NYT: A Famous American Actor Suddenly Passed Away | RIP richard roundtree | Shaft star

Richard Roundtree, an icon of Blaxploitation film who starred as detective John Shaft in Gordon Parks’ 1971 action thriller, died Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 24 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 81 years old.
His death was confirmed by Patrick McMinn, his manager since 1987.
“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film,” McMinn said in his statement. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”
Roundtree’s career spanned five decades and included everything from his most popular blaxploitation role to a very early appearance on As the World Turns in 1956 to being a Season 2 main cast member on Ava DuVernay’s own series Cherish the Day last year.
Roundtree was married to Mary Jane Grant from 1963 to 1973. He then married Karen Michelle Ciernia in 1980 and divorced in 1998.
He is survived by his daughters Kelli, Nicole, Tayler and Morgan, and a son, John.
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[@ruthokelley5833]

RIP, with peace and love to your family and friends. ❤

[@sydneyfairbairn3773]

Love him!

[@kennysponto6568]

Shaft lol

[@nannerl6243]

I for one didn't know he was even still alive.