LeVar Burton, known for his role in the groundbreaking series “Roots,” as well as for his “Reading Rainbow” series, recently paid a heartfelt tribute to his co-star, the legendary late actor, Louis Gossett Jr. In a social media post, Burton shared an untold story about their bond and the impact Gossett had on his career.
Reflecting on his first professional audition, which happened to be “Roots,” Burton recalled the grueling, yet unforgettable weeks of location work in Savannah, GA. After the production relocated to Los Angeles, Burton had the chance to meet Gossett for the very first time. The veteran actor extended an invitation to dinner at his beach house, and what followed was an evening of profound connection and camaraderie:
“ROOTS was my first job in the business. It was in fact my first professional audition. When the production moved back to Los Angeles after 7 grueling, glorious, unforgettable weeks location work in Savannah GA, I met Lou for the very first time. He invited me to dinner at his beach house, to spend the night and just hang out, “ LeVar revealed.
As the crashing waves provided a melodic backdrop, Burton and Gossett spent hours talking and sharing their life stories. The experience forged a deep bond between them, transcending their roles as Kunta and Fiddler on screen. Burton recounts Gossett’s kindness and conscious effort to make a 19-year-old aspiring actor feel welcome—the mark of a true gentleman:
“We talked for hours, drinking wine, sharing our life stories with the crashing waves in Malibu as background music. By the time we got to set the next day the bond between Kunta and Fiddler was forever forged. He was a giant and a gentle man. His kindness and conscious effort to make a 19 year old kid feel welcome was indicative of his open heart.
Kunta & Fiddler…” – LeVar Burton
Fans and of both actors poured their love and support, acknowledging the impact of Gossett’s work and expressing their condolences. The comments section became a virtual space of shared memories and appreciation for their contributions to the entertainment game.
Louis Gossett Jr. – who passed away on March 29, 2024, at age 87 – leaves behind a rich legacy of talent and a body of work that will continue to inspire generations to come. His performances in “Roots,” “An Officer and a Gentleman,” and numerous other films and television projects have captivated audiences worldwide.
The untold story shared by LeVar Burton reminds us that beyond the screen lies a world of genuine connections and friendships. It is through these personal bonds that actors find inspiration, support, and the courage to bring their characters to life.
As we mourn the loss of Louis Gossett Jr., we also celebrate his incredible career and the indelible mark he left on the entertainment industry. His work will continue to touch hearts and captivate audiences for years to come. May his memory live on through the characters he portrayed and the stories he shared.
