Famous “Shaft” actor, Richard Roundtree, died Monday at the age of 81 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
His manager Patrick McMinn confirmed he died in his home in Los Angeles, and said his family was by his side when he passed away, according to TMZ.
The passing of Richard Roundtree is a real blow. Loved being around him, learning, working, laughing & feeling Blessed to have an idol live up to who I expected him to be!! Thanks for making us feel REAL GOOD about ourselves!
Rest In Power‼️‼️‼️👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾🤎🤎 pic.twitter.com/yQq6SXyn9K— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) October 25, 2023
Roundtree was a well-respected actor whose talents shone on the big screen. He was most famously known for playing the role of detective John Shaft in the original “Shaft” movie franchise. He acted in the very first “Shaft” film in 1971, and went on to reprise his role again in 1972, for the sequel, “Shaft’s Big Score!”
The talented star rejoined the team once more in 1973 to film the trilogy, “Shaft In Africa,” according to TMZ.
He fully embodied his role, and returned to star in the 1973 “Shaft” television series, leaving his mark on the small screen in a big way.
Many regarded Roundtree as the first Black action hero to be recognized in Hollywood. His many accolades include a nomination for the New Star of the Year at the Golden Globe Awards.
Richard Roundtree, who broke ground with his signature role in the Shaft movie franchise, passed away this afternoon, Oct. 24, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer with his family at his bedside. He was 81 https://t.co/NZADCAUGmF pic.twitter.com/u5AhWcdi0M
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) October 25, 2023
When it came time to film the “Shaft” remake in 2000, Roundtree joined forces with Samuel L. Jackson and again shone in his role. It came as no surprise to fans that he also starred in the 2019 version of the movie, according to TMZ.
The actor also played the role of Sam Bennett in the “Roots” miniseries. (RELATED: ‘Harry Potter’ Film Editor Dead At 68)
His most recent work included playing the father of Gabrielle Union in the drama series “Being Mary Jane.”
Samuel L. Jackson shared a message online, honoring his friend and colleague.
“The passing of Richard Roundtree is a real blow. Loved being around him, learning, working, laughing & feeling Blessed to have an idol live up to who I expected him to be!!” he said.
“Thanks for making us feel REAL GOOD about ourselves! Rest In Power‼️‼️‼️👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾🤎🤎”
Fans, family and friends are continuing to pay tribute to Roundtree on social media, as the world remembers a truly talented star with a decades-long career in the entertainment industry.