Richard Arnold Roundtree (July 9, 1942 – October 24, 2023) was an American actor. He is noted as being "the first black action hero" for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft, and its four sequels, released between 1972 and 2019. For his performance in the original film, he was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor in 1972. Roundtree died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Los Angeles. He was cremated at Chapel of the Pines Crematory. His family hosted a memorial service for him at Saint Catherine African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Rochelle, New York on February 17, 2024.

Richard Roundtree

Acting Born July 9, 1942 – Died October 24, 2023 New Rochelle, New York, USA

Richard Arnold Roundtree (July 9, 1942 – October 24, 2023) was an American actor. He is noted as being "the first black action hero" for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft, and its four sequels, released between 1972 and 2019. For his performance in the original film, he was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor in 1972.

Roundtree died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Los Angeles. He was cremated at Chapel of the Pines Crematory. His family hosted a memorial service for him at Saint Catherine African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Rochelle, New York on February 17, 2024.

Known For

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

Self

The Mentalist

Floyd Benton

Grey's Anatomy

Donald Burke

Chicago Fire

Wallace Boden, Sr.

The Mike Douglas Show

Self

Desperate Housewives

Mr. Shaw

The Love Boat

Dave Wilbur

Beverly Hills, 90210

Robinson Ashe Jr.

MacGyver

R.T. Hines

Heroes

Charles Deveaux

Murder, She Wrote

Kevin Cooper

The Closer

Col. D.B. Walter