‘Shaft’ Star Richard Roundtree Dead at 81

Richard Roundtree, well-known for taking part in the lead function in “Shaft,” is useless after a battle with most cancers.

The actor died Monday because of pancreatic most cancers, based on his supervisor Patrick McMinn. We’re informed Richard was recognized two months in the past, and his household was with him when he died at his house in Los Angeles.

Richard is greatest recognized for taking part in detective John Shaft within the unique ‘Shaft’ film franchise … together with the 1971 OG movie, “Shaft,” the 1972 sequel “Shaft’s Big Score!” and 1973 trilogy, “Shaft In Africa.”

RR was considered the primary Black motion hero in Hollywood … and his breakthrough efficiency in “Shaft” noticed him nominated for New Star of the Yr on the Golden Globe Awards.

The face of the ‘Shaft’ franchise, Richard additionally starred within the 1973 ‘Shaft’ TV collection.

When ‘Shaft’ obtained a remake in 2000, Richard reprised his function as John Shaft alongside Samuel L Jackson, who performs Shaft’s nephew. He additionally performs the character within the 2019 model.

Richard additionally had a job within the well-known “Roots” miniseries … enjoying the function of Sam Bennett.

Extra just lately, Richard performed Gabrielle Union‘s father within the drama collection “Being Mary Jane.”

Gabrielle says working with Richard “was a dream” … and he or she’s remembering him as “the coolest man in the room with the BEST vibes.” She says of us “would literally come over to see him.”

The final time we talked to Richard was in 2018 when he informed us about filming ‘Shaft’ reboots with Samuel L.

Richard was 81.