Samuel L. Jackson, Gabrielle Union and More Pay Tribute to Richard Roundtree: 'The Coolest Man in the Room'

"His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too," Jackson wrote

Samuel L. Jackson, Gabrielle Union and many others are mourning Richard Roundtree, who died Tuesday at 81.

The legendary actor, known for leading the Blaxploitation charge with his portrayal of private eye John Shaft in the 1970s Shaft movies, died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Los Angeles, his manager, Patrick McMinn, confirmed to PEOPLE.

“Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream,” Union wrote on X. “Getting to hang with him & our Being Mary Jane family was always a good a-- time with the best stories & laughs. He was ALWAYS the coolest man in the room with the BEST vibes & ppl would literally run over to come see him. He was simply the best & we all loved him. #RIPRichardRoundtree."

The two worked alongside each other on BET’s drama Being Mary Jane, in which Roundtree played Union's on-screen father.

“Richard Roundtree, The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It!!” Jackson wrote on Instagram, paying homage to his costar.

He shared a photo of himself with Roundtree, dressed in matching gear for their 2019 reboot of the Shaft franchise.

“SHAFT, as we know it is & will always be His Creation!! His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too🤎👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾,” Jackson wrote in a heartfelt tribute. “Love you Brother, I see you walking down the Middle of Main Street in Heaven & Issac’s Conducting your song🎶🎶👊🏾coat blowin’ in wind!!”

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Tia Mowry, who worked with Roundtree on the Netflix series Family Reunion, said she had "no words for this loss."

"Richard, you have made such a lasting impact on my life. I am forever grateful for your warm energy, your light, your heart, and your incredible wisdom 🕊️," she wrote on Instagram. "I will miss you and our times together in our trailers - you teaching me the right way to take down some whiskey. I love you."

"Thank you for blessing this world with your gifts 🙏🏿 Rest in Power #RichardRoundtree," Mowry continued.

Jeffery Wright, who also starred in the 2000 Shaft film with Roundtree and Jackson, responded to the news of the actor’s passing as well.

“The OG. And a lovely man. RIP,” he tweeted.

As news of Roundtree’s death continued to spread, others reflected on his impact.

Related: Samuel L. Jackson Shares Spotlight with Original 'Shaft' Star Richard Roundtree at Reboot's Premiere

Loni Love expressed what watching Roundtree as she grew up meant to her.

“Sad to hear of the passing of Richard Roundtree.. He was fabulous as John Shaft at a time when there were few leading Black men in film. He put the sexy and cool in being a detective. Rest well. Condolences to his family,” the former talk show host posted on X.

Sheryl Lee Ralph also shared her condolences.

"When I was a teenager I use to dream about growing up to meet Richard Roundtree," the Abbott Elementary star wrote on X. "I did and what a wonderful human being."

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