‘Tough guy with heart of gold’: Richard Gere fondly remembers ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ co-star Louis Gossett Jr
SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: Richard Gere remembered veteran actor Louis Gossett Jr who died on March 29.
The Oscar-winner actor was 87 at the time of his death. His family in a statement shared, “It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning.”
“We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time,” the statement added but did not specify the reason behind his death.
Richard Gere praises Louis Gossett Jr's commitment to his craft
Richard Gere, who worked with Gossett Jr in ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’, fondly remembered his co-star and told CNN, “Lou was a sweetheart. He took his job very seriously. He did his research.”
“He stayed in character the whole time. He was the drill sergeant 24 hours a day, and it showed clearly in his performance. He drove every scene he was in,” the 74-year-old actor noted before adding, “A tough guy with a heart of gold.”
Tributes pour in for Gossett Jr
Many people commented on Gere’s homage to Gossett Jr on social media.
A user on Facebook wrote, “They were good together.”
The second one shared, “He was an amazing actor!”
The third user noted, “Am so sorry for your loss Mr Gere.”
The fourth one stated, “He was so good in An Officer and a Gentleman he truly deserved the Oscar.”
The fifth user commented, “God speed Mr. Gossett. I had the pleasure of meeting you and Mr. Gere when you were in Port Townsend filming Officer and a Gentleman a gentle considerate gentleman. Thankful for the experience. RIP.”
A post read, “Loved him in Officer and a Gentleman!”
Another post added, “Prayers to him and all.”
Taylor Hackford praises Louis Gossett Jr
Besides, Taylor Hackford, former president of the Directors Guild of America, who directed ‘Officer and a Gentleman’ also remembered Gossett Jr.
He said, as per PEOPLE, “Lou Gossett’s Sargent Foley may have been the first Black character in American cinema to have absolute authority over White characters.”
“The Academy recognized his consummate performance by voting him an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. He definitely deserved it,” the 79-year-old added.
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