By Mark Gray
1:00pm PDT, Oct 26, 2023
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Richard Roundtree, the Hollywood icon who played detective John Shaft in the "Shaft" film franchise, passed away at 81 on Oct. 24 from pancreatic cancer. Although "Shaft" became his calling card, the iconic actor's credits also include roles in "Roots," "CHiPs," "Magnum P.I.," "Desperate Housewives," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Chicago Fire."
"Richard's work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film," his manager, Patrick McMinn, said. "The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated."
Following his death, several top-line actors and actresses publicly honored Richard.
Click through to see who's paying tribute to the late "Shaft" star…
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"The passing of Richard Roundtree is a real blow. Loved being around him, learning, working, laughing & feeling Blessed to have an idol live up to who I expected him to be!! Thanks for making us feel REAL GOOD about ourselves! Rest In Power" —Samuel L. Jackson
MORE: Stars we lost in 2023
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"Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang with him & our Being Mary Jane family was always a good a** time with the best stories & laughs. He was ALWAYS the coolest man in the room with the BEST vibes & ppl would literally run over to come see him. He was simply the best & we all loved him. #RIPRichardRoundtree" —Gabrielle Union
MORE: Stars who've had pancreatic cancer
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"When I was a teenager I use to dream about growing up to meet Richard Roundtree. I did and what a wonderful human being." —Sheryl Lee Ralph
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"My heart hurts to hear this beautiful legendary actor/actor/pioneer has passed. Blessed to have known him and worked with him on 21 Jump Street AND Hangin With Mr. Cooper. I gave him his flowers every chance I got Rest In Peace, Richard Roundtree" —Holly Robinson Peete
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"God bless all associated with the Great & Legendary Richard Roundtree 'Shaft' He was truly 1 of my childhood heroes. He was Him!!!!!" –Deion Sanders
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"I just heard, the icon that is Richard Roundtree is gone. The original SHAFT!!! His performance influenced so many and so much. And he was a great guy! #NeverForgotten #BePeace" —Carl Weathers
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"Sad to hear of the passing of Richard Roundtree. He was fabulous as John Shaft at a time when there were few leading Black men in film. He put the sexy and cool in being a detective. Rest well. Condolences to his family. " —Loni Love
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"The legendary Richard Roundtree. RIP" —Sean Waltman
