‘Shaft’, in which Roundtree played private eye John Shaft, spawned a series of sequels and TV spinoffs.
Five decades later, Roundtree is still acting, having appeared in the television romance drama ‘Cherish the Day’ and the film comedy ‘Moving On’ just last year.
“Richard’s work and career marked a turning point for African American leading men in film,” his manager Patrick McMinn said in a statement to Variety. “His impact on the industry cannot be underestimated.”