Iconic action movie ‘Shaft’ star Richard Roundtree dies at 81

Richard Roundtree, who was best known for his role as the ultra-smooth private detective in the 1971 action movie ‘Shaft’ and its sequels, has died at the age of 81. Widely considered the “first Black action hero,” Roundtree’s longtime manager said the actor had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died Tuesday at his Los Angeles home.

• Iconic ‘Shaft’ star Richard Roundtree dies at 81