Richard Roundtree was more than a legendary actor. He was an indelible part of Black culture. As John Shaft, he really was our first big screen Black superhero. He had a badass costume, unforgettable theme song and bad guys trembled at the mention of his name. Roundtree had a long and distinguished career that included more than just Shaft, but his influence on the Black experience made him a giant to the community. Sadly, on Tuesday, the actor lost his battle with pancreatic cancer and died at the age of 81.
When an icon like Roundtree passes away, his impact is immediately recognized by those he paved the way for. His groundbreaking, trailblazing life is being celebrated by Black Hollywood, with many of his co-stars noting how working with him changed their lives.
Samuel L. Jackson, who memorably took on the role of Shaft in the 2000 remake, remembered his idol with an Instagram photo featuring the two men dressed in their Shaft gear, ready to kick ass.
“Richard Roundtree, The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It!! SHAFT, as we know it is [and] will always be His Creation!! His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too,” Jackson wrote. “Love you Brother, I see you walking down the Middle of Main Street in Heaven [and] Issac’s Conducting your song, coat blowin’ in wind!! Angels whispering, That Cat SHAFT Is A Bad Mutha, Shutcho Mouth!! But I’m Talkin’ Bout SHAFT!! THEN WE CAN DIGIT‼️‼️‼️‼️”
Jeffrey Wright, who appeared alongside Roundtree and Jackson in 2000’s Shaft, kept it simple, writing on X, “The OG. And a lovely man. RIP.”
Though Isaac Hayes passed away in 2008, he and Roundtree will always be connected by the unforgettable Shaft score. The musician’s family paid tribute to the actor on X, writing, “The Hayes family would like to share our sadness with the loss of Richard Roundtree, a true icon. His legendary role as SHAFT, transcended the screen, defining an era. Rest in power, Richard.”
Gabrielle Union worked with the legend on her popular BET series Being Mary Jane, where Roundtree played her father. On X, she called him “the coolest man in the room,” describing him as “the best.”
“Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang with him [and] our Being Mary Jane family was always a good ass time with the best stories [and] laughs,” she wrote. “He was ALWAYS the coolest man in the room with the BEST vibes [and] ppl would literally run over to come see him. He was simply the best [and] we all loved him”
Roundtree’s long career of memorable film and TV roles means he has multiple generations of fans and colleagues highlighting how he changed the industry.
Rocky star Carl Weathers celebrated the actor’s legacy, writing on X, “I just heard, the icon that is Richard Roundtree is gone. The original SHAFT!!! His performance influenced so many and so much. And he was a great guy! #NeverForgotten #BePeace.”
Tia Mowry remembered her Family Reunion co-star on Instagram, writing, “Richard, you have made such a lasting impact on my life. I am forever grateful for your warm energy, your light, your heart, and your incredible wisdom. I will miss you and our times together in our trailers - you teaching me the right way to take down some whiskey. I love you.”
Emmy winner Sheryl Lee Ralph noted that sometimes meeting your heroes is exactly what you dream it to be, writing on X, “When I was a teenager I [used] to dream about growing up to meet Richard Roundtree. I did and what a wonderful human being.”
Richard Roundtree gave us a hero to look up to, helped ignite a new genre of Black movies, inspired generations of artists to unapologetically showcase their Blackness and entertained us for decades. He was a giant and an icon who leaves behind an unmatched legacy.
The Root sends our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans.