Richard Roundtree
Acting

Richard Roundtree

Born 9 July 1942 · New Rochelle, New York, USA · Died 24 October 2023

Richard Arnold Roundtree (July 9, 1942 – October 24, 2023) was an American actor. He is noted as being "the first black action hero" for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft, and its four sequels, released between 1972 and 2019. For his performance in the original film, he was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor in 1972. Roundtree died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Los Angeles. He was cremated at Chapel of the Pines Crematory. His family hosted a memorial service for him at Saint Catherine African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Rochelle, New York on February 17, 2024.

Known for

Se7en
Grey's Anatomy
The Mentalist
Heroes
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Chicago Fire
George of the Jungle
Desperate Housewives
Shaft
Speed Racer
What Men Want
Shaft
Thelma
Moving On
Haunting of the Mary Celeste
Shaft
What Men Want
A Family Reunion Christmas
Collar
Retreat!
The Confidant
Whatever She Wants
Set Apart
Diary of a Single Mom
Speed Racer
Ladies of the House
Final Approach
Speed Racer: Wonderful World of Racing - The Amazing Racer Family
All The Days Before Tomorrow
Point of Entry
Wild Seven
Brick
Painkiller Jane
Max Havoc: Curse Of The Dragon
Men Cry in the Dark
Vegas Vampires
Al's Lads
Joe and Max
Boat Trip
Antitrust
Corky Romano
Hawaiian Gardens
Shaft
Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years
George of the Jungle
Steel
Any Place But Home
Original Gangstas
Once Upon a Time... When We Were Colored
Se7en
Theodore Rex
Bonanza: Under Attack
Ballistic
Body of Influence
Mind Twister
Shadows of Desire
Black as the Heart
Amityville: A New Generation
Sins of the Night
Deadly Rivals
Bonanza: The Return
Christmas in Connecticut
Bloodfist III: Forced to Fight
A Time to Die
The Banker
Bad Jim
Gypsy Angels
Crack House
Night Visitor
Miami Cops
Maniac Cop
Angel III: The Final Chapter
Party Line
Getting Even
Daddy Can't Read
Opposing Force
Jocks
The Fifth Missile
City Heat
The Baron and the Kid
Killpoint
Young Warriors
The Big Score
Just an Overnight Guest
Q
One Down, Two to Go
An Eye for an Eye
Inchon
Escape to Athena
Portrait of a Hitman
Day of the Assassin
Game for Vultures
Man Friday
Diamonds
Earthquake
Shaft in Africa
Charley-One-Eye
Firehouse
Shaft's Big Score!
Embassy
Shaft
What Do You Say to a Naked Lady?
Richard Roundtree · Midrow