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.
Roundtree’s “Shaft” was part of a change in how Black movies were viewed in Hollywood, which failed to consider Black actors – especially for leading roles — in projects at the time.
Isaac Hayes’ “Shaft” theme song — which included the line “You a bad mother— (Shut your mouth)” — helped insinuate the original movie into the pop-cult consciousness.
After the film’s success, Roundtree returned in sequels “Shaft’s Big Score” in 1972 and “Shaft in Africa” in 1973.
Roundtree reprised his role in the 2000 “Shaft” film, a revival that starred Samuel L. Jackson.
Persons:
— Richard Roundtree, Roundtree’s, Patrick McMinn, ” McMinn, ” Roundtree, John, Gordon Parks, –, —, Roundtree, Isaac Hayes ’, ” —, Samuel L, Jackson, Jessie T, Usher, Peter O’Toole, Taraji P, Henson, ”, Mary Jane ”
Organizations:
ANGELES, Associated Press, Africa ”, CBS, “, MTV
Locations:
Los Angeles, New Rochelle , New York, New York, Gordon, Hollywood, American, Africa