Gossett who was born in Brooklyn started with his career after finding the passion of acting during the time he was a high school student. Humbled by the experience, he made his Broadway debut at the young age of 16, which marked the beginning of a celebrated career in entertainment. Yet, before he could be typecast, Gossett shocked everyone with his best-actor win for his performance in An Officer and a Gentleman, but other challenges persisted, including a struggle to find lead roles as a result of many types of discrimination present in the industry.
A collection of those stories is his life-long crusade, taking on the role of Eracism Foundation Chairman to help fight racism and pursuit of equal rights. In the face of his own personal struggles with addiction, he constantly strove to apply his energy and knowledge into the art he loved and that of a social activist he was.
Gossett’s legacy is not just related to flashes and sizzles; what he created is a significant impact on the entertainment industry and social spheres. Leaves behind his sons – Satie and Sharron – Gossett will be remembered for long and his effort will be an example for the upcoming generation of the performers, who will also take up the struggle for equal opportunities.