
2025
Breakdown: 1975
In 1975, as America faced social and political upheaval, filmmakers turned chaos into art.
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Acting
Born
1942-07-09 · 81 yrs
Died
2023-10-24
From
New Rochelle, New York, USA
Known for
Acting
Richard Arnold Roundtree (July 9, 1942 – October 24, 2023) was an American actor. He is noted as being "the first black action hero" for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft, and its four sequels, released between 1972 and 2019. For his performance in the original film, he was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor in 1972. Roundtree died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Los Angeles. He was cremated at Chapel of the Pines Crematory. His family hosted a memorial service for him at Saint Catherine African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Rochelle, New York on February 17, 2024.
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