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Louis Gossett Jr, first black man to win supporting actor at Oscars, dies at 87, after struggling alcohol and cocaine addiction

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Louis Gossett Jr., the first black man to win the best supporting actor at the Oscars, has died at the age of 87.

In a statement, Gossett’s family said he died on Friday morning in Santa Monica, California. The cause of his death was not revealed.

“It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning,” the statement reads.

“We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”

The statement described the New-York born film star as a humorous and friendly personality who faced and fought racism with dignity while walking with Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa.

“Never mind the awards, never mind the glitz and glamor, the Rolls-Royces, and the big houses in Malibu. It’s about the humanity of the people that he stood for,” Neal L. Gossett, a cousin to the ace actor, said.

Born in 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, Gossett started acting at age 16 when he appeared in the play ‘Take A Giant Step’.

He studied at the New York University on a basketball and drama scholarship.

In 1959, he gained widespread popularity when he featured on Broadway’s stage production of ‘A Raisin In The Sun’, and its on-screen version in 1961.

Gossett would later win an Emmy Award for his outstanding role as Fiddler in the 1977 TV miniseries ‘Roots’ — a film about the atrocities of slavery.

He won the Academy Award in 1982 for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Emil Foley in ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’.

“The Oscar gave me the ability of being able to choose good parts in movies like Enemy Mine, Sadat, and Iron Eagle,” Gossett said in film expert, Dave Karger’s, 2024 book “50 Oscar Nights,” he said while reminiscing on the award.

In 2005, he established the Eracism Foundation to “help create a world where racism does not exist.”

In the latter part of his life, Gossett struggled with alcohol and cocaine addiction.

He was diagnosed with toxic mould syndrome. In 2010, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Entertainment

Nigerians need to unite if we want actual change, says DJ Switch on planned protest

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Catherine Udeh, the disc jockey and activist better known as DJ Switch, has called on Nigerians to unite ahead of a planned nationwide protest.

Recently, there have been reports that some Nigerians, under various bodies, are planning a nationwide protest between August 1 and 10. The protest, according to the groups, is aimed to show their opposition against the economic hardship particularly the rising cost of living in the country.

In a lengthy post via her X page, Switch urged Nigerians to unite and fight tribal and religious discord “planted by the political class” to dampen the planned protest.

The activist alleged that the political class would continue mismanaging the country’s economy until the citizens decided to save Nigeria.

Udeh claimed some politicians supporting the protest were only doing it for record purposes and to deceive the youths.

Switch, who gained fame for covering the 2020 shooting incident at the Lekki tollgate during the EndSARS protest, also shared other reasons “why Nigerians should join the planned protest”.

“I was not going to speak on this issue because I’ve experienced first hand the cowardice of many Nigerians but my love for Nigeria is literally haunting me! So here it goes. They say that there is a time for everything,” she wrote.

“A time to sleep, play, work, fight or die! Africa as a whole needs to know what f**king time it is! If you recognize what time it is, then you know what to do! Mind you, the cabals running Nigeria, Nigeria especially are smarter than you all might think.

“While they may be on edge about this planned protest, especially after seeing the events in Kenya, I promise you that they can bet their left balls that nothing will happen. That being said, many have been advised to “show” support for our fundamental human right to freedom of expression for two reasons.

“So that there is a record of them supporting it and to guide you all like babies to do your protest and go and sleep. So, the question really is this, do you know what time it is? Because if you don’t, just kukuma go and sleep and If you do, then prepare to take the bull by the horn.

“You need to understand that whether you japa or stay, they don’t care! Nigeria is a mining ground for these devils. They take and take with no single thought or care as to where the nation ends up wasteland!

“The tribal division they’ve sown amongst us was a desperate move on their broken chessboard which should have fallen flat on its face but there are those of us who are so selfish, shortsighted and wicked. They will sell their children for the brown envelope.

“These unfortunate Nigerians that traded their brains and patriotism for alomo bitters are a huge obstacle to those of us that want a working nation. I don’t care what tribe you are from or religion you belong to, we need to unite if we want actual change.

“I’m expecting the bots to call me all sorts of names as usual, like I give a shit! Mosquito disturb me pass those ones. But if you keep missing your opportunity to send these thieves back to where they belong then soon you all will be like the girl/boy who cried wolf!”

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Kunle Afolayan to film ‘Anikulapo’ season two in Ghana

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Kunle Afolayan, the filmmaker, has revealed that some scenes of the second season of ‘Anikulapo’ series will be filmed in Ghana.

‘Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre’, a six-part series produced by Afolayan, premiered on Netflix on March 1.

The mini-series, which was filmed at the Kunle Afolayan Production (KAP) film village in Oyo state, was a sequel to ‘Anikulapo’, the 2022 award-winning film.

In a recent post via his Instagram page, Afolayan disclosed his intention to shoot parts of the forthcoming season in Ghana.

The filmmaker also shared photos from the film location recce in Ghana.

Afolayan said the development is in partnership with Ghana’s National Film Authority.

“Anikulapo series new season. Location recce in Ghana in collaboration with @nationalfilmauthority,” he wrote.

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I’d rather die than give movie role for sex, says Kevin Ikeduba

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Kevin Ikeduba, the Nollywood actor and producer, says he would rather die than cast unqualified actors in exchange for sex.

During a chat on Hip TV’s Trending, the movie star emphasised his commitment to professionalism and high standards in the industry.

He also expressed his frustration with the high rate of unprofessionalism on set, stating that he would rather “die” than compromise his values for sexual favours.

“The movie industry is very big. What works for Mr A, May not work for Mr B,” he said.

“Kevin that people know, instead of giving a girl role for sex would rather die because I am very passionate about what I do. So most times when I meet mediocres on set, it hurts me. I will never ever do that.”

Ikeduba is a known for his versatility and seamless transition from the English-speaking Nollywood to the Yoruba film industry.

His career took off in 2000, and he credits Femi Ogedengbe, his colleague, for introducing him to Saheed Balogun, who offered him a pivotal role in the Yoruba film ‘Omo Alhaja’.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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