H.R. No. 1207
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Throughout his noteworthy career in film,
television, and the theater, Louis Gossett, Jr., has distinguished
himself as an award-winning actor and a champion for racial
equality; and
WHEREAS, Born on May 27, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, Louis
Gossett landed his first leading role as a 16-year-old in the
Broadway production of Take a Giant Step in 1953; he went on to
appear in the stage and film versions of A Raisin in the Sun in 1961,
as well as in numerous television series during the 1960s and 1970s;
in 1977, Mr. Gossett earned an Emmy for his portrayal of "Fiddler"
in the ABC miniseries Roots, and he won the Academy Award for Best
Actor in a Supporting Role in 1982 for his performance in An Officer
and a Gentleman; Mr. Gossett continued to seek diverse and
challenging roles, and he was featured in such projects as the
action adventure series Iron Eagle from 1985 through 1995 and in
Diggstown and Toy Soldiers in 1991; moreover, Mr. Gossett has
received additional industry accolades, including Golden Globes
and People's Choice awards, and he landed a role on the popular
science fiction television series Stargate SG-1; and
WHEREAS, Committed to socially themed pictures, Mr. Gossett
appeared in To Dance with Olivia in 1997 and Jasper, Texas in 2003,
and he also developed the Eracism Foundation, a nonprofit
organization that calls attention to issues of racism and
intolerance through entertainment; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Gossett's latest film, The Least Among You, is
being featured at the 2009 AFI Dallas International Film Festival;
inspired by a true story, the movie examines racial tension in the
aftermath of the 1965 Watts riots, and it received the Best Texas
Film and Audience Choice awards at the 2009 Texas Black Film
Festival, where Mr. Gossett was also chosen as Best Actor; and
WHEREAS, As a performer, Louis Gossett, Jr., has garnered
acclaim from critics and audiences alike, and by reaching beyond
his profession to advocate for social awareness and compassion, he
is an inspiration to many; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby commend Louis Gossett, Jr., for his impressive
body of work and for his dedication to pursuing and maintaining the
highest standards in the performing arts and extend to him
gratitude for his support of the State of Texas; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Gossett as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Mallory Caraway
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1207 was adopted by the House on April
16, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House