Richard Roundtree, Star of “Shaft,” Is Dead at 81. What You Should Know About His Cancer.
ACTOR RICHARD ROUNDTREE, the iconic private detective from the 1970s action film “Shaft,” is dead at 81. As a doctor who treats individuals with cancer, I want to explore what you should know about the man and his cancer.
I remember the movie’s theme song, written and performed by Isaac Hayes. The song won the 1972 Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Roundtree recently died from pancreatic cancer. While he had many leading roles, I am most impressed with his role in shining a spotlight on male breast cancer.
The actor received a breast cancer diagnosis in 1993. Before we talk about that, let’s step back in time to visit his film career.
Action Hero Roundtree
Roundtree is considered by many to be the first Black American action hero.
With his role as the street-smart John Shaft character in the Gordon Parks-directed film in 1971, Roundtree became a leading actor in the blaxploitation genre.
Remarkably, the role was his first feature film appearance after beginning his career as a model.
