Beloved actor Richard Roundtree, best known for his role as Detective John Shaft in the groundbreaking “Shaft” franchise, has passed away at the age of 81. The news was confirmed by his longtime manager, Patrick McMinn, who revealed that Roundtree died after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Roundtree's family was by his side during his final moments.
Roundtree's career spanned an impressive five decades, but it was his portrayal of Detective John Shaft in the 1971 action thriller that truly made him a trailblazer as the first Black action hero. This iconic role propelled him into stardom and paved the way for future generations of Black actors.
The success of “Shaft” led to sequels such as "Shaft's Big Score!" and "Shaft in Africa," as well as a short-lived TV series in 1973. Roundtree would later reprise the role in the 2000 film "Shaft," directed by John Singleton and starring Samuel L. Jackson, and again in the 2019 sequel directed by Tim Story.
In addition to his work as Shaft, Roundtree had a diverse range of film credits throughout his career. He appeared in notable films such as “Inchon” alongside Laurence Olivier and Ben Gazzara in 1981, and “City Heat” opposite Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds in 1984. He also had roles in "Se7en," "George of the Jungle," "Body of Influence," "Amityville: A New Generation," and "What Men Want." His most recent big-screen appearance was in the comedy film “Moving On” in 2022.
Roundtree's talent extended beyond the silver screen to television, where he had numerous credits. He portrayed slave Sam Bennett in the acclaimed 1977 miniseries “Roots” and had roles in series such as "Generations," "413 Hope St.," "Alias," "Diary of a Single Mom," "Buddies," "Desperate Housewives," "Soul Food," "Being Mary Jane," and "Family Reunion." He also appeared in the second season of Ava DuVernay's OWN series "Cherish the Day" in 2022.
His talent agency, Artists & Representatives Agency, released a statement acknowledging Roundtree's significant impact on the entertainment industry, stating, "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."
Roundtree's co-star from the series "Being Mary Jane," Gabrielle Union, expressed her grief over his passing, calling him a dream to work with and praising his undeniable coolness and positive energy.
Prior to his breakthrough role in "Shaft," Roundtree had worked as a model and stage actor. Gordon Parks' “Shaft” marked his feature film debut, and its success propelled him into stardom. He reprised the role of Shaft in subsequent films and gained a dedicated following.
In addition to his successful career, Roundtree faced personal challenges. In 1993, he was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent successful treatment. He kept his diagnosis and treatment a secret for years, only opening up about it during a celebrity golf tournament that aimed to raise funds for a mobile breast cancer diagnostic unit.
Richard Roundtree's passing has left a deep void in the hearts of his fans and colleagues alike. His legacy as a groundbreaking actor and the embodiment of coolness will be remembered for generations to come.
