Richard Roundtree was an American actor and former model, who was best known for his role as Detective John Shaft I (the first black action hero) in the Shaft film series, as well as its short-lived television series. The film franchise later starred Samuel L. Jackson in the titular role as Shaft's nephew/son, Detective John Shaft II, with Richard making brief cameos. He also played Shelly Forsythe in the 1973 telefilm Firehouse.
For Disney, he portrayed Mr. Kwame in the 1997 Disney film George of the Jungle and Howard Shuster in the 2001 Touchstone film Corky Romano.
Born in New Rochelle, New York, to parents John Roundtree and Kathryn Watkins, Roundtree attended New Rochelle High School, graduating in 1961. During high school, Roundtree played for the school's undefeated and nationally ranked football team. After high school, Roundtree attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. Roundtree dropped out of college in 1963 to begin his career.
Roundtree died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 81.
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Richard Roundtree in his best-known role as Detective John Shaft I in the Shaft film series.
Richard Roundtree with Samuel L. Jackson (John Shaft II), and Jessie T. Usher (John "J.J." Shaft III) during the filming of the latest Shaft film in 2019.
