1936 EVENTS

Academy Award Winning Actor Born in Brooklyn, New York

Louis Gossett, Jr. is born in Brooklyn, New York. He debuted at 17 in "Take a Giant Step" and performed in many stage, film and television roles, including "Roots," for which he received an Emmy Award. His portrayal of a tough drill instructor in the 1982 film"An Officer and a Gentleman" brought him an Academy Award as best supporting actor. He is the third African-American to win an Academy Award for acting.