Current:Home > Scams‘Shaft’ star Richard Roundtree, considered the ‘first Black action’ movie hero, has died at 81 -FinanceMind
‘Shaft’ star Richard Roundtree, considered the ‘first Black action’ movie hero, has died at 81
View
Date:2025-04-23 11:37:34
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Richard Roundtree, the trailblazing Black actor who starred as the ultra-smooth private detective “Shaft” in several films beginning in the early 1970s, has died. He was 81.
Roundtree’s longtime manager, Patrick McMinn, said the actor had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday. He was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and underwent a double mastectomy.
“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men,” McMinn said. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”
Roundtree was considered as the “first Black action hero” and became one of the leading actors in the blaxploitation genre through his New York street smart John Shaft character in the Gordon Parks-directed film. At age 28, it was Roundtree’s first feature film appearance after starting his career as a model.
Roundtree’s “Shaft” was part of a change in how Black movies were viewed in Hollywood, which failed to consider Black actors – especially for leading roles — in projects at the time. The blaxploitation films were primarily aimed at the African American audiences.
In the film, his character navigated the world of thugs. He regularly whipped out popular one-liners like “It’s my duty to please that booty.”
Isaac Hayes’ “Shaft” theme song — which included the line “You a bad mother— (Shut your mouth)” — helped insinuate the original movie into the pop-cult consciousness.
After the film’s success, Roundtree returned in sequels “Shaft’s Big Score” in 1972 and “Shaft in Africa” in 1973. That same year, he played the savvy detective once again on the CBS television series “Shaft,” which lasted only seven episodes.
Roundtree reprised his role in the 2000 “Shaft” film, a revival that starred Samuel L. Jackson. He appeared as Jackson’s uncle in the big-budget film that was aimed at the general audience. Both appeared again in the same roles in the 2019 film starring Jessie T. Usher.
Through his 50-plus year career, Roundtree appeared in a number other notable films including “Earthquake,” “Man Friday” with Peter O’Toole, “Roots,” “Maniac Cop” “Se7en” and “What Men Want” starring Taraji P. Henson. He also made his mark with television roles on “Magnum P.I.,” “The Love Boat,” “Being Mary Jane” and “The Love Boat.”
In 1995, Roundtree received a lifetime achievement award at the MTV Movie & TV awards.
veryGood! (172)
Related
- All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
- The Justice Department adds to suits against Norfolk Southern over the Ohio derailment
- One winning ticket sold for $1.08 billion Powerball jackpot - in Los Angeles
- Inside Clean Energy: Indian Point Nuclear Plant Reaches a Contentious End
- Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
- It takes a few dollars and 8 minutes to create a deepfake. And that's only the start
- Global Methane Pledge Offers Hope on Climate in Lead Up to Glasgow
- Lewis Capaldi Taking Break From Touring Amid Journey With Tourette Syndrome
- Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan
- Here's how Barbie's Malibu Dreamhouse would need to be redesigned to survive as California gets even warmer
Ranking
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Kidnapped Texas girl rescued in California after holding up help me sign inside car
- Inside Clean Energy: Yes, We Can Electrify Almost Everything. Here’s What That Looks Like.
- Janet Yellen says the U.S. is ready to protect depositors at small banks if required
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- As Passover nears, New York's AG warns Jewish customers about car wash price gouging
- Chrissy Teigen and John Legend Welcome Baby Boy via Surrogate
- The Biden administration sells oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico
Recommendation
The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
Discover These 16 Indiana Jones Gifts in This Treasure-Filled Guide
Why are Hollywood actors on strike?
Warming Trends: Why Walking Your Dog Can Be Bad for the Environment, Plus the Sexism of Climate Change and Taking Plants to the Office
Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
6 things to know about heat pumps, a climate solution in a box
A New Hampshire beauty school student was found dead in 1981. Her killer has finally been identified.
Producer sues Fox News, alleging she's being set up for blame in $1.6 billion suit