Samuel L. Jackson, Gabrielle Union and others mourn the death of Richard Roundtree, who died Tuesday at the age of 81.
Legendary actor known for leading the Blaxploitation charge with his portrayal of private investigator John Shaft in the 1970s Shaft He died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Los Angeles, his manager Patrick McMinn confirmed to PEOPLE.
“Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream,” Union wrote X. “Hanging out with him and ours being Mary Jane the family always had a good time with the best stories and laughter. He was ALWAYS the coolest guy in the room with the BEST vibes and people would literally come to see him. He was absolutely the best and we all loved him. #RIPRichardRoundtree”
The duo worked side by side on the BET series being Mary JaneRoundtree plays Union’s on-screen father.
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“Richard Roundtree, Prototype, The Best Ever!!” Jackson wrote on Instagram, paying tribute to his co-star.
She shared a photo of herself and Roundtree wearing matching outfits for their 2019 reshoot. Shaft franchise
“SHAFT as we know it is and always will be His Creation!! His passing has left a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure in all of your hearts as well🤎👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾,” Jackson wrote in a heartfelt tribute. “I love you Brother, I see you in Heaven and walking in the Middle of Main Street Where Issac Leads His Song 🎶🎶👊🏾coat blowing in the wind!!”
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Tia Mowry, who worked with Roundtree on the Netflix series Family unionHe said he “had nothing to say about this loss.”
“Richard, you have made such a lasting impact on my life. I am forever grateful for your warm energy, light, heart, and incredible wisdom 🕊️,” she wrote on Instagram. “I’ll miss you and the times we spent in our trailers; you teach me the right way to drink whiskey. I love you.”
“Thank you for blessing this world with your gifts 🙏🏿 Rest in strength #RichardRoundtree,” Mowry continued.
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Jeffery Wright, who also appeared in 2000 Shaft The film, which starred Roundtree and Jackson, also responded to the news of the actor’s death.
“OG. And a nice guy. RIP, he said he tweeted.
As news of Roundtree’s death continues to spread, others have reflected on its impact.
Loni Love expressed what watching Roundtree meant to her while growing up.
“Saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Roundtree.. He was magnificent as John Shaft at a time when there were very few prominent Black men in cinema. It revealed the sexy and cool side of being a detective. Good rest. “I offer my condolences to his family,” said the former talk show host, sharing the following: X.
Sheryl Lee Ralph also shared her condolences.
“When I was young, I dreamed of growing up and meeting Richard Roundtree” Abbott Elementary School star wrote X. “I did it and what a wonderful person.”