00:00 Richard Rountree, star of Shaft, is dead at 81.
00:07 Rountree died on October 24th, surrounded by his family, according to his manager, Patrick
00:11 McMinn.
00:12 He had pancreatic cancer, as NBC News reports.
00:17 "Artists and representatives agency mourns the loss of our friend and client, Richard
00:21 Rountree," his manager said in a statement.
00:26 His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring
00:29 legacy will be felt for generations to come.
00:35 Rountree was also diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993, becoming an advocate for increased
00:39 awareness among men.
00:42 The actor is best known for portraying John Shaft in the Shaft franchise.
00:50 According to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the movie introduced into mainstream
00:53 cinema the African-American action hero.
00:55 Until then, action hero roles have been reserved for white actors.
01:00 The film's success launched Rountree into the spotlight and paved the way for other
01:03 strong black protagonists in Hollywood, NBC News reports.
01:09 He went on to appear in several other films throughout the 80s and 90s, including Original
01:12 Gangsters.
01:17 TV credits include Chips, Magnum P.I., Grey's Anatomy, Chicago Fire, and more.
01:24 Rountree has also appeared in Samuel L. Jackson's newer versions of Shaft.
01:27 "I'm a man of my word," says Rountree. "I'm a man of my word."
01:34 "I'm a man of my word."
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