"Shaft Star Richard Roundtree Passes Away at 81"

Richard Roundtree, the actor best known for his role in the Shaft film franchise, has passed away at the age of 81. He died at his Los Angeles home surrounded by his family after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Roundtree's career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film, and his impact on the industry cannot be overstated. He was also known for his advocacy on breast cancer awareness after being diagnosed and undergoing a double mastectomy in 1993. Roundtree is survived by four daughters and a son.