Richard Roundtree, the star of the Shaft series, passed away at the age of 81. Following the news of Roundtree’s passing, Samuel L. Jackson—who starred in both remakes of Shaft—honored his memory with a heartfelt Instagram tribute.
Sheryl Lee Ralph and Gabrielle Union are two more Roundtree co-stars and admirers who have paid their respects to the late actor.
In the company of his family, Roundtree perished on Tuesday, October 24, at his Los Angeles abode. After a brief fight with pancreatic cancer, he passed away.
Known as the first African American action hero, Roundtree was a trailblazer in the annals of Hollywood. The popularity of the action-thriller helmed by Gordon Parks allowed Black characters to go from having supporting roles to lead roles in movies and television series.
Along with Christian Bale, Busta Rhymes, Vanessa Williams, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Toni Collette, Jeffrey Wright, and others, Jackson starred in the reboot of Shaft in 2000. Regina Hall, Alexandra Shipp, and Jessie T. Usher, joined the cast for the sequel in 2019.
Richard Roundtree Gets Shown Major Love
In the movies, Jackson portrayed John Shaft, Roundtree’s well-known character’s nephew. Roundtree appeared in passing in every installation.
In his homage to Roundtree, Jackson posted a picture from the 2019 film, referring to him as “the best to ever do it.”
Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang with him & our Being Mary Jane family was always a good ass time with the best stories & laughs. He was ALWAYS the coolest man in the room with the BEST vibes & ppl would literally run over to come see him. He was simply… pic.twitter.com/1N8fHVDsA6
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) October 25, 2023
“Richard Roundtree, The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It!! SHAFT, as we know it is & will always be His Creation!!,” the Unbreakable actor captioned the post. “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.”
I just heard, the icon that is Richard Roundtree is gone. The original SHAFT!!! His performance influenced so many and so much. And he was a great guy! #NeverForgotten #BePeace
— Carl Weathers (@TheCarlWeathers) October 25, 2023
Emmy winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph shared on X/Twitter, “When I was a teenager I use to dream about growing up to meet Richard Roundtree. I did and what a wonderful human being.”
When I was a teenager I use to dream about growing up to meet Richard Roundtree. I did and what a wonderful human being. pic.twitter.com/1ZiIdj4d0o
— sheryl lee ralph (@thesherylralph) October 25, 2023
What are your thoughts regarding the homage paid to Richard Roundtree? Comment below!
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