Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action movie hero, has died at 81

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Richard Roundtree, the trailblazing actor who starred as the ultra-smooth private detective in several “Shaft” films beginning in the early 1970s, has died. He was 81.

Richard Roundtree Dead: 'Shaft' Star Was 81

Richard Roundtree, who played John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft

Rest in paradise Richard Roundtree, the first black action hero. #vira

Shaft star Richard Roundtree dies aged 81

Shaft star Richard Roundtree dies at 81

Iconic action movie 'Shaft' star Richard Roundtree dies at 81

Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action movie hero, has died at 81 - WHYY

Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action

Actor Richard Roundtree, star of 'Shaft,' dies at 81

Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action movie hero, has died at 81 – Virgin Islands Free Press

Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action movie hero, has died at 81

Richard Roundtree, star of the original 'Shaft,' dies at 81

R.I.P. Richard Roundtree: 'Shaft' And 'Roots' Star Dead At 81

Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action movie hero, has died at 81, Arts & Entertainment