Richard Arnold Roundtree (July 9, 1942 – October 24, 2023) was an American actor. He was best known for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft and four of its sequels, Shaft's Big Score! (1972), Shaft in Africa (1973),[1][2] its 2000 sequel[3][4] and its 2019 sequel,[2] as well as the eponymous television series (1973–1974).[3] He was also known for featuring in several TV series, including Roots, Generations, and Desperate Housewives.[1][2]
Considered as "the first Black action hero",[3][5] Roundtree was credited with having an impact on the rise of African American leading actors in Hollywood projects, thanks to his successful performances in the genre.[3][4][6] His portrayal of Shaft as a bold, confident, and charismatic figure also influenced cinematic depictions of Black men and Black masculinity, a contrast to Black men in films prior to Shaft having often been portrayed as mild-mannered or servile.[6]
^ abSt. Martin, Emily (October 25, 2023). "Richard Roundtree, star of the 1970s 'Shaft' film franchise, has died at 81". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
^ abcKoseluk, Chris. "Richard Roundtree, Suave Star of 'Shaft,' Dies at 81". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
^ abcdCite error: The named reference :4 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ ab"È morto a 81 anni l'attore statunitense Richard Roundtree, protagonista della serie di film "Shaft"". Il Post (in Italian). October 25, 2023. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
^Tweedle, Sam, "I'm Just Talkin' About Shaft (And We Can Dig It)," Confessions of a Pop Culture Addict, Internet website [1], accessed August 20, 2014.
^ abFulwood III, Sam (October 28, 2023). "Opinion: After 'Shaft,' Black Americans in film were never portrayed the same way". CNN. Warner Bros. Discovery Company. Archived from the original on October 29, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
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John Guillermin, and the third film of the Shaft series, starring RichardRoundtree as John Shaft. Stirling Silliphant wrote the screenplay. The film's...
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