Louis Gossett, Jr. quotes

Louis Gossett, Jr. is an acclaimed American actor recognized for his powerful performances on stage and screen. His career spans over six decades and includes a historic Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actor in "An Officer and a Gentleman." He has been celebrated for breaking barriers in Hollywood and inspiring generations of actors. Here are 11 of his quotes:

I can do more than anyone suspects. I pride myself on my versatility. It took 32 years of difficult parts, second leads, villains and juveniles. The Oscar changed the quality of the roles I was being offered.

Louis Gossett, Jr.

My father's best friend, Georgie Terra, was an Italian guy. The children and the cousins and nieces and nephews were children of the Mafia. Those were the children he grew up with. If you want to go to a safe neighborhood, go to where the Mafia is.

Louis Gossett, Jr.

The Lord may not come when you want Him, but he's always going to be there on time.

Louis Gossett, Jr.

'Avatar' was gorgeous. There are good stories in there, but when used in other movies they're similar to those violent video games. Characters using deadly weapons. The children follow these movies.

Louis Gossett, Jr.

We need to do whatever it takes to get our children together and pay attention to them, because that's our future. What's in the hearts and minds of our children is what's in our future.

Louis Gossett, Jr.

I think more important than law is the hearts of people.

Louis Gossett, Jr.

When I'm offered a role, I look at what I think I can do with it. I look to see if I can project myself into it.

Louis Gossett, Jr.

My father was adopted. He grew up in the Italian household.

Louis Gossett, Jr.

I was invited to play with the New York Knicks. I was never drafted, but I was invited to the rookie camp.

Louis Gossett, Jr.