What's After the Movie
Richard Roundtree
Richard Arnold Roundtree was an acclaimed American actor born on July 9, 1942. He gained significant fame for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft and four of its sequels. Besides his work in cinema, he also demonstrated his versatility across TV series like Roots, Generations, and Desperate Housewives.
Cemented as 'the first Black action hero', Roundtree was instrumental to the rise of African American leading actors in Hollywood. His embodiment of Shaft as a bold, assertive, and charismatic character remoulded the depiction Black men and Black masculinity in the cinema. He commenced his acting career in 1963, after dropping out of Southern Illinois University. He joined the Negro Ensemble Company in 1967 and made his first big-screen appearance in the film, What Do You Say to a Naked Lady?, in 1970. His career spanned across numerous highly-rated films and TV series, contributing significantly to the film industry until his demise in 2023.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Richard Roundtree, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Richard Roundtree rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Richard Arnold Roundtree
Born: New Rochelle, New York, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Birthday: July 9, 1942
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1963-2023
Children: 5
Spouses: Mary Jane Grant, Karen M. Ciernia
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Awards and Nominations Received by Richard Roundtree
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Movies Featuring Richard Roundtree
Shaft
Earthquake
Maniac Cop
Brick
Shaft
Steel
What Men Want
Moving On
City Heat
An Eye for an Eye
Duke
Thelma
Al’s Lads
A Family Reunion Christmas
Joe and Max
BaadAsssss Cinema
Vegas Vampires
Max Havoc: Curse Of The Dragon
All The Days Before Tomorrow
Point of Entry
Painkiller Jane
Bad Jim
Wild Seven
Inchon
Q
One Down, Two to Go
The Big Score
Young Warriors
The Baron and the Kid
A.D.
Killpoint
Jocks
Miami Cops
Opposing Force
Party Line
Angel III: The Final Chapter
Night Visitor
Crack House
Haunting of the Mary Celeste
A Time to Die
Getting Even
Body of Influence
Bonanza: Under Attack
Sins of the Night
Se7en
Mind Twister
Game for Vultures
Escape to Athena
Bonanza: The Return
Theodore Rex
Shadows of Desire
Shaft in Africa
Nationtime
Bloodfist III: Forced to Fight
Amityville: A New Generation
Once Upon a Time… When We Were Colored
Christmas in Connecticut
Original Gangstas
Portrait of a Hitman
Day of the Assassin
Soul in Cinema: Filming ‘Shaft’ on Location
Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years
What Do You Say to a Naked Lady
Final Approach
Embassy
Ballistic
Shaft’s Big Score!
Diamonds
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Richard Roundtree, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1995
Bonanza: Under Attack
Jacob
Se7en
Talbot
Theodore Rex
Commissioner Lynch
Once Upon a Time… When We Were Colored
Cleve
Ballistic
Harold
1993
Body of Influence
Harry Reams
Sins of the Night
Les
Bonanza: The Return
Jacob Briscoe
Amityville: A New Generation
Pauli
1988
Maniac Cop
Party Line
Captain Barnes
Angel III: The Final Chapter
Lt. Doniger
Getting Even
Dundee
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