Richard Roundtree Cause of Death and Obituary, Who was Richard Roundtree? What Happened to Richard Roundtree? How Did Richard Roundtree Die?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Oct 25, 2023
Richard Roundtree Cause of Death and Obituary
Iconic actor Richard Roundtree, known for his groundbreaking role in "Shaft" and contributions to black filmmaking, has passed away at the age of 81. He died at his Los Angeles home, with the cause being pancreatic cancer, confirmed by his manager, Patrick McMinn.
In Roundtree's health journey, an unexpected twist occurred in 1993 when he received a surprising diagnosis of breast cancer, an ailment typically associated with women. His strength and determination became evident as he opted for a double mastectomy after detecting a lump on his chest while filming in Costa Rica.
Reflecting on his initial reaction to the diagnosis, he humorously recounted, "The doctor told him, 'You have breast cancer.' He heard the cancer part first — it was only later that he heard the breast part. He couldn't believe it."
In addition to his remarkable career, Roundtree had a personal life marked by two marriages. He was married to Mary Jane Grant from 1963 to 1973 and later to Karen Michelle Ciernia in 1980, though they divorced in 1998.
He is survived by his daughters Kelli, Nicole, Tayler, and Morgan, along with his son, John. Richard Roundtree's contributions to cinema and his strength in the face of health challenges will be remembered with deep respect in his obituary.
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Who was Richard Roundtree?
Richard Roundtree was an American actor celebrated as the "first black action hero." He gained fame for playing the role of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 movie "Shaft" and its four sequels spanning from 1972 to 2019.
Roundtree's performance in the original film earned him a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor in 1972. Born in New Rochelle, New York, Roundtree began his journey at Southern Illinois University on a football scholarship.
However, his life took an unexpected turn when he was discovered by Johnson Publications and became a model for the Ebony Fashion Fair. This opportunity prompted his move to New York City, where he pursued an acting career.
Roundtree's portrayal of Shaft marked a groundbreaking moment, as it was one of the earliest instances of a black action hero on the big screen. The film received both critical acclaim and commercial success, catapulting Roundtree to stardom.
He featured in other notable blaxploitation films like "Shaft's Big Score!" (1972) and "Shaft in Africa" (1973). Beyond his iconic Shaft role, Roundtree's versatile career encompassed a wide range of films and television shows.
His memorable appearances included roles in "Roots" (1977), "Generations" (1989-1991), and "City Heat" (1984). He even returned to the character Shaft in the 2000 remake of the film.
Birth Date
July 9, 1942
Birth Place
New Rochelle, New York, U.S.
Death Date
October 24, 2023 (aged 81)
Death Place
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Education
New Rochelle High School
Alma mater
Southern Illinois University
Occupation
Actor and singer
Years active
1963–2023
Specification
Details
Richard Roundtree Nationality
Richard Roundtree is American. He was born in New Rochelle, New York, on July 9, 1942, and died in Los Angeles, California, on October 24, 2023. He lived and worked in the United States throughout his career.
Is Richard Roundtree Married?
Richard Roundtree was married twice. His first marriage was to Mary Jane Grant from 1963 to 1973. They had two children together. He was then married to Karen M. Ciernia from 1980 to 1998. They had three children together.
Richard Roundtree Career
Richard Roundtree is an iconic actor known for his groundbreaking role as John Shaft in the 1971 film "Shaft." His career spans over five decades, and he has made significant contributions to the world of entertainment.
Roundtree's breakthrough came in 1971 when he was cast as the titular character in "Shaft." The film, directed by Gordon Parks, was a critical and commercial success, and Roundtree's portrayal of the suave and charismatic private detective, John Shaft, became an instant sensation.
Following the success of "Shaft," Roundtree reprised his role in two sequels, "Shaft's Big Score!" in 1972 and "Shaft in Africa" in 1973. These films solidified his status as an action star and cemented his place in cinema history.
Throughout his career, Roundtree has showcased his versatility by taking on a wide range of roles. He has appeared in numerous films, including "Man Friday" (1975), "Escape to Athena" (1979), and "City Heat" (1984), where he shared the screen with Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds.
He has also made notable appearances in television shows such as "Roots" (1977) and "The Cosby Show" (1984-1992). In recent years, Roundtree has continued to work on both the big and small screens. He appeared in the 2000 remake of "Shaft" alongside Samuel L. Jackson, paying homage to his iconic character.
He has also starred in films like "Brick" (2005) and "Speed Racer" (2008), showcasing his enduring talent and charisma. Richard Roundtree's contributions to the entertainment industry go beyond acting.
What Happened to Richard Roundtree?
Richard Roundtree, renowned for his groundbreaking role in the Shaft film series, has passed away at the age of 81 due to a short battle with pancreatic cancer. His portrayal of detective John Shaft made him an iconic figure in the world of cinema, particularly for African-American leading men.
His career, which began in the 1960s, left an indelible mark on the industry. Roundtree's legacy extended beyond Shaft, as he appeared in various movies and TV shows, becoming a beloved figure in the entertainment world. Samuel L Jackson, his fellow actor, described him as "the best to ever do it."
Roundtree's journey also included a brave battle with breast cancer in 1993, reflecting his resilience and strength. His passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood, leaving a profound impact on all who admired his work.
How Did Richard Roundtree Die?
Richard Roundtree is dead. His manager confirmed that his cause of death was pancreatic cancer. Roundtree's groundbreaking work in "Shaft" and his enduring legacy in the world of cinema will be cherished and remembered by generations to come.
Richard Roundtree Cause Of Death and Obituary - FAQs
Richard Roundtree passed away due to pancreatic cancer, as confirmed by his manager, Patrick McMinn.
Richard Roundtree was a trailblazer for black actors, particularly for his iconic role in "Shaft," which helped popularize the "blaxploitation" genre of the 1970s.
Yes, in 1993, he received a surprising diagnosis of breast cancer, a condition typically associated with women. He underwent a double mastectomy in response.
Humorously, he shared, "The doctor told him, 'You have breast cancer.' He heard the cancer part first — it was only later that he heard the breast part. He couldn't believe it."
Samuel L Jackson described Richard Roundtree as "the best to ever do it" and expressed his deep sorrow at the actor's passing.