‘Shaft’ Star Richard Roundtree, Considered The First Black Action Movie Hero, Has Died At 81

(LOS ANGELES) – Richard Roundtree, the pioneering actor who portrayed the ultra-smooth private detective in multiple “Shaft” films beginning in the early 1970s, has died. He was 81.

Patrick McMinn, Roundtree’s longtime manager, said the actor was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died on Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles. 1993, he was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy.

“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men,” McMinn told the audience. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”

Roundtree, born in New Rochelle, New York, was regarded as the first Black action hero and rose to prominence in the blaxploitation genre with his portrayal of New York street-smart John Shaft in the Gordon Parks-directed film in 1971. Roundtree made his first feature film appearance at 28 after beginning his modeling career.

Roundtree’s “Shaft” was part of a shift in how Black films were perceived in Hollywood, which had previously overlooked Black actors in productions, particularly for main roles. The majority of blaxploitation films were aimed at African-American viewers.

‘Shaft’ Star Richard Roundtree, Considered The First Black Action Movie Hero, Has Died At 81

His character in the film navigated the world of thugs. He was known for his catchphrases, such as “It’s my duty to please that booty.”

“What we were doing was a good, old Saturday afternoon shoot ’em up,” Roundtree told The Associated Press in 2000.

The “Shaft” theme song by Isaac Hayes, which includes the line “You a bad mother— (Shut your mouth),” helped cement the original film’s place in mainstream culture. The late vocalist, who died in 2008, said the song was “like the’shot heard round the world.” In 1971, his song received an Academy Award for Best Song and two Grammys the following year.

Following the popularity of the film, Roundtree reappeared in the sequels “Shaft’s Big Score” in 1972 and “Shaft in Africa” in 1973. That same year, he reprised his role as the astute detective in the CBS television series “Shaft,” which lasted only seven episodes.

Roundtree repeated his role in the remake of “Shaft” in 2000, starring Samuel L. Jackson. He played Jackson’s uncle in the big-budget film aimed at a broad audience. Both actors reprised their roles in the 2019 film starring Jessie T. Usher.

In a social media post, Jackson referred to Roundtree as a “prototype” and the “best to ever do it.”

“SHAFT, as we know it, is & will always be his Creation,” Roundtree said. “His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too.”

Richard featured in several other significant films during his 50-year career, including “Earthquake,” “Man Friday” with Peter O’Toole, “Roots,” “Maniac Cop,” “Se7en,” and “What Men Want” starring Taraji P. Henson. He also had recurring parts on “Magnum P.I.,” “The Love Boat,” “Being Mary Jane,” and “The Love Boat.”

Roundtree was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the MTV Movie & T.V. Awards 1995.

SOURCE – (AP)