Remembering Louis Gossett Jr.

Though I favor the performance and certainly the film, “A Raisin In The Sun,” above the so many great works of art given us by Louis Gossett Jr. , who died days back at age 87, it is he as Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley, uttering, to a new bunch of recruits, the same insults he did to the star Richard Gere’s such, juxtaposed with Gere walking on, that resonates with “it is nothing personal” message from which often much can be gained.

Mr. Gossett did so much (it has to be noted this day after the 56 year anniversary of L.B. Johnson, announcing he would not “seek” and with the mistake of that war involvement, so much of him and us/U.S.–that Louis wrote with Richie Havens, the Havens recorded antiwar song, “Handsome Johnny”) and I start with Mr. Gossett in “Raisin,” as “assimilated” George Murchison, in both the show and film, each adapted from Lorraine Hansberry’s epic book.

Next, I cite his role, as “Fiddler” in “Roots,” (for once the public got it right, as it was a highly rated television mini-series), one Mr. Gossett originally did not like (think aunt and —–), however, realized the character, a slave, was to be admired, doing what he had to do in what was a horrible reality and shameful period, one among many, in this country’s history.

“An Officer And A Gentleman” certainly had a happy ending and the Gossett Jr., Gere and Debra “no flash photography,” Winger, (Ms. Winger is a truly deep, highly intelligent person) trio, gave superb. performances.

Again, it was/is nice to see “boy carries off girl,” after his realizations, however Gossett’s “same routine” juxtaposed with Gere/Gone and much else (so much more) that Mr. Gossett brought and leaves, yields great admiration for Louis Gossett Jr.’s incredible acting “chops.”

The great Louis Gossett Jr. pictured above.