Oscar winning star of JAWS 3-D Louis Gossett Jr. passes away aged 87

Louis Gossett Jr as entrepreneur Calvin Bouchard in JAWS 3-D (1983)

Louis Gossett Jr., the Oscar-winning actor renowned for his memorable performances in "An Officer and a Gentleman" and "Jaws III," has passed away at 87 years old.

His daughter confirmed the news on Thursday evening in Santa Monica. No specific cause of death has been disclosed.

Gossett disclosed in recent years that he abandoned a potential career in professional basketball with the New York Knicks to pursue acting in Hollywood.

His journey into acting began during his time at a Brooklyn high school, where he secured his first acting credit in the school's production of 'You Can't Take It with You' while recovering from a basketball injury.

Louis Goessett Jr appeared with JAW Sstar Robert Shaw in Peter Benchley’s ‘The Deep‘ (1977)

In his 2010 memoir 'An Actor and a Gentleman,' he recalled being captivated by acting, a passion that was ignited during his high school days.

Encouraged by his English teacher, Gossett auditioned for 'Take a Giant Step' in Manhattan, ultimately landing the role and making his Broadway debut at the age of 16 in 1953.

Words by Ross Williams

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