After it was reported that actor Richard Roundtree passed away at the age of 81, celebrities -- including Samuel L. Jackson -- took to social media to honor the late star, who was best known for ...

The late Richard Roundtree's performance as Shaft turned a private detective into a larger-than-life hero both on screen and off.

Roundtree was considered as the “first Black action hero” and became one of the leading actors in the blaxploitation genre through his New York street smart John Shaft character in the Gordon ...

Richard Roundtree, the movie star who originated the role of detective John Shaft in the blaxploitation classic, died Tuesday of pancreatic cancer.

Richard Roundtree died at the age of 81 but has left a legacy in film and television working on titles like 'Shaft,' 'Roots,' 'Being Mary Jane' and 'Family Reunion.' ...

Richard Roundtree, who starred in the pioneering blaxploitation film "Shaft" has died at 81, his manager confirms.

Richard Roundtree, the trailblazing actor for Black filmmakers who starred as the ultra-smooth private detective in the 1971 action movie “Shaft” and several sequels, has died. He was 81.

Richard Roundtree, the pioneering actor who starred as “Shaft,” the ultra-smooth private detective in several 1970s blaxploitation films, has died at the age of 81, according to the Associated ...

Richard Roundtree, known for his role as Shaft in the series of films, died at the age of 81. The actor has left a legacy in both film and television for generations to come.

Richard Roundtree, who opened the door to Black filmmakers and performers with his turn as private eye John Shaft, died Tuesday. He was 81.

Roundtree’s “Shaft” was part of a change in how Black movies were viewed in Hollywood, which failed to consider Black actors – especially for leading roles — in projects at the time.