Louis Gossett Jr. - Actor Profile

Louis Gossett Jr.

Acting
Freshness: Jan 22, 2026
50Total Films
10.0 Highest Rated
Born: May 27, 1936
Birth Place: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

About Louis Gossett Jr.

Louis Gossett Jr. (May 27, 1936 – March 29, 2024) was an American film and television actor, best known for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley in the movie "An Officer and a Gentleman" and as Fiddler in the television miniseries "Roots". He won an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and two Golden Globe Awards in an acting career that spanned over five decades.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Louis Gossett Jr. reveals a career defined by exceptional commercial consistency. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Louis Gossett Jr.'s filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 72% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Louis Gossett Jr. remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Goodbye, Miss 4th of July, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Louis Gossett Jr. Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Louis Gossett Jr.'s career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Louis Gossett Jr..

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2024 IF Lewis (voice) Hit Similar →
2023 The Color Purple Ol' Mister Hit Similar →
2022 Sidney Self Super Hit Similar →
2022 Three Months Benny Hit Similar →
2021 Not to Forget Pastor John Hit Similar →
2020 The Reason Pastor Jim Super Hit Similar →
2019 Foster Boy Judge George Taylor Hit Similar →
2019 Hal Self Hit Similar →
2018 Breaking Brooklyn Miles Bryant Super Hit Similar →
2017 Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes / Feeling Heart Self Average Similar →
2017 King of the Dancehall The Bishop Super Hit Similar →
2016 Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise Self Super Hit Similar →
2013 Miracle at Gate 213 Roy Peddington Average Similar →
2011 The Grace Card George Wright Hit Similar →
2010 Why Did I Get Married Too? Porter Hit Similar →
2009 The Perfect Game Cool Papa Bell Hit Similar →
2009 Amazing Racer Max Donovan Average Similar →
2009 Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy Self Super Hit Similar →
2008 The Black List: Volume One Self Hit Similar →
2007 Daddy's Little Girls Willie Hit Similar →
2002 What About Your Friends: Weekend Get-Away Dr. Barnes Hit Similar →
2000 The Color of Love: Jacey's Story Lou Hastings Hit Similar →
1999 Strange Justice Vernon Jordan Average Similar →
1999 Love Songs Reuben Super Hit Similar →
1995 The First 100 Years: A Celebration of American Movies Self Super Hit Similar →
1995 Zooman Rueben Tate Average Similar →
1995 A Father for Charlie Walter Osgood Hit Similar →
1994 Blue Chips Father Dawkins (uncredited) Average Similar →
1993 Father & Son: Dangerous Relations Leonard Clay Average Similar →
1992 Diggstown "Honey" Roy Palmer Average Similar →
1991 Carolina Skeletons James Bragg Hit Similar →
1991 Toy Soldiers Dean Parker Hit Similar →
1990 Sudie and Simpson Simpson Hit Similar →
1988 Roots: The Gift Fiddler Hit Similar →
1988 Goodbye, Miss 4th of July Big John Creed Super Hit Similar →
1987 The Principal Jake Phillips Hit Similar →
1987 A Gathering of Old Men Mathu Average Similar →
1985 Enemy Mine Jeriba 'Jerry' Shigan Hit Similar →
1982 An Officer and a Gentleman Sergeant Emil Foley Hit Similar →
1982 Benny's Place Benny Moore Super Hit Similar →
1981 Don't Look Back: The Story of Leroy "Satchel" Paige Leroy 'Satchel' Paige Average Similar →
1977 The Deep Henri Cloche Average Similar →
1976 The River Niger Dr. Dudley Stanton Hit Similar →
1974 The White Dawn Portagee Hit Similar →
1974 Sidekicks Jason O'Rourke Average Similar →
1974 It's Good to Be Alive Sam Brockington Hit Similar →
1973 The Laughing Policeman Insp. James Larrimore SFPD Average Similar →
1971 Skin Game Jason O'Rourke Hit Similar →
1969 The Bushbaby Tembo Average Similar →
1961 A Raisin in the Sun George Murchison Super Hit Similar →

Louis Gossett Jr. - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Louis Gossett Jr.?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Louis Gossett Jr. is "Goodbye, Miss 4th of July" with a rating of 10.0/10.

How many movies has Louis Gossett Jr. acted in?

Louis Gossett Jr. has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Louis Gossett Jr.?

Other notable films include "Benny's Place", "Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy", and "Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise".