Despite success, Gossett knew the industry’s racism. He said of his work, “If I were white, it might’ve been like Clint Eastwood’s.” His candor showed the systemic hurdles he overcame with talent and grit.
Gossett was frank about a black actor’s woes in a white-dominated biz. He recounted being held by cops for hours en route to his hotel, a 20-minute trip. Once, he was tied to a tree in Beverly Hills for being out after 9 p.m. These traumas spurred his fight for racial equality and vow to use fame against injustice.
He had personal demons too, like drug and alcohol addictions. But 20 years ago, rehab and a 12-step program transformed him. He often said, “Resentment is a killer,” reflecting on his path to healing and forgiveness. His story inspired many to seek help and embrace second chances.