American actor and iconic Shaft star, Richard Roundtree.
American actor and iconic Shaft star, Richard Roundtree, has passed away at the age of 81 after bravely battling pancreatic cancer.
According to his manager, Roundtree passed away in the comfort of his Los Angeles home, surrounded by his loved ones.
The agency representing Roundtree, Artists & Representatives, stated, “His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring legacy will be felt for generations to come.
“Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
His longtime manager, Patrick McMinn, revealed that he passed away following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men.”
“The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated, “McMinn said.
Richard Roundtree, born on July 9, 1942, in New Rochelle, New York, embarked on his acting journey in the early 1960s.
He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of detective John Shaft in the 1971 action thriller, a role for which he is most celebrated.
Following his breakthrough in the 1971 film, Richard Roundtree reprised his iconic role as detective John Shaft in its sequels, Shaft’s Big Score in 1972 and Shaft in Africa in 1973.
He also graced the small screen with the Shaft TV series in 1973.
In the year 2000, Roundtree returned to the Shaft franchise, starring alongside Samuel L. Jackson in John Singleton’s movie Shaft.
He portrayed Jackson’s uncle in this big-budget production, and they reprised these roles in the 2019 film featuring Jessie T. Usher.
Roundtree’s extensive TV credits included memorable roles in productions such as “Roots,” “Alias,” “Desperate Housewives,” and “Family Reunion.”
One of his recent significant roles was as a lead character in “Cherish The Day.”
His filmography also boasts notable contributions to movies like “George of the Jungle,” “Moving On,” and “Se7en.”
He is survived by four daughters: Kelli, Nicole, Taylor, and Morgan, as well as his son, John, and at least one grandchild, according to the New York Times.