“Shaft” star Richard Roundtree has died at 81

Richard Roundtree (1942-2023) is dead. The actor who played private detective John Shaft in the “Shaft” films of the 1970s and became famous as a result died on Tuesday at the age of 81. citing Roundtree’s manager Patrick McMinn. Roundtree died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Los Angeles, it is said.

“His groundbreaking career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his lasting legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones at this difficult time,” said Artists & Representatives, the agency , who represented the late actor,

This is how Richard Roundtree became famous

Roundtree became famous in the 1971 film “Shaft,” about a private detective in New York’s Harlem neighborhood. He also reprized the role in several sequels and a short-lived television series. Roundtree also appeared in the 1977 miniseries “Roots” and other major projects of the time, including 1974’s “Earthquake.”

According to “IMDB.com”, Roundtree continued to work regularly in later years; he is said to have appeared as an actor in over 150 roles; three current projects have not yet been released.

He leaves behind five children

Richard Roundtree married twice and is survived by four daughters – Nicole, Tayler, Morgan and Kelli Roundtree – and his son James.

Many of Roundtree’s colleagues remembered the late actor on social media, including Samuel L. Jackson. The two were together in “Shaft – Any Questions?” (2000) and “Shaft” (2019). About Roundtree, among other things: “His death leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but certainly in many of you as well.”