Richard Roundtree, the “Shaft” star who was a pioneer for other black filmmakers and performers, has died.
He was 81.
Roundtree passed away Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles of pancreatic cancer, his manager, Patrick McMinn, confirmed to The Post on Wednesday.
His family was by his side.
“Artists & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree,” his agency added in a statement.
“His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Roundtree struggled with his health over the years. He was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and had a double mastectomy after finding a lump on his chest while filming on location in Costa Rica.
“The doctor told me, ‘You have breast cancer,'” Roundtree recalled in 2007.
“I heard the cancer part first — it was only later that I heard the breast part. I couldn’t believe it.”
Roundtree in 1971’s “Shaft.” ZUMAPRESS.com
Roundtree in 1972’s “Shaft’s Big Score!” Getty Images
Roundtree in 1971’s “Shaft.” Courtesy Everett Collection
Roundtree was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and had a double mastectomy after finding a lump on his chest while filming on location in Costa Rica. Courtesy Everett Collection
Roundtree’s most recent credit was this year’s “Collar — Directors Cut.” ZUMAPRESS.com“Shaft,” considered to be one of the premier films within the 1970s-era Blaxploitation genre, earned Roundtree a Golden Globe nomination in 1972. He later received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1995 MTV Movie and TV Awards.
Roundtree’s other notable credits include “Roots,” “Once Upon a Time … When We Were Colored,” “Man Friday,” “Shaft’s Big Score!” and “Shaft in Africa,” as well as “Earthquake,” “Escape to Athena,” “Opposing Force,” “Maniac Cop,” “Seven,” George of the Jungle,” “Corky Romano,” “Brick,” “Speed Racer,” and “What Men Want.”
His most recent credit was this year’s “Collar — Directors Cut.”
Richard Roundtree died Tuesday of pancreatic cancer. Getty Images
Lance Gross, Richard Roundtree, and Benjamin Bratt in the “Take it to Church” episode of “Star.” FOX Image Collection via Getty Images
Samuel L. Jackson and Richard Roundtree visit SiriusXM Studios on June 10, 2019, in New York City. Getty ImagesRoundtree was married to Mary Jane Grant from 1963 to 1973. He then married Karen Michelle Ciernia in 1980 and divorced in 1998.
Roundtree in a publicity still for the 1972 movie “Shaft’s Big Score.” ZUMAPRESS.comHe is survived by his daughters Kelli, Nicole, Tayler and Morgan, and a son, John.
