Broadway star and Oscar winner Louis Gossett Jr. announced today that he is battling prostate cancer. Gossett Jr. said he was able to catch the cancer in its Early Stages and is receiving treatment. He is also using this opportunity to encourage other African-Americans to be examined early as to avoid any future complications.
In a statement released today, he said, "I count this diagnosis among the many challenges I have faced in my life and overcome. I expect this to be no different." He also said he hopes to be able to win his battle quickly, in order to return to his acting schedule, as well as continue his work with the Eracism Foundation, a group that aims to promote awareness of social issues such as racism.
Gossett also said his decision to publicly announce his cancer has allowed him "to set an example for the large number of African-American men who are victims of this disease because of the comparatively low emphasis in our community on preventive examinations and early treatment."
Gossett stepped into the world of cinema in the Sidney Poitier vehicle A Raisin in the Sun in 1961. However, in 1953 he made Broadway history appearing as a star in "Take a Giant Step," which was selected by the New York Times drama critics as one of the 10 best shows of the year. He was 19, and still a student at Abraham Lincoln High School, with no formal drama training. He had been delayed in graduating by a bout with polio. He entered NYU in 1954, declining a basketball scholarship to participate in their theater arts program.
Since his film debut, Gossett has starred in numerous film productions such as The Deep, An Officer and a Gentleman, Jaws 3-D (as SeaWorld manager Calvin Bouchard), Enemy Mine, the Iron Eagle series, Toy Soldiers and The Punisher. His role as Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley in the 1982 film An Officer and a Gentleman (opposite Richard Gere) showcased his talent and won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. In 1986, he starred in another role as a military man in the film Iron Eagle. It was followed by three sequels.
Gossett's Broadway theatre credits include Take a Giant Step, The Desk Set, A Raisin in the Sun (George Murchinson), Tambourines to Glory, Golden Boy, The Zulu and the Zayda, My Sweet Charlie (CharLes Roberts), Carry Me Back to Morningsinde Heights, Murderous Angels (Patrice Lumumba), amd the musical Chicago (Billy Flynn).
