Written by Michael Thervil
Who doesn’t like Richard Roundtree? Playing “John Shaft” on television during the 1970’s not only earned him a Golden Globe Award, but he single handedly captivated the American viewing audience by making Black American Masculinity something to marvel at. but there was more to him as an Actor than playing his role as John Shaft. Born on July 9, 1942, Richard Roundtree, a proud father of 5 children, actually dropped out of Southern Illinois University of Carbondale in 1963 to pursue his passion to become an Actor.
From getting started in the Modeling Industry for Ebony Fashion Fair, to modeling for hair products, and Salam Cigarettes, he wouldn’t get his first break until 1967 playing the role of boxing legend Jack Johnson on Broadway’s Theater rendition of the film entitled: “The Great White Hope”. From there he just seemed to “blow up” on film, working with legends such as Burt Reynolds, Clint Eastwood, Laurence Oliver, Ben Gazzara, Vivica Fox, and Samuel L. Jackson. It should be noted that he was considered the “go to man” when it came to being casted for “Blaxploitation” films which were a subgenre of films that were made to cater to the American Black Community during the 1970’s.
Also keep in mind that Richard Roundtree has appeared on several of the hottest television shows outside of the Blaxploitation Films of the 1970’s which include Beverly Hills 90210, Desperate Housewives, The Closer, 413 Hope St, Lincoln Heights, and Being Mary Jane to name a few. Moreover, he has also provided voice overs for video games. It is our position at VEDA Magazine and many people will agree that it felt really good to watch him work alongside Samuel L. Jackson in both the 2000 and 2019 hit movies entitled “Shaft”. Richard Roundtree, a previous cancer survivor in 1993 is a standalone monolith in the Acting and Entertainment Industry and made history as an Actor that has paved the way for so many Black American Actors that we love to watch play our favorite roles today.
We are regretful to inform you that Richard Roundtree passed away yesterday in his home in Los Angeles at the age of 81 to pancreatic cancer.
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