– Richard Roundtree passes away at 81
– Known for his role as detective John Shaft
– Starred in several Sequels and TV adaptations
The famous actor Richard Roundtree, best known for his iconic role as detective John Shaft, has passed away at the age of 81. Roundtree rose to fame with his groundbreaking performance in the 1971 movie “Shaft,” which spawned several sequels and television adaptations.
In the movie, Roundtree portrayed John Shaft, a tough, street-smart private detective who fought against crime while navigating the seedy underworld of Harlem. The movie was considered groundbreaking at the time of its release, as it was one of the first films to feature a black action hero. Roundtree reprised his role as John Shaft in several sequels, including “Shaft’s Big Score!” (1972) and “Shaft in Africa” (1973), as well as the short-lived CBS TV series “Shaft” (1973-1974).
Throughout his acting career, Roundtree played roles in a variety of TV and film projects. Some notable appearances include the TV series “The Love Boat,” “MacGyver,” and “Desperate Housewives.” He also starred in movies such as “Earthquake” (1974), “Charley One-Eye” (1973), and “City Heat” (1984).
Richard Roundtree will be remembered for his trailblazing work in the film industry and his unforgettable portrayal of the influential character, John Shaft.