Richard Roundtree has been a cultural icon for most of our lives, it seems. He passed away quietly at home this week, surrounded by his family, after a two-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Richard is best known for playing Detective John Shaft in the original Shaft movie franchise, including the 1971 OG film, “Shaft,” the 1972 sequel, “Shaft’s Big Score,” and the 1973 trilogy, “Shaft in Africa.”
Richard also had a role in the famous “Roots” miniseries playing the role of Sam Bennett. When Shaft got a remake in 2000, Richard reprised his role as John Shaft alongside Samuel L. Jackson.
Well, I’ve got to tell you celebrities are pouring in the tributes for Richard today but I think the best one came from Sam Jackson, who posted on a tribute on Instagram, reading:
“Richard Roundtree, The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It!! SHAFT, as we know it is & will always be His Creation!! His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too???????Love you Brother, I see you walking down the Middle of Main Street in Heaven & Issac’s Conducting your song????coat blowin’ in wind!! Angels whispering, “That Cat SHAFT Is A Bad Mutha, Shutcho Mouth!! But I’m Talkin’ Bout SHAFT!! THEN WE CAN DIGIT??????????‼️‼️‼️‼️???????????”
Rest in peace, Richard Roundtree. You represented the best of us.
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