Richard Roundtree, 'Shaft' star, dies at 81
Richard Roundtree, best known for his role as Detective John Shaft in the '70s action thriller "Shaft," has died.
Roundtree's longtime manager, told The AP the actor had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday. He was diagnosed with breast cancer in the '90s and underwent a double mastectomy.
"Richard's work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men," McMinn said. "The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated."
Roundtree made his silver-screen debut in 1971 with his starring role in "Shaft," which followed the exploits of private eye John Shaft.
The movie was made for $500,000 and grossed $13 million, winning a best original song Oscar for Isaac Hayes, who composed the title track. This lead to releasing a lot of so-dubbed Blaxploitation movies throughout the 1970s.
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Roundtree's longtime manager, told The AP the actor had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday. He was diagnosed with breast cancer in the '90s and underwent a double mastectomy.
"Richard's work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men," McMinn said. "The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated."
Roundtree made his silver-screen debut in 1971 with his starring role in "Shaft," which followed the exploits of private eye John Shaft.
The movie was made for $500,000 and grossed $13 million, winning a best original song Oscar for Isaac Hayes, who composed the title track. This lead to releasing a lot of so-dubbed Blaxploitation movies throughout the 1970s.
Source