October 25th 2023.
On October 25th, the world was saddened to learn of the passing of Richard Roundtree, the iconic actor best known for taking on the role of John Shaft in the 1971 crime thriller. Fellow actors, including modern-day Shaft star Samuel L. Jackson, paid tribute to his legacy amid the news of his death from pancreatic cancer.
Samuel L. Jackson, who plays Roundtree’s son in the film, took to Instagram with an image from one of the Shaft sequels, featuring not only the father and son duo but the new generation’s Shaft as well, portrayed by Jessie T. Usher. Jackson expressed his love for the late Roundtree, “The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It,” adding, “SHAFT, as we know it, is & will always be His Creation!! His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too.”
Gabrielle Union, who worked with Roundtree on her television show Being Mary Jane, also shared her sorrow over the actor’s passing. “Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang with him & our Being Mary Jane family was always a good ass time with the best stories & laughs. He was ALWAYS the coolest man in the room with the BEST vibes & [people] would literally run over to come see him. He was simply the best & we all loved him,” she wrote.
Throughout his career, Roundtree battled cancer and underwent chemotherapy and a double mastectomy for breast cancer in 1993. However, the pancreatic cancer diagnosis ultimately led to his death. Taraji P. Henson and Sheryl Lee Ralph also paid tribute to the actor and his storied career.
Variety released a statement made by Roundtree’s manager, Patrick McMinn, praising the actor’s immense impact on the film industry: “Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African-American leading men in film. The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”
The world is mourning the loss of Richard Roundtree, the man who brought us the beloved character of John Shaft. His memory will stay with us forever.
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