List of Richard Roundtree Movies

Richard Arnold Roundtree, born on July 9, 1942, in New Rochelle, New York, left an indelible mark on the world of American cinema as a trailblazing actor. He was a prominent figure during the era of blaxploitation films, best known for his iconic portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 classic "Shaft" and its subsequent sequels. Considered the "first Black action hero," Roundtree's impact on the film industry extended beyond his performances. His bold and charismatic portrayal of Shaft broke stereotypes and paved the way for African American actors to take on leading roles in Hollywood. Before Shaft, Black men in films were often depicted as mild-mannered or subservient, but Roundtree's Shaft challenged these stereotypes and presented a strong, confident, and heroic Black protagonist. Roundtree's journey into the world of entertainment began in New Rochelle, where he attended high school before graduating in 1961. He later enrolled at Southern Illinois University but decided to leave college in 1963 to pursue his passion for acting.

His professional career started in 1963 when he became a model for the Ebony Fashion Fair, showcasing a range of products from hair grease to cigarettes. His breakthrough into acting came with his portrayal of boxer Jack Johnson in the Negro Ensemble Company's production of "The Great White Hope."In 1971, Roundtree made his mark on the big screen as John Shaft in the film "Shaft," launching him into stardom. He reprised this role in several sequels, including "Shaft's Big Score!" (1972) and "Shaft in Africa" (1973), as well as in the eponymous television series that aired from 1973 to 1974. Despite the challenges faced by Black actors in Hollywood, Roundtree continued to break barriers. His contributions extended to television, where he appeared in significant shows like "Roots," "Generations," and "Desperate Housewives."In the 1990s, Roundtree faced a period of mixed critical reception for his film projects, but he found success in stage plays. He continued to make notable television appearances in series such as "Beverly Hills, 90210," "The Closer," and "Heroes."

His personal life included two marriages and divorces, with a total of five children. In 1993, Roundtree confronted health challenges when he was diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing a double mastectomy and chemotherapy. Richard Roundtree's last years were filled with a variety of roles, including appearances in "What Men Want" (2019) and reprising his iconic character in the 2019 sequel to "Shaft." He also had a recurring role in the series "Family Reunion."

On October 24, 2023, at the age of 81, Richard Roundtree passed away at his Los Angeles home due to pancreatic cancer. His legacy endures not only as an actor but as a pioneer who transformed the landscape of Black representation in cinema. Roundtree's contributions will be remembered for generations to come, marking him as a true trailblazer in the world of film and television.

Richard Roundtree All Movies List

Television