Richard Roundtree (1942-2023) is dead. The actor who played private detective John Shaft in the “Shaft” films of the 1970s and became famous as a result died on Tuesday at the age of 81. This is reported by “The Hollywood Reporter”, citing Roundtree’s manager Patrick McMinn. Roundtree died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Los Angeles, it is said.
“His groundbreaking career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his lasting legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones at this difficult time,” Artists said
Roundtree became famous in the 1971 film “Shaft,” about a private detective in New York’s Harlem neighborhood. He also reprized the role in several sequels and a short-lived television series. Roundtree also appeared in the 1977 miniseries “Roots” and other major projects of the time, including 1974’s “Earthquake.”
According to “IMDB.com”, Roundtree continued to work regularly in later years; he is said to have appeared as an actor in over 150 roles; three current projects have not yet been released.
Richard Roundtree was married twice, according to Variety, and is survived by four daughters — Nicole, Tayler, Morgan and Kelli Roundtree — as well as his son James.
Many of Roundtree’s colleagues remembered the late actor on social media, including Samuel L. Jackson. The two were together in “Shaft – Any Questions?” (2000) and “Shaft” (2019). Jackson wrote about Roundtree on Instagram, among other things: “His death leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but certainly in many of you as well.”
