The action-comedy film "Thelma" stars June Squibb as a grandmother who, after being scammed by someone pretending to be her grandson, teams up with an old friend (played by the late Richard Roundtree) to get her money back.
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.
Hollywood stars, including Samuel L. Jackson and Gabrielle Union, paid tribute to actor Richard Roundtree following his death at the age of 81. Roundtree, best known for his role as Detective John Shaft in the "Shaft" film franchise, passed away after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Jackson, who starred alongside Roundtree in the recent "Shaft" movies, described him as "The Prototype" and praised his groundbreaking career. Union, who worked with Roundtree on the show "Being Mary Jane," called him "the coolest man in the room." Other celebrities, including Viola Davis and Carl Weathers, also mourned the loss and acknowledged Roundtree's influence in the industry.
Richard Roundtree, the iconic actor known for his role as John Shaft in the 1971 film "Shaft," has passed away at the age of 81. Roundtree's portrayal of the Black private eye brought a new kind of figure to the screen, unapologetically Black with swagger, and helped create the genre of Blaxploitation. He had a successful career with over 150 movie and TV credits, and also went public with his breast cancer diagnosis in 1993. Roundtree died from pancreatic cancer and is survived by five children.
Richard Roundtree, the Hollywood icon known for his role as John Shaft in the original "Shaft" film franchise, has passed away at the age of 81. His manager confirmed that Roundtree had pancreatic cancer. Roundtree's portrayal of the unapologetic and subterranean crime fighter in "Shaft" introduced the African American action hero into mainstream cinema, paving the way for greater representation. He had a successful career in both film and television, and his steel jaw and turtleneck-covered muscle became an archetype for Black masculinity. Roundtree's legacy as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry will be felt for generations to come.
Richard Roundtree, the actor who played the iconic role of John Shaft in the 1971 film "Shaft," has passed away at the age of 81. Roundtree's portrayal of the first Black action hero in the blaxploitation genre made him a movie star and redefined African American masculinity in the movies. He continued to have a successful career in both film and television for over four decades. Roundtree's cause of death was pancreatic cancer.
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.
Richard Roundtree, the actor known for his role as John Shaft in the 1971 film "Shaft," has passed away at the age of 81. Roundtree's portrayal of the iconic Black action hero made him a movie star and helped redefine African American masculinity in the industry. He continued to act for over four decades, taking on diverse roles in both film and television. Roundtree's cause of death was pancreatic cancer, which had been diagnosed two months prior.
Richard Roundtree, the actor best known for his role in the 1971 film "Shaft," has passed away at the age of 81 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Roundtree's manager confirmed the news and praised his impact on the industry as a turning point for African American leading men in film. With a career spanning 50 years and over 150 screen credits, Roundtree's work extended beyond "Shaft" to include notable television and film roles. Tributes from actress Gabrielle Union and co-star Samuel L. Jackson have poured in, highlighting Roundtree's legacy.
Richard Roundtree, the iconic star of the Blaxploitation film "Shaft," has passed away at the age of 81 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Roundtree's portrayal of detective John Shaft in the 1971 action thriller marked a turning point for African American leading men in film. The success of "Shaft" helped save the studio from bankruptcy and set the tone for a decade of Blaxploitation filmmaking. Roundtree's career spanned over 50 years, with notable roles in films like "Se7en" and "Speed Racer." He is survived by his four daughters and son.
Richard Roundtree, best known for his role as detective John Shaft in the Shaft movie franchise, has passed away at the age of 81 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Roundtree's career spanned five decades and included various film and television roles. He was hailed as the first Black action hero and became a symbol of Black power onscreen. His legacy as a trailblazing actor will be felt for generations to come.