Richard Roundtree, “Shaft” actor, dies at age 81

Richard Roundtree, the actor finest identified for portraying detective John Shaft within the 1971 movie “Shaft,” has died, his consultant advised CBS Information. He was 81.

Roundtree died Tuesday at his residence in Los Angeles following a quick battle with pancreatic most cancers, his consultant, Patrick McMinn, mentioned.

Roundtree’s profession in movie and tv spanned greater than 50 years, together with his look in 5 “Shaft” films and a notable function as Sam Bennett within the iconic 1977 TV miniseries “Roots.”

Gordon Parks’ “Shaft” was Roundtree’s characteristic movie debut. Previous to his breakout, he had labored as a mannequin and stage actor. “Shaft” was an immediate success and was adopted by two sequels within the subsequent two years, “Shaft’s Huge Rating!” and “Shaft in Africa.” 

He reprised the function in 2000’s “Shaft,” starring Samuel L. Jackson, after which as soon as extra within the 2019 installment of the franchise, additionally titled “Shaft.”

“Richard Roundtree, The Prototype, The Finest To Ever Do It!! SHAFT, as we all know it’s & will at all times be His Creation!! His passing leaves a deep gap not solely in my coronary heart, however I am certain a lotta y’all’s, too,” Jackson wrote on Instagram.  

Roundtree has additionally appeared in dozens of TV reveals, together with recurring roles in “Generations,” an NBC cleaning soap opera that ran from 1989-1991, “Heroes” and the BET collection “Being Mary Jane.”

Roundtree was recognized with breast most cancers in 1993 and was efficiently handled. He advised ABC Information in 2009 that he had not advised anyone in regards to the analysis or therapy for years.

“I used to be within the closet, so to talk, till after the fifth 12 months after I was cancer-free,” he advised the outlet. He mentioned he lastly opened up about his expertise throughout a star golf match that was elevating cash for a cell breast most cancers diagnostic unit.