Louis Gossett Jr. was too young to fight in the Korean War and too old to serve in Vietnam. But over the course of more than 70 years as an actor, he contributed some of America's favorite military characters to our cultural lexicon. This includes Marine Corps Sgt.

Was Louis Gossett Jr. a ranger?

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." 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.”

What happened to Louis Gossett Jr.?

Louis Gossett Jr.'s cause of death has been revealed. The Oscar-winning An Officer and a Gentleman star died at age 87 in Santa Monica, Calif., on March 29, due to the lung condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, according to a death certificate.

What was Louis Gossett Jr. famous for?

Louis Cameron Gossett, Jr. is an American actor best known for his role in An Officer and a Gentleman. He was the first African-American male to win an Oscar in a supporting role; the second black male to win for acting; and, the third African-American actor to win overall.

What medals did Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley have?

Though not stated, Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley is a Vietnam War veteran, which is shown by his medal ribbons which includes the "Vietnam Service Medal" with three Campaign Stars, "Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 1960's device" and "Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation".

From the archives: Louis Gossett Jr.

What rank was Foley in Officer and a Gentleman?

For the entire movie, Gunnery Sergeant Foley is called either "Sir" or "Sergeant". While DIs at OCS are called "Sir" (despite being enlisted), a Gunnery Sergeant is never called just "Sergeant."

What is the most prestigious Medal in the military?

The nation's highest military award for valor is the Medal of Honor, presented by the president in Congress' name. By law, only U.S. service members who distinguish themselves “through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty” can receive the medal.

What happened to Robert Gossett's son?

Gossett lost his son to suicide in November 2023 at 24 years old. “He was a very creative person,” he recalled. “He was a prolific writer, you should see the stories,” he continued, remembering the way his son once described a school crush as having a “Fanta bottle body” in a story he wrote.

Who is the black drill sergeant in Officer and a Gentleman?

Remembering Louis Gossett Jr. in 'An Officer and a Gentleman': His Timeless Acting Elevated the Movie Drill Sergeant Into a Mythic Figure.

Does Louis Gossett Jr. have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

Flowers were placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame star of late actor Louis Gossett Jr. on Friday.

Who is Louis Gossett Jr. married to?

Gossett was thrice married. His first marriage, in 1964, to Hattie Glascoe was annulled. He was married to Christina Mangosing (from 1973-75 and had one child) and to actress Cyndi James Gossett (1987-92).

Did Louis Gossett Jr. have children?

Louis Gossett Jr. with his sons Sharron Anthony Gossett and Satie Gossett. Gossett, who was married three times, leaves behind two adult sons, Sharron and Satie, and some grandchildren.

What celebrities remember Louis Gossett Jr?

How old is Louis Gossett Jr.?

From AP's archives: Louis Gossett Jr. on receiving a Hollywood legacy award in 2020. Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries “Roots,” has died. He was 87.

Who is higher than a drill sergeant?

The rank held by drill instructors varies by branch: Drill Sergeants in the United States Army are Sergeants (E-5), Staff Sergeants (E-6), and Sergeants First Class (E-7). Upon promotion to Master Sergeant (E-8), Drill Sergeants are "de-hatted" and removed from drill duty.

Can a drill sergeant be a woman?

In 1972, six noncommissioned officers from the Women's Army Corps were enrolled and graduated from the drill sergeant program at Fort Jackson, SC. Women who serve as drill sergeants share the same experiences with their male counterparts.

Does Robert Gossett have children?

He is known for his work on The Oath, Greenleaf, Chicago Med and the hit TNT drama "The Closer" (2005-2012) and its spin off "Major Crimes (2012-2017). Among his many film credits are "Arlington Road" (1999) , "The Net" (1995) and "White Man's Burden" (1995). He is the father of four wonderful children.

Who is Gossip Jr.?

Louis Gossett Jr. was one of the most respected and beloved actors on stage, screen and television and was also an accomplished writer, producer and director. Off-screen, he was a social activist, educator, and author dedicated to enriching the lives of others.

Has anyone won two Medals of Honor?

Can someone receive more than one Medal of Honor? Yes. There have been 19 servicemen who have received two Medals of Honor.

What is the hardest army Medal to get?

The Medal of Honor is the highest military award for valor in combat given to the armed forces of the United States. Pictured below are the three tiers of additional medals awarded for valor to members of all branches of U.S. Military Service.

What is the rarest Medal?

An anchor protruded outward from each of the cross's four arms and the back of the medal bore the words "Awarded To" with a place for the recipient's personal information. The "Tiffany Cross" was not a popular award and is the rarest of all Medals of Honor in existence.