Richard Roundtree is a famous American actor. He is known as the 1st black action hero because of his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the film Shaft, released in 1971. This film has popular sequels with titles, Shaft’s Big Score (1972) and · Shaft in Africa (1973). This movie got plenty of benefits for the actor including a nomination for Golden Globe Awards for New Star of the Year – Actor.
Don't Miss: Roger Bart
The legendary star, Richard Roundtree was born on July 9, 1942 in New Rochelle, New York USA. He graduated in 1961 from New Rochelle High School. He was the player of school’s football team. This team was undefeated and a nationally ranked one. Then he joined at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale. His health started decline in the year 1993 and unfortunately he was diagnosed male breast cancer and was treated through a double mastectomy and chemotherapy.
Roundtree was considered as the leading man in the blaxploitation films of early 1970. He also performed in the movies against Ben Gazzara and Laurence Olivier in the fantastic movie Inchon, released in the market in the year 1981. He also amused the TV viewers through his extra ordinary abilities. In this connection he was appeared in Roots, a TV series, which was on aired in 1977. In this series he played the role of a slave, Sam Bennett. Since 1989 to 1991 he played as Dr. Daniel Reubens on Generations. Another time the role of a detective was allotted to Roundtree in 1984’s City Heat. This time he was performing along with Burt Reynolds and Clint Eastwood as well. This hard working actor kept doing struggle throughout 90,s but could not receive much appreciation. But the situation seems different when we observe his rating in the stage plays.
Roundtree played in an episode of Beverley Hills, 90210 opposite Vivica A. Fox. In the 1st season of desperate Housewives, Roundtree made a number of guest appearances as an amoral private detective. He has been the part of the amazing production George of the Jungle (1997). In the film Brick (2005) he played the role of a vice- principal of the high school.
Akuji the Heartless is a popular play station game in which the character Akuji has to make his way out of the bottom of the hell at the bidding of Baron. Richard Roundtree is the person who gave his voice to Akuji in the play. Round played the leading role of Phil Thomas in 413 Hope St., a short- lived Fox ensemble drama. He performed in a television movie called “Having Our Say: The Delany Sister’s First 100 years” in 1999 as Booker T. Washington.
Since 2000, Richard Roundtree is doing the character of Colonel D.B. Walter U.S.M.C. (retired) in the TV series The Closer as well as in Heroes as the terminally ill father of Simon, Charles Deveaux. In2008, Roundtree has appeared in a supporting role in the movie Speed Racer. Recently it is rumoured that he is dead.
Last Modified: Apr 7, 2020
Related Biographies
