Richard Roundtree, the American actor renowned for his iconic roles in the Shaft film franchise, has passed away at the age of 81.
According to his manager, Patrick McMinn, Roundtree peacefully passed away in his Los Angeles home on Tuesday afternoon, surrounded by his loved ones. He was battling pancreatic cancer.
McMinn stated to The Hollywood Reporter: “Richard’s incredible work and career served as a breakthrough for African American leading men in the film industry. His impact cannot be overstated.”
In addition to his notable film career, Roundtree publicly battled breast cancer in 1993 and underwent a double mastectomy. He courageously spoke out about the disease, stating, “Breast cancer is not limited to one gender. Men often overlook their health. By sharing my experience, I received tremendous support, and I am proud to be a survivor.”
Roundtree is survived by four daughters and a son from his two marriages.
Born on July 9, 1942, in New Rochelle, New York, Roundtree’s parents, John Roundtree and Kathryn (Watkins) Roundtree, worked as a butler and a cook in the same household, as recorded in the 1940 census, according to The New York Times.
He attended New Rochelle High School and played on its football team.
(2019 Invision)
Shaft, released in 1971, propelled Roundtree to stardom at the age of 29.
Following Shaft, Roundtree embarked on a diverse acting journey. He joined the star-studded cast of the disaster film Earthquake (1974), starring alongside Charlton Heston and Ava Gardner.
Roundtree also took on the title role in Man Friday (1975), portraying a lively and generous companion to Peter O’Toole’s Robinson Crusoe.
In Inchon (1981), Roundtree played an Army officer on General Douglas MacArthur’s (Laurence Olivier) staff in Korea. He shared the screen with Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds in City Heat (1984) and faced off against a monstrous flying lizard in Q (1982).
The Hollywood Reporter quoted Roundtree recounting a conversation with his father, who visited him in Los Angeles and heard his complaints about being forever associated with the Shaft character. His father told him, “Son, let me tell you something. Many people leave this Earth without being known for anything. Be grateful.”
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Richard Roundtree in ‘Shaft’
(Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
“Artists & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree,” the agency stated.
“His groundbreaking career revolutionized the entertainment industry worldwide, and his legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this challenging time.”
Samuel L. Jackson, who took over the Shaft movie franchise in 2000, paid tribute to Roundtree on social media. He wrote, “Richard Roundtree, The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It!! SHAFT, as we know it, is and will always be His Creation!!”
“His passing leaves a significant void not only in my heart, but I’m certain in many of yours as well. Love you, Brother. I envision you walking down the Middle of Main Street in Heaven while Isaac conducts your song,” referring to the late Isaac Hayes’ iconic Theme from Shaft, which won an Oscar.
