In a sombre moment for film enthusiasts worldwide, Hollywood legend Richard Roundtree, the iconic actor best known for his portrayal of the suave detective John Shaft, passed away at the age of 81.
Roundtree passed away on Tuesday, October 24 at his Los Angeles home, with his family by his side, according to his manager Patrick McMinn. He had been battling pancreatic cancer for a short time.
McMinn released a statement to Deadline shortly after Roundtree’s passing describing the iconic actor as a “trailblazing” artist.
“Artists & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree,” the statement read.
“His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring legacy will be felt for generations to come.
“Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Born on July 9, 1942, Roundtree initially ventured into the realm of entertainment through a series of modeling assignments before making his debut in the world of theatre.
Roundtree first captured the public’s imagination with his breakout role as John Shaft in the 1971 classic Shaft. His portrayal of the no-nonsense private investigator, who oozed charisma and toughness in equal measure, struck a chord with audiences and became an instant cultural touchstone.
Beyond the Shaft series, Roundtree’s career spanned multiple decades on both the big and small screens, sharing the spotlight with legends such as Laurence Olivier and Ben Gazzara in Inchon (1981) and making his mark in television series such as Roots (1977) and Generations (1989-1991).
His diverse roles showcased his versatility, be it as a private detective in City Heat (1984) or as the enigmatic Robinson Ashe Jr. in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1991). Roundtree continued his legacy through memorable appearances in acclaimed films like Seven (1995) and the 2000 remake of Shaft.
Fans and celebrities alike joined forces to pay tribute to Roundtree, with his Shaft co-star Samuel L. Jackson leading the way in honouring the late star.
Roundtree is survived by four daughters – Kelli, Nicole, Taylor, Morgan – his son John.