Richard Roundtree: The Iconic Legacy of Shaft's First Black Action Hero

Richard Roundtree, the actor who portrayed Shaft in the 1971 film, is remembered as the "first Black action hero" who introduced a new type of Black masculinity to mainstream cinema. Unlike previous Black stars who played civil and unthreatening characters, Roundtree's Shaft was heroic, sexual, and unapologetically Black. The film broke down barriers and ushered in a new era of Black-centered cinema. Roundtree's portrayal of Shaft made him a star and he continued to work in various roles throughout his career, but he always remained associated with the iconic character.