Richard Roundtree, known for bringing the iconic character John Shaft to life in cinemas, passed away this afternoon (24) at the age of 81. According to Deadline, the actor battled pancreatic cancer.
Roundtree was born in New York in 1942 and made a name for himself in the early 1970s by appearing in a number of blaxploitation films, including the cult film Wave (1971). He reprized the character in other films in the franchise, such as Shaft’s Great Heist (1972) and Shaft in Africa (1973), as well as the 1973 TV series of the same name, which lasted only one season.
For this role, Roundtree received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Newcomer in 1972 and made cinema history as the first black hero in action films.
Decades later, the actor appeared again as a detective in the 2000 revival of Shaft John Singleton and in the main role Samuel L. Jacksonas well as the 2019 sequel directed by Tim story.
In addition to his credits as a cinema icon, Roundtree appeared in films such as Fatal Point (1984), Seven (1995), George, King of the Forest (1997), The End of a Crime (2005), and Speed Racer (2008).
On television, the actor has played roles ranging from the acclaimed miniseries Raízes to contemporary series such as Um Maluco no Pedaço, Barrados no Baile, Heroes, Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy.
Roundtree has been married twice and leaves behind five children.
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