Lou Gossett Jr.
Oscar-Winning Actor, Founder of the Eracism Foundation
Lou Gossett , Jr. remains one of the most sought after and busiest veteran actors in the film and television industry today. His unique talent for portraying powerful and charismatic characters has charmed audiences wor ldwide, resulting in an impressive amount of coveted awards, including an Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe. Gossett captured an Emmy,…
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Full Bio
Lou Gossett , Jr. remains one of the most sought after and busiest veteran actors in the film and television industry today. His unique talent for portraying powerful and charismatic characters has charmed audiences wor ldwide, resulting in an impressive amount of coveted awards, including an Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe. Gossett captured an Emmy, television’s highest honor, in 1977 for his compelling portrayal of “Fiddler” in the historic television mini – series, Roots.
He electrified the screen in 1982 with his unforgettable portrayal of a relentless military sergeant in the hit film An Officer and a Gentleman , earning him the ultimate acti ng honor, an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Gossett struck gold again in 1992 for his poignant work in HBO’s The Josephine Baker Story , and garnered a Golden Globe. Even in a guest – starring role for the popular CBS series Touched by an Angel, Gossett’s work was singled out and he received the 1998 NAACP Image Award.
His pass ion for his work is matched only by his strong belief in helping others by giving back to the community. He serves as a spokesperson and a behind the scenes leader for many charitable organizations. Gossett also developed a nonprofit foundation, The Eraci sm Foundation, with the aim of developing and producing entertainment that brings awareness and education to issues such as racism, ignorance, and societal apathy. Gossett first gained recognitio n in the New York theatre scene where, at the age of 16, he won a Donaldson Award for Best Newcomer, beating out a young James Dean. Soon he was offered a prestigious Broadway role opposite Sidney Poitier in A Raisin in the Sun and went on to star in the film version, paving the way for a long and rewarding career .
Recently, Gossett received an NABOB Pioneer in Entertainment Award, a Community Advocates Award from St. Vincent de Paul Council of Los Angeles, and the American Legacy Men of Honor and Distinction Awards from Legacy m agazine. He has also received two L ifetime Achievement Awards, one from the Palm Beach International Film Festival and another from the 14 th Annual African American Marketplace. Gossett’s new memoir is entitled An Actor and a Gentleman
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
It is the responsibility of every adult – parent, teacher, counselor – to engage youth involved in risky activities by reaching out to them and promoting peace and antiviolence, imbuing them with a sense of personal responsibility, and helping them to re-enter into positive, productive citizenship. By educating and enriching communities through after school programs that provide mentoring and tutorial services, we can nurture the academic and professional development of children from diverse communities. Through his Eracism Foundation, Louis Gossett has, Jr. sought to enrich communities and promote diversity through a series of documentaries, psychodramas, plays, and interactive videos addressing the historical contributions and current relevance of these efforts in improving the quality of life among today’s youth. A parent, advocate, activist, and Academy Award-winning actor, Gossett is deeply committed to his message that our children are the most important investment for our future.
Eracism: Eradicating Racism for the Future
Hollywood’s Red Light for African American History and Heroes
Stop Crying & Do Something: African American Economic Empowerment
The Grace Card
Videos
The Book of Negroes Star Lou Gossett Jr. Talks About His Storied Career
News
Testimonials
Mr. Gossett was a very gracious guest here, taking lots of pictures with folks, chatting, etc, and he did just a wonderful speech. He really added to our very successful event.
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
Things went well. . He was a pleasure to work with, and I hope he enjoyed himself here.
University of Michigan
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