Born on May 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, Gossett discovered his passion for acting at an early age. He earned his first acting credit in his Brooklyn high school’s production of You Can’t Take It with You while he was sidelined from the basketball team with an injury. He made his Broadway debut in 1953 at 16 years old in Take a Giant Step, and from there, his career soared to great heights. Gossett’s groundbreaking role as Sergeant Emil Foley in the 1982 film “An Officer and a Gentleman” earned him widespread acclaim and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, making him the first Black man to win in this category.

Throughout his career, Gossett took on a variety of roles that showcased his immense talent and versatility. From powerful performances in films like “A Raisin in the Sun” and “The Landlord” to memorable roles in TV series like “Roots” and “The Josephine Baker Story,” Gossett’s ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters captivated audiences worldwide.

He was the original George Murchinson in the Broadway production of A Raisin in the Sun, and worked with the likes of Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Sidney Poitier, Cicely Tyson, Claudia McNeil, and Sammy Davis Jr. just to name a few.

His Broadway credits also include The Desk Set, Tambourines to Glory, Golden Boy, The Zulu and the Zayda, My Sweet Charlie, Carry Me Back to Morningside, Murderous Angels, and a stint in Chicago as Billy Flynn.

Beyond his achievements on stage and screen, Gossett was a passionate advocate for racial equality and social justice. He used his platform to raise awareness about important issues facing the Black community and worked tirelessly to promote diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.

Gossett’s legacy extends far beyond his acting credits. He paved the way for future generations of Black actors and actresses, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes along the way. His contributions to Black theatre and cinema will continue to inspire and resonate for years to come.

As we honor the life and legacy of Louis Gossett Jr., we celebrate his remarkable talent, his unwavering commitment to his craft, and his dedication to making a difference in the world. Though he may be gone, his impact will forever live on in the hearts of those who were touched by his work.

Rest in power, Louis Gossett Jr. Your legacy will continue to shine brightly in the realm of Black theatre and beyond.

The post Remembering the Legacy of Louis Gossett Jr.; Dead at 87 appeared first on Broadway Black.

Robinson may have been known for his small-screen work but proved his talent on the stage over the years. He won Best Actor at the Ovation Awards for his portrayal of “Troy” in Fences and an NAACP Theatre Award for his portrayal of Simon in The Whipping Man.

Charlie Robinson in August Wilson’s “Jitney” at The Pasadena Playhouse. Photo: Henry DiRocco

Charlie Robinson was also a regular on the series Buffalo Bill before his time on Night Court. He also had a recurring role on the hit show Home Improvement. Over his career, he acquired 125 television and film credits, including guest roles on The Bernie Mac Show, Charmed, House, 30 Rock, Key and Peele, Grey’s Anatomy, and This Is Us for television, and  Apocalypse Now, Set It Off, and Antwone Fisher on film.

He is survived by his wife, Dolorita Noonan-Robinson, and his children Luca, Charlie, Christian, Byron; grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Robinson, his widow, paid tribute to the late actor:

“Once referred to by Martin Landau as ‘the greatest, underestimated actor in Hollywood,’ Charles Robinson was the love of my life, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was truly the working actor’s actor, and of all his passions, his craft took center stage, with his family being the wind beneath his wings, so he could soar to unbelievable heights! On behalf of my husband and family, I thank you for being part of the audience.”

The post Veteran Actor Charlie Robinson Passes Away at 75 appeared first on Broadway Black.

Mary was portrayed in both Ain’t Too Proud and Motown: The Musical and as news broke of her passing, the cast, past and present, took to social media to show their condolences.

Rest In Heavenly Peace Mary Wilson! A true diva, the original Supreme from the beginning and even after Diana left, she stayed true & held it down for the legacy of the Supremes. Refused to be in anyone’s shadow and stood tall with grace & pride. #MaryWilson #thesupremes #Motown

— Allison Semmes (@AllisonSemmes) February 9, 2021

 

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So sad.
She was a wonderful spirit!!
As my friend just said “she was like your favorite Auntie” and it’s true. Every time I had the pleasure of being with her she was open, kind, and full of joy. And she was funny
Such wonderful memories.
Rest in power#blackexcellence https://t.co/YKigaKa9mv

— James Harkness (@ijamesharkness) February 9, 2021

 

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Last month, Mary posted a January recap on her YouTube channel announcing that she celebrated her 60th anniversary as a Supreme (Primette) on January 15th, since they originally signed on that date in 1961. She also discussed the passing of one of her best friends, Cicely Tyson.

RIP Mary Wilson. The supremes certainly changed the game for us all pic.twitter.com/ld0Gi6HRuY

— Ariana DeBose (@ArianaDeBose) February 9, 2021

Ain’t Too Proud released a statement on their Instagram saying, “We’re heartbroken to hear of the loss of Mary Wilson, one of the founding members of the Supremes. Mary helped craft the iconic Motown sound, and she brought joy and light every time we got to see her at our show. She will be deeply missed.”

The post Mary Wilson, Of The Supremes, Passes Suddenly appeared first on Broadway Black.

Cicely and Cuba Gooding Jr. in the 2013 Broadway production of The Trip to Bountiful. Photo by Joan Marcus

Tonight (Thursday, January 28th, 2021), we lost a titan, a Broadway Black legend, an unstoppable force. Tonight, on January 28th, 2020, the countless award-winning actress Cicely Tyson has passed away at the age of 96.

From growing up with nothing, a childhood of poverty, constant scrutiny from the public, and the continuous challenges that the entertainment industry places on Black women, Ms. Tyson rose above it. She showed the world the strength and power of a Black woman determined to succeed. 

She was a woman of distinction. She was one of the 2016 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, the nation’s highest civilian honor. President Barack Obama said: “Cicely’s convictions and grace have helped for us to see the dignity of every single beautiful memory of the American family.” She has also won an Academy Award, multiple Emmys, a Peabody, and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame just last year.

Not only did she have an expansive and dignified film and television career, but she also had a beautiful Broadway resume that spanned from 1959 with Lonnie Coleman’s Jolly’s Progress, to her final show in 2015, Donald L. Coburn’s The Gin Game. 

And don’t think we won’t take a moment to reflect on her rightly deserved Tony award-winning performance as Miss Carrie Watts in Horton Foote’s The Trip to Bountiful. No one is given the title legend overnight. That title must be earned, and she earned it, time and time again. Every role she played, she played with heart, specificity, and skill.

Rest in Power, Ms. Cicely Tyson. Thank you for all the light you gave us. We will see to it that your legacy lives on.

Broadway Black favorites came from all over to both acknowledge and honor Ms. Tyson’s legacy on social media:

 

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Watch Broadway Black’s beloved leader, Drew Shade, interview Cicely and the rest of the star-studded cast during the opening night of our Queen’s final Broadway show, The Gin Game: 

The post Cicely Tyson, Broadway Black Legend and Trailblazer, has passed away at the age of 96 appeared first on Broadway Black.