Amaar Zarrieff 
Richard Roundtree, the legendary actor most famously known for his role in the 1971 action thriller film Shaft, passed away Tuesday afternoon after battling pancreatic cancer. Roundtree was a pioneer in the entertainment industry, acting as a symbol of justice and hope for the Black community. In the wake of his tragic passing, here are 7 fun facts about Roundtree to cherish his life and achievements:
Roundtree is considered the first Black action hero.
In the late 1960s to early 1970s, the majority of action movies starred white men, while the villains were cast as people of color. Roundtree fought against this stereotype with his role as Detective Shaft in the Shaft movie series.
Roundtree was a college dropout.
After graduating high school, the New Rochelle, New York native, attended Southern Illinois University before dropping out to begin his acting career in 1963.
Roundtree began his career as a model.
Roundtree modeled for hair grease and cigarette ads before booking his first acting gig.
Roundtree’s first role was in an Off-Broadway play.
Roundtree’s very first role was as boxing legend Jack Johnson in the Off-Broadway production of The Great White Hope.
Shaft saved legendary production company, MGM from bankruptcy
On a budget of only $150,000, Shaft made a record $13 million, which is equivalent to $82 million today.
Roundtree’s role in Shaft sparked the creation of an entire genre of films.
Blaxploitation was a movement throughout the 1970s in which exploitation films were made by Black filmmakers and starred Black actors. Blaxploitation’s goal was to flip the script on stereotypes presented in films directed by non-Black filmmakers. Shaft was one of the first blaxploitation films released.
Roundtree has a long catalog of awards received for his acting roles.
Roundtree has received a plethora of awards including the MTV Lifetime Achievement Award for his role as Shaft, as well as an Image Award nomination in 1998, a Peabody Award in 2002, and a Black Theater Alliance Award Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.
Roundtree has undoubtedly made his impact on the entertainment industry, pioneering Black heroes, and acting as an inspiration for aspiring Black filmmakers and actors.
By Amaar Zarrieff, Freshman, Howard University
Instagram: amaar.fz / X: @Amaar_FZ
True Star Media’s content is made possible thanks to donors like you. To support the voice and perspective of today’s youth, donate at truestarmedia.org/donate.
