LOUIS GOSSETT JR. REVEALS HE HAS PROSTATE CANCER

(FOX NEWS)--Louis Gossett Jr., best known for his Oscar-winning performance in the 1982 movie 'An Officer and a Gentleman,' is reportedly fighting the early stages of prostate cancer.

According to the Los Angeles-based KTLA, the 73-year-old actor went public with his illness today. The reason: to "set an example for the large number of African-American men who are victims of this disease because of the comparatively low emphasis in our community on preventative examinations and early treatment."
"I want to influence them to seek, as I have, the fine medical care and early detection now available," he added.

According to reports, Gossett is expected to make a full recovery.

In addition to 'Gentleman,' Gossett appeared in the 1977 miniseries 'Roots,' for which he received an Emmy, and 'The Josephine Baker Story.' Next up for the actor is his memoir, aptly titled 'An Actor and a Gentleman,' due out this year.