1933 – Louis Gossett Jr. Is Born

On May 24, 1933, Louis Gossett Jr. was born in Brooklyn, New York. A legendary actor of stage and screen, Gossett became the first African American man to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982). His career spans decades, including standout performances in Roots, A Raisin in the Sun, and more recently, Watchmen. Gossett has used his platform to challenge racial stereotypes in Hollywood and advocate for social change. He also founded the Eracism Foundation to help eliminate racism and violence through education and entertainment. May 24 honors a man whose talent opened doors and whose courage helped reshape the film and television industry. His impact is felt not just through awards, but through the roles he chose and the dignity with which he carried them. Louis Gossett Jr. remains a shining figure in Black artistic achievement.