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Iconic 'Shaft' Star Richard Roundtree Passes Away at 81

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Source: Variety
Iconic 'Shaft' Star Richard Roundtree Passes Away at 81
Photo: Variety
TL;DR

Richard Roundtree, the iconic star of the Blaxploitation film "Shaft," has passed away at the age of 81 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Roundtree's portrayal of detective John Shaft in the 1971 action thriller marked a turning point for African American leading men in film. The success of "Shaft" helped save the studio from bankruptcy and set the tone for a decade of Blaxploitation filmmaking. Roundtree's career spanned over 50 years, with notable roles in films like "Se7en" and "Speed Racer." He is survived by his four daughters and son.

Topics:top-newsentertainment#african-american-actors#blaxploitation-film#entertainment#pancreatic-cancer#richard-roundtree#shaft
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  1. Richard Roundtree, ‘Shaft’ Star, Dies at 81  Variety
  2. Richard Roundtree Dies: ‘Shaft’ Star Was 81  Deadline
  3. Reports: Richard Roundtree, 'Shaft' star, has died  CNN
  4. Richard Roundtree, iconic star of 'Shaft', dead at 81  New York Post
  5. 'Shaft' Star Richard Roundtree Dead at 81  TMZ

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