Africa-Press – Ethiopia. Richard Roundtree, the actor who played the iconic action hero Shaft, has died at 81 from pancreatic cancer on 24 October. Roundtree died at his home in Los Angeles, California.
His manager, Patrick McMinn, announced Roundtree’s death through a statement; McMinn has worked with Roundtree since 1987.
“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,” McMinn said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The 1971 film Shaft cemented Roundtree as “the first black action hero”, where he plays a skilful and cool detective. The film is equally remembered for its influential soundtrack by Isaac Hayes.
Shaft was a central work in ushering in the highly impactful Blaxploitation film movement, along with Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song.
Shaft also had a series of sequels and reboots that followed, including Shaft’s Big Score! and Shaft in Africa. The reboot saw Samuel L Jackson being the successor to Roundtree’s role.
Roundtree was born in New Rochelle, New York. He dropped out of college to start his acting career in 1963. He was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993.
Other actors have poured out their tributes to Roundtree, including Jackson and Gabrielle Union.
“Richard Roundtree, The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It!! SHAFT, as we know it is & will always be His Creation[sic],” Jackson posted on Instagram. “His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too. [sic]”
“Love you, Brother, I see you walking down the Middle of Main Street in Heaven & Isaac’s Conducting your song,[sic]” Jackson continued.
“Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang with him & our Being Mary Jane family was always a good ass time with the best stories & laughs,” Union, who worked with him on BET’s Being Mary Jane, wrote on X.
“He was ALWAYS the coolest man in the room with the BEST vibes & [people] would literally run over to come see him. He was simply the best & we all loved him,” Union added.
Actor Tia Mowry posted a tribute to Instagram, “I have 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.”
“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,” she wrote.
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