As the star of Shaft, Richard Roundtree helped change the course of Hollywood history. He was 81.
Richard Roundtree, the iconic star of Shaft, which helped explode the mainstream popularity of Black cinema in the 1970s, has died. Roundtree, who survived breast cancer in the early 90s, was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His agency confirmed the actor’s death to Deadline. He was 81. Born on July 9, 1942, in New Rochelle, New York, Roundtree was the son of a garbage collector and a nurse.
Though other actors attempted to put their stamp on the character, Roundtree’s control, charisma, and striking appearance in his leather trenchcoat and turtleneck remained a necessary component, personifying the laidback, sexy cool evoked in Isaac Hayes’ iconic, Oscar-winning theme. Shaft launched a steady and successful career for the actor, who continued to star in films big and small.
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