Iconic Actor Richard Roundtree Passes Away at 81, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Excellence
Yesterday afternoon, on October 24, 2023, iconic movie actor Richard Roundtree passed away after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer at his Los Angeles home with his family at his bedside. He was 81. Richard Roundtree is noted as being “the first Black action hero” for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft. For his performance in the film, Richard Roundtree was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year — Actor in 1972. More than just a successful movie franchise, the Shaft films made the character a cultural hero and an icon of Black power onscreen and beyond. The Academy recognized this impact by awarding Isaac Hayes’ iconic “Theme from Shaft” the Oscar for Best Song — Original for the Picture that year.
The sudden death of Richard Roundtree sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry. Many people have expressed how much of an impact he had on their lives, including Hollywood superstar Samuel Jackson, who played the lead role in the 2000 John Singleton movie Shaft and its 2019 Tim Story-directed sequel.
“Richard Roundtree, The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It!! SHAFT, as we know it, is & will always be His Creation!!” Samuel L. Jackson wrote on his Instagram following Richard Roundtree’s death. “His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart but, I’m sure, a lotta y’all’s, too. Love you, Brother. I see you walking down the Middle of Main Street in Heaven & Issac’s Conducting your song coat blowin’ in wind!! Angels whispering, “That Cat SHAFT Is A Bad Mutha, Shutcho Mouth!! But I’m Talkin’ Bout SHAFT!! THEN WE CAN DIGIT!”
American actress and actor Gabrielle Union, who appeared in Being Mary Jane with Richard Roundtree, wrote on X, formerly known as 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. He was ALWAYS the coolest man in the room with the BEST vibes & people would literally run over to come see him. He was simply the best & we all loved him. #RIPRichardRoundtree.”
Richard Arnold Roundtree was born to John Roundtree and Kathryn Watkins on July 9, 1942, in New Rochelle, New York. He attended New Rochelle High School and played for the school’s undefeated and nationally-ranked football team. After graduating in 1961, he went on to attend Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois but dropped out in 1963 to pursue his passion for acting.
Around 1963, Richard Roundtree’s professional career took off as he began modeling for the Ebony Fashion Fair after being scouted by Eunice W. Johnson. This led to further modeling opportunities for products like Johnson Products’ Duke hair grease and Salem cigarettes. In 1967, he joined the Negro Ensemble Company and landed his first role as boxing legend Jack Johnson in the production of The Great White Hope. Richard also acted in the Off-Off-Broadway production of Mau Mau Room by J. E. Franklin at St. Mark’s Playhouse in 1969, directed by Shauneille Perry.
Richard Roundtree became a leading man in the early 1970s blaxploitation films. He is most famously known for portraying detective John Shaft in the iconic action movie Shaft (1971) and its sequels, Shaft’s Big Score! (1972) and Shaft in Africa (1973).
Throughout his historic career, Richard Roundtree has had the opportunity to showcase his talent and skills in several movies and TV shows. He appeared in popular titles such as City Heat, Generations, Se7en, George of the Jungle, Desperate Housewives, Brick, Heroes, and Diary of a Single Mom. He was also recognized for his outstanding performance in the series 413 Hope St. and won an NAACP Image Award. Additionally, he narrated the Peabody Award-winning docuseries The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow. In recent years, he has appeared in the series Cherish the Day and Family Reunion, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Richard Roundtree’s contribution to pop culture is immeasurable. He was a trailblazer for Black representation in Hollywood, and his iconic portrayal of John Shaft paved the way for future Black action heroes. The Shaft films made a lasting impact on cinema and society, with the character becoming a cultural hero and an icon of Black power onscreen and beyond. Richard Roundtree’s acting career spanned several decades, and he continued to showcase his talent and versatility in various movies and TV shows. His sudden death has left a deep void in the entertainment industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Rest In Power, Richard Roundtree! You were a Bad Motha…
By Shamarie Knight
