Richard Roundtree Dead: ‘Shaft’ & ‘Family Reunion’ Star Dies at 81

Richard Roundtree has sadly passed away.

The Shaft and Family Reunion star died at the age of 81 on Tuesday afternoon (October 24), his longtime manager Patrick McMinn confirmed.

Variety reports that the Golden Globe-nominated actor passed after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film,” Patrick shared in a statement. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”

Richard entered the industry as a model, and booked his feature film debut as the leading man John Shaft in the movie Shaft. He then went on to star in many TV shows and movies.

Most recently, Richard has starred as grandpa Jebidiah McKellan on the Netflix series Family Reunion, as well as on the series Cherish the Day.

Richard is survived by four daughters, Nicole, Tayler, Morgan and Kelli Roundtree, and his son, James.

Our thoughts go out to Richard Roundtree‘s family and loved ones during this time.