022 |access-date=December 20, 2022 |website=Black Reel Awards |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2021, Gossett acted in the film ''[[Not to Forget]].''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Not to Forget |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/not-to-forget/cast/2000465540/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503035857/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/not-to-forget/cast/2000465540/ |archive-date=May 3, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=TV Guide |language=en}}</ref>

Gossett played a supporting role in the comedy-drama ''[[Three Months]]'' alongside Ellen Burstyn. The film was released on [[Paramount+]] in 2022 to positive reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Three Months {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/three_months |access-date=2025-08-01 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}}</ref> In the same year, Gossett was cast in a supporting role for the upcoming American horror film, ''Awaken the Reaper''.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Wiseman |first1=Andreas |date=November 29, 2022 |title=Lance Henriksen, Louis Gossett Jr & Robin Curtis Lead Horror 'Awaken The Reaper' |url=https://deadline.com/2022/11/lance-henriksen-louis-gossett-jr-robin-curtis-horror-awaken-the-reaper-1235183646/ |access-date=December 9, 2022 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205104303/https://deadline.com/2022/11/lance-henriksen-louis-gossett-jr-robin-curtis-horror-awaken-the-reaper-1235183646/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The film is to be released in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Collinson |first=Gary |date=2023-11-06 |title=Awaken the Reaper with trailer for new horror-thriller starring Lance Henriksen and Louis Gossett Jr. |url=https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2023/11/awaken-the-reaper-with-trailer-for-horror-thriller-starring-lance-henriksen-and-louis-gossett-jr/ |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=Flickering Myth |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2023, he acted in [[Blitz the Ambassador|Blitz Bazawule]]'s [[The Color Purple (2023 film)|musical adaption]] of ''[[The Color Purple]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Color Purple |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-color-purple/cast/2060099736/ |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=TV Guide |language=en |archive-date=March 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331222439/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/the-color-purple/cast/2060099736/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The film received many positive reviews,<ref name="opening">{{cite news |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=December 26, 2023 |title='The Color Purple' Wins Christmas Day With $18M+ & A CinemaScore As Warner Bros Dominates Holiday Box Office – Tuesday Update |url=https://deadline.com/2023/12/box-office-aquaman-and-the-lost-kingdom-migration-color-purple-1235680766/ |access-date=December 26, 2023 |work=[[Deadline Hollywood]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 16, 2023 |title=PEOPLE Picks the Top 10 Movies of 2023, from 'Oppenheimer' to 'Barbie' and 'The Color Purple' |url=https://people.com/best-movies-of-2023-people-picks-the-top-10-8417094 |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref> and many accolades.<ref name=":32">{{Cite web |last=Pedersen |first=Erik |date=2024-01-09 |title=AARP Movies For Grownups Nominations Heavy With 'Oppenheimer' & 'Killers Of The Flower Moon; 'Barbie' Up For Best Picture |url=https://deadline.com/2024/01/aarp-movies-for-grownups-awards-2024-nominations-1235699545/ |access-date=2024-01-17 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Arkin |first=Daniel |date=January 23, 2024 |title=Oscars nominations list: ''Oppenheimer'', ''Poor Things'', ''Barbie'', ''Killers of the Flower Moon'' dominate |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/oscars-nominations-oppenheimer-barbie-killers-of-the-flower-moon-rcna134496 |access-date=January 23, 2024 |website=[[NBC News]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{Cite web |date=2024-01-15 |title=AAFCA Awards - AAFCA |work=AAFCA - African American Film Critics Association actively reviews cinema at-large, with a particular emphasis on films which include the Black experience. |url=https://aafca.com/aafca-awards/ |access-date=2024-01-17 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Major |first=Michael |date=December 27, 2023 |title=Danielle Brooks, Ariana DeBose & More Receive 2023 AWFJ EDA Award Nominations |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/Danielle-Brooks-Ariana-DeBose-More-Receive-2023-AWFJ-EDA-Award-Nominations-20231227 |access-date=December 27, 2023 |website=[[BroadwayWorld]] |language=en}}</ref> Pete Hammond of ''[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]'' praised the film and said that "Louis Gossett Jr., who has some choice moments as Ol' Mister in a hilarious dinner scene that stands out later in the film."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hammond |first=Pete |date=2023-12-19 |title='The Color Purple' Review: In Its Fifth Major Iteration, The Classic Alice Walker Story Becomes A Movie Musical To Remember |url=https://deadline.com/2023/12/the-color-purple-review-alice-walker-classic-becomes-movie-musical-1235672828/ |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== 2024 to present: Posthumous release ===
In 2024, the live-action/animation film ''[[IF (film)|IF]]'' was released where he voiced Lewis the imaginary bear. The film is dedicated to his memory.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://thoughtmight.com/movie/louis-gossett-jr-if-movie/ | title=Louis Gossett Jr. IF Movie Tribute Explained « Thought Might | date=June 28, 2024 }}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:Louis Gossett Jr.jpg|thumb|Gossett at the celebration of the anniversary of the [[March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom|March on Washington]]]]

===Marriages===
Gossett was married three times; he fathered one son and adopted another. His first marriage was to Hattie Glascoe; it was annulled. His second, to Christina Mangosing, took place on August 21, 1973. Their son Satie was born in 1974. Gossett and Mangosing divorced in 1975. His third marriage, to ''[[Star Search]]'' champion Cyndi James-Reese, took place on December 25, 1987. They adopted a son, Sharron (born 1977). Gossett and James-Reese divorced in 1992.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.superiorpics.com/louis_gossett_jr_/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911051906/http://www.superiorpics.com/louis_gossett_jr_/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 11, 2012 |title=Louis Gossett Jr. |work=Superior Pics |access-date=November 26, 2018 }}</ref>

Gossett was the first cousin of actor [[Robert Gossett]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 29, 2008 |title=Questions & Answers |work=The Journal |pages=11}}</ref>

Gossett stated that in 1966 he was handcuffed to a tree for three hours by the police in [[Beverly Hills]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.viacomcbspressexpress.com/cbs-news/releases/view?id=55626|title=Academy Award-Winning Actor Louis Gossett Jr. Talks With "CBS Sunday Morning" About Acting, His First Brush With Racism in Hollywood and Activism|publisher=Viacom CBS|date=July 17, 2020|access-date=July 19, 2020|archive-date=July 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719140318/https://www.viacomcbspressexpress.com/cbs-news/releases/view?id=55626|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Illness and death==
Gossett struggled with a debilitating illness during the 1990s and early 2000s, having been given a prognosis of six months to live from a doctor at one stage. In 2001, he learned much of his illness was due to [[toxic mold]] in his [[Malibu, California|Malibu]] home.<ref>{{cite web |title=Louis Gossett details career marred by racism and drugs |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6643E8/ |website=[[Reuters]] |date=July 5, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2024}}</ref>

On February 9, 2010, Gossett announced that he had [[prostate cancer]]. He added the disease was caught in its early stages, and he expected to make a full recovery.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tvguide.com/News/Louis-Gossett-Jr-1014849.aspx |title=Louis Gossett Jr. Diagnosed with Cancer |work=[[TVGuide.com]] |first=Natalie |last=Abrams |date=February 9, 2010 |access-date=November 26, 2018 |archive-date=February 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208174347/http://www.tvguide.com/News/Louis-Gossett-Jr-1014849.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/februaryweb-only/healingjourney.html |title=A Healing Journey |journal=[[Christianity Today]] |first=Mark |last=Moring |date=February 23, 2011 |access-date=November 26, 2018 |archive-date=November 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120062026/https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/februaryweb-only/healingjourney.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In late December 2020, Gossett was hospitalized in [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] with [[COVID-19]].<ref name="Bernstein"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2020/12/31/louis-gossett-jr-covid-19-left-hospital-out-coronavirus/|title=Louis Gossett Jr. Hospitalized with COVID, But Left Out of Fear|publisher=[[TMZ]]|date=December 31, 2020|access-date=January 2, 2020|archive-date=December 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231222151/https://www.tmz.com/2020/12/31/louis-gossett-jr-covid-19-left-hospital-out-coronavirus/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Gossett died from [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]] at a rehabilitation center in [[Santa Monica, California]], on March 29, 2024, at the age of 87; heart failure and [[atrial fibrillation]] were cited as contributing factors.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://deadline.com/2024/04/louis-gossett-jr-cause-of-death-1235890470/|title = Louis Gossett Jr. Cause Of Death Revealed|last = Petski|first = Denise|date = April 19, 2024|accessdate = September 15, 2024|work = [[Deadline Hollywood]]}}</ref>

Gossett was [[cremated]] according to his death certificate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2024/04/19/louis-gossett-jr-cause-death-revealed/|title=Louis Gossett Jr.'s Cause of Death Revealed|date=April 19, 2024|website=TMZ}}</ref>

==Acting credits==
{{Main|Louis Gossett Jr. on screen and stage}}

==Awards and nominations==
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Louis Gossett Jr.}}

==Philanthropy and causes==
[[File:ClintEastwoodReagan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Gossett with [[Clint Eastwood]] and President [[Ronald Reagan]] at the [[White House]] for the launch of [[Take Pride in America]] in 1987]]

=== Take Pride in America ===
In 1987, Gossett alongside [[Clint Eastwood]] and [[Charles Bronson]] made a series of ads to discourage vandalism in public parks. The campaign, launched by President [[Ronald Reagan]], was named 'Take Pride in America'.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 15, 1997 |title='Tough guy' ads to warn park vandals |work=Omaha World-Herald |pages=63}}</ref>

=== Eracism Foundation ===
Gossett was recognized for humanitarian activities. His Eracism Foundation is a [[501(c)(3)]] nonprofit entity.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.eracismfoundation.org/ |title=Eracism foundation home page |access-date=April 1, 2024 |archive-date=March 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329134439/https://www.eracismfoundation.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It created and distributes a 'toolbox' and skill set for young adults in the hope that they can live "a racially diverse and culturally inclusive life." Features include [[cultural diversity]], historical education and perspective, as well as anti-violence training.<ref name="SeeJane" /><ref name="Sunday">{{cite news |last1=Frandino |first1=Joe |date=July 19, 2020 |editor-last1=Falcon |editor-first1=Gabriel |title=Louis Gossett Jr.: "We need each other quite desperately for our mutual salvation" |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/louis-gossett-jr-we-need-each-other-quite-desperately-for-our-mutual-salvation/ |access-date=April 1, 2024 |work=[[CBS News Sunday Morning|Sunday Morning]] |publisher=[[CBS News]] |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401114420/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/louis-gossett-jr-we-need-each-other-quite-desperately-for-our-mutual-salvation/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AARP">{{cite news |last1=Appelo |first1=Tim |date=July 30, 2020 |title=ENTERTAINMENT: Louis Gossett Jr. Plays a Musician With Alzheimer's in New Film |url=https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/movies-for-grownups/info-2020/louis-gossett-jr-the-cuban.html |access-date=April 1, 2024 |publisher=[[AARP]] |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401114434/https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/movies-for-grownups/info-2020/louis-gossett-jr-the-cuban.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Crisolago">{{cite news |title=Oscar-Winner Louis Gossett Jr. Talks Music, Dementia, Tackling Racism in Hollywood and His Film 'The Cuban'|url=https://www.everythingzoomer.com/arts-entertainment/2020/11/06/louis-gossett-jr-alzheimers-the-cuban/ |access-date=April 1, 2024 |publisher=[[Everything Zoomer]] |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401114428/https://www.everythingzoomer.com/arts-entertainment/2020/11/06/louis-gossett-jr-alzheimers-the-cuban/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Books==
* {{Cite book |last1=Gossett |first1=Louis Jr. |last2=Karas |first2=Phyllis |year=2010 |title=An Actor and a Gentleman |url=https://archive.org/details/actorandgentlema0000goss/page/312/mode/2up |location=Hoboken, N.J. |publisher=[[John Wiley & Sons]] |isbn=9780470620946 |oclc=680048905}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Louis Gossett Jr.}}
* {{IMDb name|0001283}}
* {{IBDB name}}
* {{Discogs artist|artist=Louis Gossett, Jr.}}
* {{iobdb name|32647}}
* {{C-SPAN|12712}}
* {{The Interviews name|louis-gossett-jr}}
* [http://digital2.library.ucla.edu/viewItem.do?ark=13030/hb40000626 Image of Richard Pryor and Lou Gossett backstage, 1978.] [[Los Angeles Times]] Photographic Archive (Collection 1429). UCLA Library Special Collections, [[Charles E. Young Research Library]], [[University of California, Los Angeles]].
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Swvo9zLsQE Passage: Remembering Louis Gossett Jr.] [[CBS Sunday Morning]] Video March 31, 2024, via [[YouTube]]

{{Navboxes
|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Louis Gossett Jr.|Awards for Louis Gossett Jr.]]
|list =
{{AcademyAwardBestSupportingActor 1981-2000}}
{{Black Reel Award for Outstanding Director, TV Movie or Limited Series}}
{{EmmyAward DramaGuestActor 1976-2000}}
{{GoldenGlobeBestSuppActorMotionPicture 1981-2000}}
{{GoldenGlobeSupportingActorTV 1990-2009}}
{{Mary Pickford Award}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

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[[Category:Deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]]
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