Louis Gossett, Jr. was a renowned actor known for his unforgettable performances in the movie “An Officer and a Gentleman” and the television miniseries “Roots.”

He was the first African-American man to win a supporting-actor Oscar and an Emmy for his role in the groundbreaking TV miniseries.

In February 1988, he was honored by the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) for hosting the second annual BEYA banquet in Baltimore.

This year, BEYA held its 38th annual science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) Conference in Baltimore.

Gosset’s nephew confirmed to the AP that the actor passed away at the age of 87 in Santa Monica.