Iconic Actor Richard Roundtree, Best Known as John Shaft, Passes Away at 81

Richard Roundtree, celebrated for his portrayal of the suave and charismatic detective John Shaft in the groundbreaking 1971 film “Shaft,” has sadly passed away at the age of 81. His representative, Patrick McMinn, confirmed that the legendary actor succumbed to a brief battle with pancreatic cancer on Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles.

With a remarkable career spanning over five decades, Roundtree became a household name with his role in “Shaft,” which marked his feature film debut. The film’s resounding success led to two sequels, “Shaft’s Big Score!” and “Shaft in Africa,” in the subsequent years. His iconic portrayal continued in 2000 with “Shaft,” where he handed the baton to Samuel L. Jackson and made a triumphant return to the franchise in the 2019 installment also titled “Shaft.” Samuel L. Jackson, who took on the Shaft mantle, paid tribute to Roundtree, acknowledging him as “The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It.”

Beyond the “Shaft” series, Roundtree made notable appearances in various television shows, including “Roots” and recurring roles in “Generations,” “Heroes,” and the BET series “Being Mary Jane.” In addition to his illustrious career, Roundtree demonstrated incredible resilience when he privately battled breast cancer in 1993, sharing his experience only after being cancer-free for five years. His openness about his journey aimed to raise awareness and support for breast cancer research.

Richard Roundtree’s passing has left a significant void in the world of cinema and television, as he will forever be remembered for his contributions to the entertainment industry and his enduring legacy as the original Shaft.

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