Famous for his role as the protagonist in the 1971 thriller “Shaft,” Richard Roundtree passed away at the age of 81 from pancreatic cancer.
In a 2000 sequel, Samuel L. Jackson portrayed Shaft’s nephew. He was among the first to express his condolences on social media, writing that his passing “creates a profound void.”
His manager informed U.S. publications Variety, Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline of his passing.
Roundtree rose to fame for his performance as the shrewd private investigator John Shaft, and the acclaimed musical introduction by Isaac Hayes also received an Academy Award.
Impact on Film and Cultural History
Blaxploitation films, produced in the 1970s by black personnel and actors for black audiences, were most notably exemplified in “Shaft.” These films subsequently exerted an influence on filmmakers including Quentin Tarantino.
A Harlem gangster hires Roundtree’s character to rescue his daughter, and despite having a modest budget, the film became an unexpected success.
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In 1972 and 1973, respectively, “Shaft’s Big Score” and “Shaft In Africa” were released, in addition to a limited television series.
Career and Legacy
“Richard’s work and career marked a turning point for African American male actors in leading roles,” said Patrick McMinn, his manager, in an interview with Variety.
“The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”
Roundtree joined a black theatre company and started modelling in his early 20s before playing Shaft at 28.
In addition, from 1989 to 1991, he appeared on the soap opera “Generations” and the landmark miniseries “Roots,” which was inspired by the American slavery era, both of which aired in 1977.
Reprising the Iconic Role
In the 2000 film of the same name, which also featured Samuel L. Jackson as Shaft’s nephew, and the 2019 Netflix film that continued the franchise, Roundtree reprised his role as Shaft.
Jackson called Roundtree “The Prototype” on Instagram and said his death “creates a profound void.”
Roundtree has also appeared in 1984’s “City Heat” alongside Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds in the film “Inchon,” both of which starred Laurence Olivier.
Roundtree has two children from his two marriages: four daughters and one son.
