Richard Roundtree the star of 'Shaft' has died at 81. Roundtree died on Oct. 24 surrounded by his family, according to his manager, Patrick McMinn. He had pancreatic cancer, as NBC News reports.
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00:00 Richard Rountree, star of Shaft, is dead at 81.
00:07 Rountree died on October 24th, surrounded by his family, according to his manager, Patrick
00:11 McMinn.
00:12 He had pancreatic cancer, as NBC News reports.
00:17 "Artists and representatives agency mourns the loss of our friend and client, Richard
00:21 Rountree," his manager said in a statement.
00:26 His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring
00:29 legacy will be felt for generations to come.
00:35 Rountree was also diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993, becoming an advocate for increased
00:39 awareness among men.
00:42 The actor is best known for portraying John Shaft in the Shaft franchise.
00:50 According to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the movie introduced into mainstream
00:53 cinema the African-American action hero.
00:55 Until then, action hero roles have been reserved for white actors.
01:00 The film's success launched Rountree into the spotlight and paved the way for other
01:03 strong black protagonists in Hollywood, NBC News reports.
01:09 He went on to appear in several other films throughout the 80s and 90s, including Original
01:12 Gangsters.
01:17 TV credits include Chips, Magnum P.I., Grey's Anatomy, Chicago Fire, and more.
01:24 Rountree has also appeared in Samuel L. Jackson's newer versions of Shaft.
01:27 "I'm a man of my word," says Rountree. "I'm a man of my word."
01:34 "I'm a man of my word."