American actor Richard Roundtree, best known for his roles in the Shaft film series, has died at the age of 81.
Roundtree was surrounded by his family at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon when he died, his manager, Patrick McMinn, said.
He passed away after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
“Richard’s work and career marked a turning point for leading African-American men in film,” Mr. McMinn said. the Hollywood Reporter.
“The impact he has had on the industry cannot be overstated,” he added.
In 1993, Roundtree was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy.
He later said: “Breast cancer is not gender specific. And men have this cavalier attitude towards health issues. I’ve gotten positive feedback because I’ve talked about it, and it’s been a fair number of years now. I am a survivor.
Roundtree was married twice, and has four daughters and a son.
Roundtree was born on July 9, 1942 in New Rochelle, New York. His parents, John Roundtree and Catherine (Watkins) Roundtree, were recorded as a butler and cook in the same household in the 1940 census, according to the The New York Times.
He attended New Rochelle High School and played for the football team.
(2019 Envision)
the hole, Released in 1971, it catapulted Roundtree to stardom when he was 29 years old.
the next The slotRoundtree has written for a variety of roles in other films. He appeared as part of the star-studded cast of the disaster film Earthquake (1974) alongside Charlton Heston and Ava Gardner.
He also took the lead role in Friday man (1975), depicting a lively and generous partner to Peter O’Toole’s 17th-century explorer Robinson Crusoe.
in Inchon (1981), Roundtree played an army officer on the staff of General Douglas MacArthur (Laurence Olivier) in Korea. He shared the screen with Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds City heat (1984) and encountered a huge flying lizard in s (1982).
Hollywood Reporter He was once quoted as saying that his father “was visiting me in Los Angeles, and I was complaining about him [how] 24/7, The slot The letter comes. “And his father said to him: Son, let me tell you something. Many people are leaving this land without knowing anything. Be quiet.”
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Richard Roundtree in the movie “Shaft”
(Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
“The Actors and Artists Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client, Richard Roundtree,” the agency said in a statement.
“His pioneering career changed the face of entertainment around the world and his lasting legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Samuel L. Jackson, who took charge The slot film franchise in 2000, paid tribute to the actor on his social media. “Richard Roundtree, the prototype, the best ever to do this!! “The Pillar, as we know, is and always will be His creation!”
“His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure you all will too. ‘I love you brother, I see you walking down the middle of Main Street in heaven and Isaac is singing your song,'” referring to the late Isaac Hayes’ famous song Thread of shaftwhich won an Oscar.
. “Professional creator. Lifelong thinker. Reader. Beer buff. Troublemaker. Evil problem solver.”