Originally posted Tuesday, November 5, 2019 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
Since he moved to Atlanta a year ago, Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. has embraced his elder statesman role speaking once or twice a week at universities and churches, offering wisdom to the youth.
“I love speaking my experience, strength and hope to the young,” said Gossett, who at age 83 is now starring in HBO’s highest budget gamble in years called “Watchmen,” which debuted last month.
Gossett who now attends the famed Ebenezer Baptish Church, said he came to Atlanta after shooting multiple films here and loving the atmosphere and the people. He purchased a home he adores in Fayetteville.
“It’s a bungalow with a nice yard and an indoor swimming pool,” he said. ‘And it’s not far from Pinewood Studios [where “Watchmen” was based.]
Gossett was thrilled when he was asked to be part of Damon Lindelof's ambitious drama, which is set in an alternative universe where white supremacists target cops, superheroes are underground, squids rain from the sky and Robert Redford has been president for 27 years.
"They wanted me," he said. "It's a nice compliment to be part of this wonderful group of actors, especially my favorite actress Regina King."
Gossett said he is considering retirement from acting after this show, a high watermark in a career packed with great moments, from “An Officer and a Gentleman” to “Roots.”
“I”m still able to go to the bathroom by myself,” Gossett said. “I can count from 1 to 10, pet my dogs and eat properly. I’m very very grateful. I am thinking that I should maintain my strength I have and refocus on other things.”
Gossett loves how Lindelof has both the cops and supremacists in masks. His take: “We have to drop our masks for the mutual salvation of the planet.”
ON TV
‘Watchmen,” on at 10 p.m. Sundays on HBO
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