Richard Roundtree, , ‘Shaft’ Star, Dead at 81.<br />Roundtree died on Oct. 24 surrounded by his family, according to his manager, Patrick McMinn.<br />He had pancreatic cancer, NBC News reports.<br />Artists & Representatives Agency <br />mourns the loss of our friend <br />and client, Richard Roundtree, Patrick McMinn, Richard Roundtree's manager, via statement.<br />His trailblazing career changed the <br />face of entertainment around the <br />globe and his enduring legacy will <br />be felt for generations to come, Patrick McMinn, Richard Roundtree's manager, via statement.<br />Roundtree was also diagnosed with <br />breast cancer in 1993, becoming an advocate for increased awareness among men. .<br />The actor is best known for portraying <br />John Shaft in the 'Shaft' franchise.<br />According to the University of Maryland, <br />Baltimore County, the movie "introduced into mainstream <br />cinema the African American action hero; until then, <br />action-hero roles had been reserved for white actors.".<br />The film's success launched Roundtree into the spotlight and paved the way for other "strong Black protagonists in Hollywood," NBC News reports. .<br />He went on to appear in several <br />other films throughout the '80s and <br />'90s, including 'Original Gangstas.'.<br />TV credits include 'CHiPs,' 'Magnum P.I.,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Chicago Fire' and more.<br />Roundtree has also appeared in <br />Samuel L. Jackson's newer versions of 'Shaft.'
