The manager of the late and unforgettable Hollywood icon Richard Roundtree confirmed to People that he passed away on Tuesday at his residence in Los Angeles, succumbing to pancreatic cancer.
Richard Roundtree, renowned for his iconic role in the 1970’s Shaft film series and his significant appearance in the TV series Roots, has sadly departed at the age of 81. His manager, Patrick Mann, affirmed to people that the actor breathed his last at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by his family, in his battle against pancreatic cancer. His pioneering career left an indelible mark on the global entertainment landscape, and his enduring legacy will resonate for generations to come.
Gabrielle Union, who co-starred with Roundtree in the BET TV series Being Mary Jane, paid tribute to the actor in a heartfelt message, stating, “Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Spending time with him and our Being Mary Jane family was always a fantastic experience filled with wonderful stories and laughter.”
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She added, “He was always the epitome of coolness in any room, radiating the best vibes, and people would literally flock to see him. He was simply the best, and we all adored him.”
Sheryl Lee Ralph also honored Roundtree in a tribute to X, reminiscing, “As a teenager, I used to dream of meeting Richard Roundtree when I grew up. I did, and he was a truly wonderful human being.”
Speaking on the matter, he told radio station WBUR in 2019: “I didn’t have a choice; I had to speak out about it. Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate by gender, and men often have a cavalier attitude towards health issues.
I received such positive feedback because I spoke out about it, and it’s been quite a number of years now. I’m a survivor.”
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He was awarded a football scholarship to Southern Illinois University in 1961, but he departed to focus on his acting and modeling career in 1963. That same year, Eunice Johnson from Ebony magazine enlisted Roundtree to participate in his annual fashion event, the Ebony Fashion Fair.
