Richard Roundtree, known for his leading role in “Shaft,” is dead after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The actor died having received a diagnosis two months ago.

Roundtree was regarded as the first Black action hero in Hollywood for his role as John Shaft in the original ‘Shaft’ trilogy – “Shaft” (1971), “Shaft’s Big Score!” (1972) and “Shaft in Africa” (1973). His performance saw him nominated at the Golden Globe Awards for New Star of the Year.

He also starred as the beloved character in the ‘Shaft’ TV series (1973) and returned for the 2000 and 2019 movie remakes alongside Samuel L. Jackson who played Shaft’s nephew.

The actor also had a role in the “Roots” miniseries, playing Sam Bennett and, most recently, next to Gabrielle Union playing her character’s father in the drama series “Being Mary Jane.”

In a post reflecting on their time together, Union says working with Richard “was a dream…” adding “He was ALWAYS the coolest man in the room with the BEST vibes.”

Roundtree died Monday, October 23rd, surrounded by his family at his home in Los Angeles. He was 81.

RIP