Richard Roundtree, Star of 1970s Movie ‘Shaft,’ Dead at 81

Richard Roundtree is best known for his leading role in the 1970s Shaft movie series and TV series roots, died. He was 81 years old.

The actor died of pancreatic cancer on Tuesday with his family by his bedside at his home in Los Angeles, his manager Patrick Mann confirmed to PEOPLE.

“Artists and Agents Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client, Richard Roundtree,” the actor’s agency said in a statement to PEOPLE. said. “His groundbreaking career changed the face of entertainment around the world, and his lasting legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Gabrielle Union, who starred with the actor in the BET series, being Mary JaneHe reflected on his time with Roundtree with a tribute X. “Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Hanging out with it and ours being Mary Jane family was always a good time with the best stories and laughter.

She added: “He was ALWAYS the coolest guy in the room with the BEST vibes and people would literally come to see him. He was the absolute best and we all loved him.”

Sheryl Lee Ralph also paid tribute In X he wrote to Roundtree: “When I was young I dreamed of growing up and meeting Richard Roundtree. I did it and what a wonderful person he is.”

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Roundtree was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and became an advocate for early detection and screening of breast cancer in men.

“I didn’t have the right to vote, I had to talk about it,” Roundtree told radio station WBUR in 2019. “Breast cancer is not gender-specific. Men also have a cavalier attitude to health matters. I got a lot of positive feedback because I talked about it and it’s been a while. I’m a survivor.”

Roundtree was born in New Rochelle, New York, on July 9, 1942; where he attended the local high school and played on the football team. He won a scholarship to play football at Southern Illinois University in 1961, but dropped out in 1963 to pursue acting and modeling.

That year, Eunice Johnson Ebony magazine hired Roundtree to pose for its annual fashion event, the Ebony Fashion Fair.

Roundtree is survived by five children from his previous relationships.