Richard Roundtree
Acting
Born July 9, 1942 · New Rochelle, New York, USA
Died October 24, 2023
Richard Arnold Roundtree (July 9, 1942 – October 24, 2023) was an American actor. He is noted as being "the first black action hero" for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft, and its four sequels, released between 1972 and 2019. For his performance in the original film, he was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor in 1972. Roundtree died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Los Angeles. He was cremated at Chapel of the Pines Crematory. His family hosted a memorial service for him at Saint Catherine African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Rochelle, New York on February 17, 2024.
Known for
Filmography
Thelma
2024 · Ben
Moving On
2023 · Ralph
A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks
2021 · Self
Haunting of the Mary Celeste
2020 · Tulls
Shaft
2019 · John Shaft, Sr.
What Men Want
2019 · Skip Davis
A Family Reunion Christmas
2019 · Jebidiah McKellan
The Confidant
2010 · Claude
Speed Racer
2008 · Ben Burns
Final Approach
2008 · Gary Markash
Point of Entry
2007 · Miles Porter
Wild Seven
2006 · Lee Marvin / Cleetus Woods
Brick
2006 · Assistant V.P. Trueman
Painkiller Jane
2005 · Colonel Watts
Max Havoc: Curse Of The Dragon
2004 · Tahsi
BaadAsssss Cinema
2002 · Self
Joe and Max
2002 · Jack Blackburn
Undercover Brother
2002 · John Shaft (archive footage) (uncredited)
Boat Trip
2002 · Felicia's Dad
Antitrust
2001 · Lyle Barton
Corky Romano
2001 · Howard Shuster
Shaft
2000 · "Uncle" John Shaft
George of the Jungle
1997 · Kwame
Steel
1997 · Uncle Joe
Original Gangstas
1996 · Slick
Se7en
1995 · Talbot
Theodore Rex
1995 · Commissioner Lynch
Bonanza: Under Attack
1995 · Jacob
Body of Influence
1994 · Harry Reams
Mind Twister
1994 · Frank Webb
Amityville: A New Generation
1993 · Pauli
Sins of the Night
1993 · Les
Bonanza: The Return
1993 · Jacob Briscoe
Christmas in Connecticut
1992 · Prescott
Bloodfist III: Forced to Fight
1992 · Samuel Stark
A Time to Die
1991 · Captain Ralph Phipps
The Banker
1989 · Lloyd
Crack House
1989 · Lt. Johnson
Night Visitor
1989 · Captain Crane
Maniac Cop
1988 · Commissioner Pike
Angel III: The Final Chapter
1988 · Lt. Doniger
Party Line
1988 · Captain Barnes
Opposing Force
1986 · Stafford
Jocks
1986 · Chip
City Heat
1984 · Dehl Swift
Killpoint
1984 · Agent Bill Bryant
Young Warriors
1983 · Sergeant John Austin
Q
1982 · Powell
One Down, Two to Go
1982 · Ralph
An Eye for an Eye
1981 · Capt. Stevens
Inchon
1981 · Sgt. Augustus Henderson
Escape to Athena
1979 · Nat Judson
Day of the Assassin
1979 · Fessler
Man Friday
1975 · Friday
Earthquake
1974 · Miles Quade
Shaft in Africa
1973 · John Shaft
Charley-One-Eye
1973 · The Black Man
Shaft's Big Score!
1972 · John Shaft
Shaft
1971 · John Shaft
What Do You Say to a Naked Lady?
1970 · Interracial Couple