“Shaft” star Richard Roundtree dies at 81 after cancer battle

Richard Roundtree, the actor best known for playing John Shaft across multiple Shaft projects, has died from pancreatic cancer at age 81. His agent Patrick McMinn confirmed the news to EW, stating, "Richard's work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film. The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated."

Roundtree is one of the rare actors whose first movie role instantly shot him to icon status, as his role in 1971's blaxploitation classic Shaft quickly became his defining performance. The actor imbued the character with seemingly effortless confidence and total command over any situation, no matter how difficult, making him one of the most compelling action heroes of the 1970s.

Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images Richard Roundtree as John Shaft

Roundtree reprised the role in 1972's Shaft's Big Score! and 1973's Shaft in Africa, as well as John Singleton's 2000 follow-up starring Samuel L. Jackson and Tim Story's 2019 sequel. He also appeared in seven made-for-TV Shaft movies in 1973 and 1974.

Roundtree also played supporting roles in films like Se7en, George of the Jungle, Earthquake, Speed Racer, What Men Want, Brick, and Steel. He most recently appeared in the comedy Moving On alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, which was released in March. He also appeared in numerous prominent TV shows and miniseries as well, including Roots, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, 21 Jump Street, Alias, Desperate Housewives, and Grey's Anatomy.

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images Richard Roundtree

After news of Roundtree's death, Samuel L. Jackson, who played John Shaft Jr. to Roundtree's John Shaft Sr in the 2000 and 2019 revivals, posted a tribute to the actor on Instagram. "Richard Roundtree, The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It!! SHAFT, as we know it is & will always be His Creation!!," Jackson wrote. "His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I'm sure a lotta y'all's, too🤎👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾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, "That Cat SHAFT Is A Bad Mutha, Shutcho Mouth!! But I'm Talkin' Bout SHAFT!! THEN WE CAN DIGIT"

Roundtree is survived by his five children.

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