The death of Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr at the age of 87 was “not expected at all”, according to his former personal assistant.

The death of Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr at the age of 87 was “not expected at all”, according to his former personal assistant.

Director Taylor Hackford and actors Richard Gere and LeVar Burton are among those who have remembered Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr as “one of the best to ever do it” following his death aged 87.

American actor Louis Gossett Jr has been hailed as a “true legend and great” and for “paving the way for black actors” by the cast of The Color Purple following his death at the age of 87.

The actor died on Thursday night in Santa Monica, California