More than 40 years have passed since “An Officer and a Gentleman” unexpectedly became a hit at the box office, but Richard Gere still gets reminded of the film's enduring legacy, especially with the recent passing of his Oscar-winning co-star Louis Gossett Jr. at the age of 87.
Reflecting on those days, Gere shared, “Every now and then, someone will shout across the street, ‘Hey Mayo, Mayo-nnaise,’ and that’s Lou.” In the 1982 film, Gere portrayed Zack Mayo, an ambitious Navy aviator who butted heads with the tough-as-nails drill instructor Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley, played by Gossett. Gossett made history by winning the best supporting actor Oscar, becoming the first Black actor to do so and joining the ranks of Sidney Poitier and Hattie McDaniel as the only Black performers to win at the time.
Gere recalled their time on set, highlighting Gossett’s dedication to his role: “As tough as Foley was, you always felt this warm heart beating in him. That’s why Lou was so effective in that role: he wasn’t just a ‘tough guy’; he really cared about all those kids that he was mentoring.”
Gossett's commitment to the character was evident. Gere noted, “He worked hard to be Foley. He did a lot of research and spent time with a drill sergeant from Pensacola who was working with us. Lou was on him like white on rice, picking up everything he could.”
Despite the demanding nature of his role, Gossett was a kind-hearted individual off-screen. Gere described him as “a sweetheart” and “a very gentle, sensitive, and intelligent guy.” Their bond extended beyond the camera, with Gere emphasizing the trust they had to have in each other, both as actors and as human beings.
Their pivotal fight scene, a culmination of Zack Mayo's internal struggle and a lesson in self-discovery, was meticulously rehearsed. Gere trained extensively, blending his Taekwondo and kickboxing background, which surprised Gossett during their sparring sessions due to his strict classical karate style.
“An Officer and a Gentleman” was not initially expected to be a major success, but its themes of honor, dignity, self-sacrifice, and self-acceptance resonated deeply with audiences. Director Akira Kurosawa even included it in his top 10 list, surprising Gere. However, he understood the choice, acknowledging the film's profound impact, largely due to Gossett's outstanding portrayal of Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley.
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