Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action movie hero, has died at 81

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Richard Roundtree, the trailblazing actor who starred as the ultra-smooth private detective in several “Shaft” films beginning in the early 1970s, has died. He was 81.

Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action movie hero, has died at 81 - The Philadelphia Sunday Sun

Richard Roundtree, 'Shaft' actor, has died at age 81

Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action movie hero, has died at 81 – Butler Eagle

Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action movie hero, has died at

Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action movie hero, has died at 81 - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action movie hero, has died at 81

Rest in paradise Richard Roundtree, the first black action hero. #vira

Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action movie hero, has died at 81 - The Philadelphia Sunday Sun

Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action movie hero, has died at 81 - WWAYTV3

Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action movie hero, has died at 81 – Hartford Courant

Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action movie hero, has died at 81, Arts & Entertainment