Lou Gossett, Jr.

Gossett emerged as a young actor through stage and film versions of the groundbreaking drama A Raisin in the Sun. This led to numerous appearances on television in the 60's and 70's culminating his Emmy-winning portrayal of Fiddler in the landmark miniseries Roots. As the drill sergeant in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), he won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar. The recipient of multiple Golden Globes, Emmy's and People's Choice Awards, Gossett currently is developing a nonprofit foundation called the Eracism Foundation, aimed at developing entertainment that raises awareness of issues such as racism, ignorance and societal apathy.