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.

Tyson made her Broadway debut in Jolly’s Progress (1959) as Eartha Kitt’s understudy. She went on to appear in other Broadway shows including Tiger Tiger Burning Bright (1962), A Hand Is On The Gate (1966), Carry Me Back To Morningside Heights (1968), The Corn is Green (1983), and in 1974, she hosted the 28th Annual Tony Awards.

In 1961, Ms. Tyson appeared in Jean Genet’s The Blacks, the longest running off-Broadway non-musical of that decade (1,408 performances). The Blacks boasted a cast of soon-to-be legends of the arts like James Earl Jones, Maya Angelou, Louis Gossett, Jr., and Roscoe Lee Browne.

It wasn’t until 2013 that Tyson won a Tony Award (Best Actress in a Play) for her performance as Miss Carrie Watts in Horton Foote’s The Trip to Bountiful.

That year she also won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play and the Outer Critics Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play, for Bountiful.

Tyson boasts a beyond impressive television and film resume, as well. Most recently she was seen in the ABC hit How To Get Away with Murder, playing Ophelia Hartness, Annalise’s mother. Annalise is played by Tony-winner Viola Davis (2001, Best Featured Actress in a Play, King Hedley II and 2010, Best Actress in a Play, Fences). Other TV credits include The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Roots, King, A Woman Called Moses, The Women of Brewster Place, and Law and Order: SVU.

On film she has been seen in Sounder, The River Niger, Bustin’ Loose, Fried Green Tomatoes, and The Help, to name a few.

We here are Broadway Black salute you, Miss Tyson! We honor you! We thank you! You are TRULY a Black (girl) who ROCKS.

Black Girls Rock airs Sunday, April 5th, 2015 at 7p/6c on BET,
hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King.

We’ll be tuning in! Hope you will be, too.

The post Black Girls Rock Will Honor Cicely Tyson appeared first on Broadway Black.