Richard Roundtree, the actor best known for portraying detective John Shaft in the 1971 film “Shaft,” has died, his representative told CBS News. He was 81.
Roundtree died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, his representative, Patrick McMinn, said.
His manager, Patrick McMinn, confirmed the actor died in Los Angeles.
In a statement to the media McMinn said:
“I’m very sad to report that our client Richard Roundtree passed away this afternoon after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. His family was with him at his bedside.
“Artists & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree. His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time,” McMinn concluded.
This wasn’t his first battle with the disease. Back in 1997, the actor revealed he had a double mastectomy in 1993 due to breast cancer.
