Louis Gossett, Jr., Strategic Advisor (Atlanta, GA USA)

Louis Cameron Gossett Jr. (1936-2024) was an American actor, and was a strong supporter and Advisor of the World Community Network. Lou channeled his passion for social justice and equality into establishing the Eracism Foundation. This organization focuses on eradicating racism by fostering an environment that encourages understanding, compassion, and acceptance among all races and cultures. Born in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City, he had his stage debut at the age of 17, in a school production of You Can't Take It with You. Shortly after, he successfully auditioned for the Broadway play Take a Giant Step. Gossett continued acting onstage. One of these plays was A Raisin in the Sun in 1959, and in 1961, he made his on-screen debut in its film adaptation. From thereon, Gossett added many roles in films and on television to his resume, as well as released music. In 1977, Gossett gained wide recognition for his role of Fiddler in the popular miniseries Roots, for which he won Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series at the Emmy Awards. Gossett continued acting in high-profile films and television. In 1982, for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley in An Officer and a Gentleman, he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and became the first black actor to win in this category. At the Emmy Awards, Gossett continued to receive recognition, with nominations for The Sentry Collection Presents Ben Vereen: His Roots (1978), Palmerstown, U.S.A. (1981), Sadat (1983), A Gathering of Old Men (1987), Touched by an Angel (1997), and Watchmen (2019). He won and was nominated at other ceremonies including the Golden Globe Awards, Black Reel Awards, and NAACP Image Awards. Gossett is also well-known for his role as Colonel Chappy Sinclair in the Iron Eagle film series (1986-1995). Since his beginnings, Gossett has appeared in a wide range of projects. Film projects include Hal Ashby's The Landlord (1970), Paul Bogart's Skin Game (1971), George Cukor's Travels with My Aunt (1972), Stuart Rosenberg's The Laughing Policeman (1974), Philip Kaufman's The White Dawn (1974), Peter Yates's The Deep (1977), Wolfgang Petersen's Enemy Mine (1985), Christopher Cain's The Principal (1987), Mark Goldblatt's The Punisher (1989), and Daniel Petrie's Toy Soldiers (1991), and television appearances include Bonanza (1971), The Jeffersons (1975), American Playhouse (1990), Stargate SG-1 (2005), Boardwalk Empire (2013), and The Book of Negroes (2015). He has also acted in video games, commercials and to work onstage.