Colman Domingo posts heartfelt condolences for Louis Gosset Jr., who died at the age 87

Award-winning actor Louis Gosset Jr. has passed away at the age of 87. He was the first Black man to win the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as the tough-as-nails drill instructor Sgt. Emil Foley in 1982's Officer and a Gentleman. As condolences began flooding social media and news outlets, we are reminded of all the great roles to his credit. Fear the Walking Dead and The Color Purple actor Colman Domingo reminded us of another with his beautiful tribute to an extraordinarily talented and respected man.

In December 2023, the musical adaptation of The Color Purple saw its debut. The film was ripe with talented actors, new and seasoned, including Colman Domingo in the role of the dastardly Mister. His son Harpo was played by TWD's Corey Hawkins, and in the role of Mister's father, Ole Mister was the iconic Louis Gosset Jr.

Below, Domingo honors his onscreen father with an incredible image and a video of Gosset leaving the set of the film. His captions read, "Fantasia sang it best…He ran his race for us. We are forever indebted. May we stand firmly on his shoulders. Lift him up today. R.I.P."

Gosset won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series for his role as Fiddler in the 1978 miniseries Roots. He was also well-known for his roles in Enemy Mine, Sadat, Touched by an Angel, Iron Eagle, and so many more.

Variety reports that his family shared the following statement announcing his death: “It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”

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