Gossett Jr. treated for prostate cancer

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Louis Gossett Jr. Tuesday confirmed he is being treated for prostate cancer.

E! News reported Gossett was diagnosed as having the early stages of the disease. No details were reported regarding what type of treatment he is undergoing.

The 73-year-old Oscar winner is best known for his work in the movies "An Officer and a Gentleman," "Toy Soldiers" and "Iron Eagle," as well as for his roles in TV's "Roots," "Sadat" and "Stargate SG-1." He is expected to be seen in the movie "Why Did I Get Married Too?" this year.

"(I want) 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," the actor told KTLA News in Los Angeles about why he decided to go public with his condition. "I want to influence them to seek, as I have, the fine medical care and early detection now available."