Reports indicate that Richard Roundtree, a stage and screen actor best remembered for his role as a tough-talking private detective in the 1971 film “Shaft,” has passed away. He was 81.
Roundtree’s manager, Patrick McMinn, issued a statement to Variety confirming the news. According to McMinn, the actor lost his fight with pancreatic cancer on Tuesday afternoon.
“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film,” McMinn said. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.” In an effort to get a statement from the actor, CNN has contacted his camp.
Roundtree is one of just a handful of performers to ever receive top billing for his very first film role. His breakthrough portrayal as the title character in the 1971 Blaxploitation epic “Shaft” catapulted him into the public eye; the film’s success led to a number of sequels, a television series, and a 2019 relaunch starring Samuel L. Jackson.
Over the course of 50 years, the actor appeared in more than 150 films. Popular television shows that have included his or her work include “Roots,” “Desperate Housewives,” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” The films “Se7en,” “Speed Racer,” and “Brick” all featured Roundtree in supporting roles.
Union paid respect to Roundtree on X (previously Twitter) by sharing photos of themselves from their time in “Being Mary Jane.“
On Tuesday night, Jackson paid tribute to Roundtree on Instagram, calling him “The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It!!” Jackson and Roundtree costarred in the “Shaft” revival.
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 25, 2023
On Tuesday night, Jackson paid tribute to Roundtree on Instagram, calling him “The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It!!” Jackson and Roundtree costarred in the “Shaft” revival.
“His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too,” Jackson continued. “Love you Brother, I see you walking down the Middle of Main Street in Heaven & Issac’s Conducting your song coat blowin’ in wind!! Angels whispering.”
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