Richard Roundtree, renowned for his iconic role as the protagonist in the groundbreaking “Shaft” franchise, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 81.
ABC News has confirmed that Roundtree, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer, passed away in the presence of his devoted family.
PHOTO: Richard Roundtree attends the premiere of “Shaft” at AMC Lincoln Square on June 10, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Angela Weiss / AFP) (PHOTO: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
(PHOTO: ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
According to his manager, Roundtree’s loved ones were by his side during his final moments.
Roundtree’s illustrious career spanned over five decades, but it was his portrayal of Detective John Shaft in the 1971 action thriller that made him a trailblazing figure as the first Black action hero. He reprised the role in sequels such as “Shaft’s Big Score!,” “Shaft in Africa,” and the short-lived 1973 “Shaft” TV series.
In 2000, Roundtree returned to the character in John Singleton’s film “Shaft,” alongside Samuel L. Jackson, and later in the 2019 sequel directed by Tim Story.
PHOTO: Richard Roundtree (Photo by FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty Images)
FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty Images
In addition to “Shaft,” Roundtree had a multitude of film credits, including prominent roles in movies like 1981’s “Inchon,” alongside Laurence Olivier and Ben Gazzara, and 1984’s “City Heat,” alongside Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds. He appeared in films like “Se7en,” “George of the Jungle,” “Body of Influence,” “Amityville: A New Generation,” and “What Men Want.” His final big-screen appearance was in the 2022 comedy “Moving On.”
On the small screen, Roundtree’s notable television appearances included his portrayal of Sam Bennett in the acclaimed 1977 miniseries “Roots.” He also appeared in shows like “Generations,” “413 Hope St.,” “Alias,” “Diary of a Single Mom,” “Buddies,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Soul Food,” “Being Mary Jane,” and “Family Reunion.” In 2022, he joined the second season of Ava DuVernay’s OWN series “Cherish the Day.”
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