In Memoriam

In Memoriam : Richard Roundtree, Shaft star, dies at 81

Richard Roundtree, a pioneer in cinema, has passed away at the age of 81.

Published

1 year ago

October 24, 2023

UVM Staff

Publicity photo of Richard Roundtree from the television program Shaft/CBS Television)

Richard Roundtree, a pioneer in cinema, has passed away at the age of 81 from pancreatic cancer.

Passing

Roundtree passed Tuesday afternoon, his manager, Patrick McMinn, confirmed to Deadline.

Richard Roundtree was an icon

A Blaxploitation icon, Roundtree was most celebrated for his role as John Shaft in the 1971 film “Shaft” and its sequels.

A native of New Rochelle, New York, Roundtree’s journey started in modeling and then he seamlessly transitioned into a distinquished acting career.

Beyond “Shaft,” Roundtree showcased his acting prowess in films such as “Earthquake,” “Man Friday,” and TV series like “Fresh Prince of Bel Air”, “Roc” and “Being Mary Jane.”

Richard Roundtree was respected among his peers

Roundtree was recognized for his talents, being honored with various accolades. He is the recipient of an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his work in “Shaft”. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

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Related Topics:Black films celebrity deaths films

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Unheard Voices is an award-winning news magazine that started in 2004 as a newsletter in the Asbury Park, Neptune, and Long Branch, NJ areas to broadening into a recognized Black online media outlet. The company is one of the few outlets dedicated to covering social justice issues. They are the recipient of the NAACP Unsung Hero Award and CV Magazine's Innovator Award for Best Social Justice Communications Company.