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

Shaft' actor Richard Roundtree dies aged 81

Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action

Shaft star Richard Roundtree dies at 81

Richard Roundtree, star of the original 'Shaft,' dies at 81

Richard Roundtree has passed away at the age of 81

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

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

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

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

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