Legendary actor Richard Roundtree has passed away at the age of 81.
According to reports, Roundtree was battling pancreatic cancer and succumbed to the disease on Monday evening. The actor was diagnosed two months ago and his family was with him when he passed away in his Los Angeles home.
Richard Roundtree is best known for his role as detective John Shaft in the original “Shaft” movie franchise. He would be known as the first Black action star in Hollywood. He would go on to play Shaft in the television series as well. In the 2000 and 2019 remakes of “Shaft”, he would reprise his role as John Shaft.
Since then he has starred in numerous movies and television shows such as “Roots: The Miniseries”, “Being Mary Jane”, and “Family Reunion.”
Many of his former co-stars and loved ones shared their love for Richard Roundtree via social media. See what they had to say below.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.