Tributes Paid To Late Shaft Star Richard Roundtree

Tributes have been paid to the late actor and Shaft star Richard Roundtree, who has died aged 81.

Roundtree, who starred as the New York street savvy titular private investigator Shaft in the early 1970s, was hailed as a trailblazing actor who changed the way that black films were viewed in Hollywood, who would have discounted black actors for leading roles in projects at the time.

Directed by 1971, the Gordon Parks directed Shaft, proved to be a major success, especially it's theme track, which won several awards, including an Academy Award from Best Song, as well as a Golden Globe for Best Original Score.

The film also scooped up three Grammy Awards, including Best Instrumental Composition.

Following this success, Richard Roundtree also starred in the sequels, Shaft’s Big Score in 1972 and Shaft In Africa in 1973.

Other films which Roundtree starred in also include, Earthquake, Man Friday with Peter O'Toole, Roots, Maniac Cop and Se7en and television roles in Magnum P.I., Being Mary Jane and The Love Boat.

Samuel L Jackson who starred in the 2000 revival Shaft, paid a moving tribute to Roundtree.

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See more tributes below.

The Hayes family would like to share our sadness with the loss of Richard Roundtree, a true icon.

His legendary role as SHAFT, transcended the screen, defining an era.

Rest in power, Richard. 🕊️ #RichardRoundtree #Legend” pic.twitter.com/gmgTTAeVFZ

— Isaac Hayes (@isaachayes) October 25, 2023

Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang with him & our Being Mary Jane family was always a good ass time with the best stories & laughs. He was ALWAYS the coolest man in the room with the BEST vibes & ppl would literally run over to come see him. He was simply… pic.twitter.com/1N8fHVDsA6

— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 25, 2023

My heart hurts to hear this beautiful legendary actor/actor/pioneer has passed. Blessed to have known him and worked with him on 21 Jump Street AND Hangin With Mr. Cooper.
I gave him his flowers every chance I got 💐
Rest In Peace, Richard Roundtree #giant #icon #Shaft 💔🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/oRpoVg8MvX

— Holly Robinson Peete 💃🏾♍️ (@hollyrpeete) October 25, 2023

Richard Roundtree's death was confirmed by his long time manager, Patrick McMinn, who said that the actor was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He died aged 81.

He is survived by four daughters and one son. He was married twice.