Along with Stacy Keach, he was one of two actors considered for the role of the SGC's new commanding officer, General Hank Landry, on "Stargate SG-1" (1997). The role instead went to Beau Bridges however Gossett was cast as a Jaffa leader named Gerak.
Attended Woodstock. He said, "I wanted to be in the now. There were a whole bunch of us there, in the now. Anywhere anything exciting was happening, we were there.".
Conceived and co-wrote the well known song "Handsome Johnny" with Richie Havens. As the opening act for the original Woodstock, Havens performed "Handsome Johnny," as the 8th song in that historic first set. According to Havens, "...(Gossett) had gotten it up to the 'Dunkirk war'...I brought it up to date..." (From liner notes in The Best of Richie Havens CD, 1993).
Diagnosed with prostate cancer [February 8, 2010].
First cousin of Robert Gossett.
He and his ex-wife, Cyndi James Gossett, have an adopted son.
He was the first male to be shown giving birth on screen, as Jeriba "Jerry" Shigan in Enemy Mine (1985).
His foundation, Eracism, is devoted to eradicating racism.
Was considered for the role of Lt. Traxler in The Terminator (1984),.
Was named as "King of Brooklyn" at the Welcome Back to Brooklyn Festival in 1990.
Was originally cast as Gale Sayers in the 1971 TV movie Brian's Song (1971) (TV). Just days before shooting began, Gossett tore his Achilles' tendon while working out for the film. The studio execs scrambled and quickly hired Billy Dee Williams as a replacement. Gossett, depressed over missing his "shot", was promised by producer David L. Wolper the first great role that came along. About six years later, Wolper called Gossett to play "Fiddler" in "Roots" (1977), the Emmy-winning role that made him a star!.