The star told The Times in 2019 that he could still recall the interview with director Parks that took his career from modeling for the Ebony Fashion Fair to being the guy everyone wanted to be. 'It has afforded me a long career because I've been cast largely in authoritative roles, which is a good thing,' 'It put me on the map, number one,' Roundtree told Dateline of the role in 1999.
Roundtree also starred in the 1972 sequel 'Shaft’s Big Score!' and 1973's 'Shaft in Africa,' as well as the 1973 'Shaft' television spinoff series. 'Shaft' was adapted by Ernest Tidyman and John D.F. Often heralded as the first Black action hero, Roundtree shot to superstardom with his portrayal of private eye and smooth-talking lady's man John Shaft in director Gordon Parks' 1971 action thriller. His longtime manager, Patrick McMinn, confirmed the star's death per the New York Times and said he'd been diagnosed two months ago.
Roundtree died Tuesday after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Who is the man that would risk his neck for his brother man? 'Shaft' - Can you dig it? Roundtree's status as a cultural icon lived on and carried the actor through a five-decade Hollywood career encompassing more than 150 movie and television appearances. Richard Roundtree lent his velvet voice and cool cat stride to one of the most influential action heroes of the 1970s. Richard Roundtree said of his role in 'Shaft': 'It put me on the map.' (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)
