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Richard Roundtree, lead of the 1970s Shaft franchise and TV series Roots, has died at age 81, People reported.
Roundtree's manager Patrick Mann confirmed that the actor died of pancreatic cancer on Tuesday. He was surrounded by his family. The actor had previously been diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993. He underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy.
The actor's agency release a statement to the magazine, saying, “Artists & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree.”
“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,” the statement concluded.
His Being Mary Jane co-star Gabrielle Union posted a tribute on X (formerly Twitter), “Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang with him & our Being Mary Jane family was always a good ass time with the best stories & laughs.”
The actor was in the TV series Roots where he played Sam Bennett.
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Roundtree's turn as private detective John Shaft in 1971 film earned him the moniker “the first Black action hero.” He went on to star in its sequels, Shaft's Big Score! and Shaft in Africa.
The franchise was briefly revived in the 2019 and 2020 television films, both entitled Shaft. This time, Roundtree was joined by Samuel L. Jackson as his nephew. The 2020 sequel was Roundtree's last turn as the elder John Shaft before his death.
He was on season 2 of Ava DuVernay's Cherish the Day on OWN. His last released movie was 2022's Moving On with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda.
