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Richard Roundtree, best known for his film role as the private eye John Shaft, has unfortunately passed away at the age of 81.
Roundtree died in his home in Los Angeles due to pancreatic cancer, with the deeply saddening news passed on by his manager Patrick McMinn.
It’s reported that Richard Roundtree has been diagnosed with breast cancer several years ago, as was open out his diagnosis, using it to encourage men to ensure they’re in good health with regular check-ups, and not to not ignore worrying signs.
Roundtree once said: “Breast cancer is not gender specific … And men have this cavalier attitude about health issues. I got such positive feedback because I spoke out about it, and it’s been quite a number of years now. I’m a survivor.”
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In his career, Richard Roundtree was known for a number of roles, many of which are praised for tackling or subverting social issues like ethnic equality.
One such role was in the 1995 romance and drama film Once Upon a Time … When We Were Colored, a story about a Black Mississippi family, who fight against inequality faced in the south of the US. An interesting fact about this film is Roundtree’s father has refused to see any of his son’s films, but apparently made an exception for Once Upon a Time … When We Were Colored.
However, Roundtree’s most famous role is undoubtedly his portrayal of the suave and street-smart detective, John Shaft, from the film series of the same name.
The films would see the private eye take on several crucial cases, with the first film’s plot revolving around the kidnapping of his own daughter, who was taken by a mobster operating in Harlem.
The film received two sequels, and was rebooted in 2000, where the role was handed over to Samuel L. Jackson.