
Richard Arnold Roundtree (July 9, 1942 – October 24, 2023) was an American actor. He is noted as being "the first black action hero" for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft, and its four sequels, released between 1972 and 2019. For his performance in the original film, he was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor in 1972.
Roundtree died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Los Angeles. He was cremated at Chapel of the Pines Crematory. His family hosted a memorial service for him at Saint Catherine African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Rochelle, New York on February 17, 2024.

Se7en
1995 · as Talbot

Speed Racer
2008 · as Ben Burns

George of the Jungle
1997 · as Kwame

What Men Want
2019 · as Skip Davis

Undercover Brother
2002 · as John Shaft (archive footage) (uncredited)

Shaft
2000 · as "Uncle" John Shaft

Shaft
2019 · as John Shaft, Sr.

Steel
1997 · as Uncle Joe

Boat Trip
2002 · as Felicia's Dad

Shaft
1971 · as John Shaft

Earthquake
1974 · as Miles Quade

Brick
2006 · as Assistant V.P. Trueman

BaadAsssss Cinema
2002 · as Self

Maniac Cop
1988 · as Commissioner Pike

Thelma
2024 · as Ben

An Eye for an Eye
1981 · as Capt. Stevens

Q
1982 · as Powell

Party Line
1988 · as Captain Barnes