Beloved actor Richard Roundtree, renowned for his iconic portrayal of detective John Shaft in the iconic ‘Shaft’ film franchise, has died.
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It’s been confirmed that Roundtree succumbed to pancreatic cancer at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by his family.
He was 81.
Born on July 9, 1942, in New Rochelle, New York, the actor’s career began in the early 1960s. His role as Shaft at the age of 29 marked a pivotal moment for African-American leading men in cinema, a legacy acknowledged by his manager, Patrick McMinn.
His impact extended to movies like ‘Inchon’ and ‘Seven,’ as well as TV series such as ‘Roots,’ ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,’ and ‘Desperate Housewives.’
Samuel L. Jackson, who co-starred with Roundtree in ‘Shaft’ reboots, paid tribute to him as “the prototype, the best to ever do it.”
Roundtree is survived by four daughters, a son, and at least one grandchild.