Richard Roundtree, the charming actor who boldly paved the way for a new era of Black cinema and performers with his unforgettable portrayal of the resolute private investigator John Shaft – a man who never flinches in the face of danger – passed away on Tuesday. He leaves behind a ground-breaking legacy at the age of 81.
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He passed away at his Los Angeles home, falling victim to pancreatic cancer, his manager, Patrick McMinn, told The Hollywood Reporter.
In 1993, he faced a breast cancer diagnosis, which prompted him to undergo a double mastectomy. He underscored the fact that breast cancer recognizes no gender recognitions, a perspective he repeated four years later.
“And men have this cavalier attitude about health issues. I got such positive feedback because I spoke out about it, and it’s been quite a number of years now. I’m a survivor.”
Artists & Representatives, the agency that had the honour of representing the late actor, expressed in a statement to Deadline, “His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time”
The tributes to Roundtree poured in from all corners, with Sheryl Lee Ralph, the star of “Abbott Elementary,” fondly remembering him as a “wonderful human being.”
“Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream…He was simply the best & we all loved him,” Actress Gabrielle Union tweeted.
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Who was Richard Roundtree?
Richard Roundtree, acclaimed as the “inaugural Black action hero,” portrayed private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film “Shaft” and its four sequels, from 1972 to 2019. His role in the original film earned him a 1972 Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year – Actor.
In the early 1960s, he embarked on a journey to Southern Illinois University on a football scholarship. Yet, fuelled by ambition, he daringly left college early to explore the realm of modelling. The turning point came in 1967 when he joined the Negro Ensemble Company, propelling his illustrious acting career.
In the 2010s, a new generation of viewers had the pleasure of rediscovering his talents as he portrayed Gabrielle Union’s on-screen father in the BET series “Being Mary Jane.”
The year 2019 witnessed Roundtree’s return to the big screen with notable appearances in the comedy film “What Men Want.” He also reprised his iconic role as John Shaft in “Shaft,” a sequel to the 2000 film, alongside Samuel L. Jackson and Jessie Usher, who portrayed John Shaft II and John Shaft III. In this chapter, Roundtree’s character transitioned to become Jackson’s character’s father, while recognizing his earlier role as Jackson’s Shaft’s uncle in the 2000 movie. Additionally, Roundtree graced the film “Family Reunion” in 2019.