“Being a dad is heaven,” says Academy Award-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. about fatherhood.

Louis says, “It’s a very special thing to be a dad. It means a great deal. It’s the continuing of the generations.”

Reflecting on the past, Louis recalls the importance of the family unit coming together as one. From the father and mother to the sons and daughters, everyone worked and contributed in some way in order to survive as a whole.

“I want to honor all the fathers in America. Especially you guys that go to work and come home with the money and stay with your wife and take care of your children and take care of all the bills and be responsible,” says Louis. He also adds, “There’s more of you in America than there are the other guys. Let’s put the headlines on responsible fathers and you’ll see the difference. We’re going that direction anyways.”

A proud father and grandfather, Louis admires the youngest Gossett in his life, his two-year-old grandson, and cherishes the time they are able to spend together making memories and getting to know each other.

Look for Louis in BET Networks’ upcoming six part miniseries, The Book of Negroes.

(Photographer: Sabrina Thompson)