Richard Roundtree

While indelibly tied to the role that made him famous in 1971, the actor remained active for more than four decades afterward.

Richard Roundtree, who broke ground with his signature role in the Shaft movie franchise, passed away this afternoon.

Richard Roundtree, the stage and screen actor best known for his performance as a tough-talking private eye in 1971's “Shaft,” has died, according to ...

Richard Roundtree, who opened the door to Black filmmakers and performers with his turn as private eye John Shaft, died Tuesday. He was 81.

Richard Roundtree, a Hollywood icon who played John Shaft in the 1971 introduction to the "Shaft" film franchise, has died after a battle with cancer at age ...

Roundtree's career in film and television spanned more than 50 years and included five "Shaft" movies.

Richard Roundtree, ...

Richard Roundtree's manager confirmed to PEOPLE that he died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles from pancreatic cancer.

While indelibly tied to the role that made him famous in 1971, he remained active for more than four decades afterward.

Richard Roundtree, the trailblazing actor for Black filmmakers who starred as the ultra-smooth private detective in the 1971 action movie "Shaft" and ...

Richard Roundtree, best known for his starring role in the 'Shaft' franchise, died on October 24 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Often heralded as the first Black action hero, Roundtree shot to superstardom with his portrayal of private eye and smooth lady's man John Shaft in 1971's ...

Roundtree's career in film and television spanned more than 50 years and included five "Shaft" movies.

The trailblazing actor, who starred as the private detective in several "Shaft" films beginning in the early 1970s, has died. He was 81.