Roundtree, who starred as the New York street savvy titular private investigator Shaft in the early 1970s, was hailed as a trailblazing actor who changed the way that black films were viewed in Hollywood, who would have discounted black actors for leading roles in projects at the time.
Directed by 1971, the Gordon Parks directed Shaft, proved to be a major success, especially it's theme track, which won several awards, including an Academy Award from Best Song, as well as a Golden Globe for Best Original Score.
The film also scooped up three Grammy Awards, including Best Instrumental Composition.
Following this success, Richard Roundtree also starred in the sequels, Shaft’s Big Score in 1972 and Shaft In Africa in 1973.
Other films which Roundtree starred in also include, Earthquake, Man Friday with Peter O'Toole, Roots, Maniac Cop and Se7en and television roles in Magnum P.I., Being Mary Jane and The Love Boat.
Samuel L Jackson who starred in the 2000 revival Shaft, paid a moving tribute to Roundtree.
See more tributes below.
Richard Roundtree's death was confirmed by his long time manager, Patrick McMinn, who said that the actor was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He died aged 81.
He is survived by four daughters and one son. He was married twice.
