Biography for
Louis Gossett Jr. More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

27 May 1936, Brooklyn, New York, USA

Height

6' 4" (1.93 m)

Mini Biography

Gossett made his professional acting debut at the age of 17, winning the Donaldson Award as best newcomer to theatre. He went to NYU on a basketball scholarship and was invited to try out for the NY Knicks, yet he decided to continue his acting career with a role in the Broadway production of "A Raisin in the Sun".

IMDb Mini Biography By: Tak

Spouse

Cyndi James Gossett	(25 December 1987 - 1992) (divorced)
Christina Mangosing	(21 August 1973 - 1975) (divorced) 1 child
Hattie Glascoe	(August 1964 - ?) (annulled)

Trivia

Conceived and co-wrote the well known song "Handsome Johnny" with Richie Havens. As the opening act for the original Woodstock, Havens performed "Handsome Johnny," as the 8th song in that historic first set. According to Havens, "...(Gossett) had gotten it up to the 'Dunkirk war'...I brought it up to date..." (From liner notes in The Best of Richie Havens CD, 1993).

Was named as "King of Brooklyn" at the Welcome Back to Brooklyn Festival in 1990.

He and his ex-wife, Cyndi James Gossett, have an adopted son.

Along with Stacy Keach, he was one of two actors considered for the role of the SGC's new commanding officer, General Hank Landry, on "Stargate SG-1" (1997). The role instead went to Beau Bridges however Gossett was cast as a Jaffa leader named Gerak.

He was the first male to be shown giving birth on screen, as Jeriba "Jerry" Shigan in Enemy Mine (1985).

Was considered for the role of Lt. Traxler in The Terminator (1984),.

Was originally cast as Gale Sayers in the 1971 TV movie Brian's Song (1971) (TV). Just days before shooting began, Gossett tore his Achilles' tendon while working out for the film. The studio execs scrambled and quickly hired Billy Dee Williams as a replacement. Gossett, depressed over missing his "shot", was promised by producer David L. Wolper the first great role that came along. About six years later, Wolper called Gossett to play "Fiddler" in "Roots" (1977), the Emmy-winning role that made him a star!.

First cousin of Robert Gossett.

His foundation, Eracism, is devoted to eradicating racism.

Personal Quotes

If a role isn't different, it's not worth doing.

When I'm offered a role, I look at what I think I can do with it. I look to see if I can project myself into it.

I can do more than anyone suspects. I pride myself on my versatility. It took 32 years of difficult parts, second leads, villains and juveniles. The Oscar changed the quality of the roles I was being offered.

The Lord may not come when you want Him, but he's always going to be there on time.

Where Are They Now

(March 2005) Begin a recurring role as a Jaffa leader on "Stargate SG-1" (1997).

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