Was considered for the role of Lt. Traxler in The Terminator (1984).

First cousin of Robert Gossett.

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!.

Was considered for the role of Lt. Traxler in The Terminator (1984),.

He was the first male to be shown giving birth on screen, as Jeriba "Jerry" Shigan in Enemy Mine (1985).

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.

He and his ex-wife, Cyndi James Gossett, have an adopted son.

Was named as "King of Brooklyn" at the Welcome Back to Brooklyn Festival in 1990.

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).