(Reuters) – , an influential Black actor renowned for his groundbreaking role as private investigator John Shaft in the iconic “Shaft” films of the 1970s, passed away at the age of 81, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter, citing his manager.
Roundtree, whose diverse acting portfolio included powerful portrayals focusing on race relations in America, succumbed to pancreatic cancer at his residence in Los Angeles. Patrick McMinn, his manager, confirmed the news to the Hollywood Reporter. Reuters reached out to Roundtree’s representatives for verification, but received no immediate response.
“Richard’s work and career represented a pivotal moment for African American leading men in the film industry. His impact cannot be overstated,” expressed McMinn in a statement featured in Variety, a prominent show business trade publication.
Roundtree skyrocketed to fame with the release of the Blaxploitation classic “Shaft” in 1971, portraying a suave private detective operating in the vibrant Harlem neighborhood of New York City. He continued to reprise the role in several sequels and in a short-lived television series.
This rugged and street-smart character, sporting flashy leather jackets and accompanied by Isaac Hayes’ memorable theme song, not only epitomized coolness for a Black leading man, but also won the acceptance of white audiences.
Beyond his notable association with “Shaft,” Roundtree contributed to groundbreaking projects such as the ABC television slavery drama “Roots” in 1977, and the daring portrayal of the motorcycle daredevil Miles in the 1974 film “Earthquake”.
Among his poignant filmography is the 1996 production “Once Upon a Time … When We Were Colored,” which examines the struggles of a close-knit Black community in post-war Mississippi as they confront racism.
Roundtree also shared the screen with Peter O’Toole in the 1975 film “Man Friday,” where he took on the role of a castaway opposite to O’Toole’s Robinson Crusoe. Additionally, he appeared alongside Laurence Olivier’s depiction of General Douglas MacArthur in the 1981 film “Inchon”.
Until his passing, Roundtree continued to work consistently, accumulating an impressive total of 159 acting credits, along with three future projects yet to be released, according to IMDB.com.
Survived by his son, James, and four daughters – Nicole, Tayler, Morgan, and Kelli Roundtree – Richard Roundtree was married twice, as stated by Variety.
(Reporting by Daniel Trotta; editing by Miral Fahmy)
