Richard Roundtree was an American actor best known for his iconic role as private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film "Shaft" and its sequels. He reprised the role in four subsequent films, spanning from 1972 to 2019, as well as a television series. Beyond the "Shaft" franchise, Roundtree was a familiar face on television, with appearances in notable series such as "Roots," "Generations," and "Desperate Housewives."
July 9, 1942: Birth of Richard Arnold Roundtree
Richard Arnold Roundtree was born on July 9, 1942, in New Rochelle, New York. He would later become an iconic American actor, best known for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft and its sequels.
1961: Graduation from New Rochelle High School
Richard Roundtree graduated from New Rochelle High School in 1961. This marked the end of his secondary education and the beginning of his journey into higher education and eventually acting.
1963: Dropped Out of College
In 1963, Richard Roundtree dropped out of Southern Illinois University to begin his acting career. This decision set the stage for his future success in the entertainment industry.
1963: First Marriage
In 1963, Richard Roundtree married Mary Jane Grant. The couple had two children before divorcing in 1973.
1963: Start of Professional Career
Richard Roundtree began his professional career in 1963 as a model, working for the Ebony Fashion Fair. This marked the beginning of his journey in the entertainment industry.
1967: Joined the Negro Ensemble Company
In 1967, Richard Roundtree joined the Negro Ensemble Company and took on the role of boxer Jack Johnson in the company's production of The Great White Hope.
1969: Performed in Off-Off-Broadway Production
In 1969, Richard Roundtree acted in the Off-Off-Broadway production of Mau Mau Room by the Negro Ensemble Company Workshop Festival, directed by Shauneille Perry.
1970: First Big-Screen Appearance
Richard Roundtree made his first big-screen appearance in 1970, playing a minor role in the film What Do You Say to a Naked Lady?, directed by Allen Funt.
1971: Release of Shaft
In 1971, Richard Roundtree starred as private detective John Shaft in the action movie Shaft. This role catapulted him to widespread popularity and established him as a leading man in early 1970s films.
1972: Release of Shaft's Big Score!
In 1972, Richard Roundtree continued his role as private detective John Shaft in the sequel Shaft's Big Score!. The film further solidified his status as an action star.
1973: First Divorce
Richard Roundtree and Mary Jane Grant divorced in 1973. They had two children together during their marriage.
1973: Release of Shaft in Africa and TV Series
Richard Roundtree reprised his role as John Shaft in Shaft in Africa and also starred in the eponymous television series that aired between 1973 and 1974.
1977: Played Sam Bennett in Roots
In 1977, Richard Roundtree played the role of Sam Bennett in the television mini-series Roots, which became a significant part of his acting career.
1980: Second Marriage
In 1980, Richard Roundtree married Karen M. Ciernia. They had three children together before divorcing in 1998.
1981: Appeared in Inchon
In 1981, Richard Roundtree appeared opposite Laurence Olivier and Ben Gazzara in the epic war film Inchon, directed by Terence Young.
1984: Starred in City Heat
In 1984, Richard Roundtree starred as private detective Diehl Swift in the buddy-crime comedy movie City Heat, alongside Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds.
1989: Starred in Generations
From 1989 to 1991, Richard Roundtree starred as Dr. Daniel Reubens in the soap opera Generations, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
September 19, 1991: Appeared in Beverly Hills, 90210
On September 19, 1991, Richard Roundtree appeared in the episode 'Ashes to Ashes' from the second season of Beverly Hills, 90210.
1993: Breast Cancer Diagnosis
In 1993, Richard Roundtree was diagnosed with breast cancer. He underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy, demonstrating his resilience in facing this health challenge.
1995: Acted in Seven
In 1995, Richard Roundtree acted in David Fincher's critically-acclaimed movie Seven, further establishing his presence in the film industry.
1997: Appeared in George of the Jungle
In 1997, Richard Roundtree appeared in the comedy movie George of the Jungle, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
1998: Second Divorce
Richard Roundtree and Karen M. Ciernia divorced in 1998. They had three children together during their marriage.
1999: Portrayed Booker T. Washington
In 1999, Richard Roundtree portrayed Booker T. Washington in the television movie Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years.
2000: Release of Shaft Sequel
In 2000, Richard Roundtree starred again as John Shaft in a new sequel of the original 1971 film, with Samuel L. Jackson playing the title character.
2004: Guest-Starred in Desperate Housewives
In 2004, Richard Roundtree guest-starred in several episodes of the first season of Desperate Housewives, playing an amoral private detective.
2005: Played Assistant Vice Principal in Brick
In 2005, Richard Roundtree played the assistant vice principal of a high school in the neo-noir mystery film Brick.
2006: Starred in Heroes
In 2006, Richard Roundtree starred in the science fiction drama series Heroes as Charles Deveaux, the terminally ill father of main character Simone Deveaux.
2008: Appeared in Speed Racer
In 2008, Richard Roundtree played a supporting role in the live-action adaptation of the Japanese manga, Speed Racer.
2013: Co-Starred in Being Mary Jane
Starting from 2013, Richard Roundtree co-starred as the father of lead character Mary Jane Paul (Gabrielle Union) in the drama series Being Mary Jane, aired on BET.
2019: Co-Starred in What Men Want
In 2019, Richard Roundtree co-starred in the comedy film What Men Want, showcasing his comedic talent.
2019: Release of Shaft Sequel
In 2019, Richard Roundtree once again returned to the role of John Shaft in a new sequel to the 2000 film, opposite Samuel L. Jackson and Jessie T. Usher.
October 24, 2023: Death of Richard Roundtree
Richard Roundtree passed away on October 24, 2023. He left behind a legacy as a pioneering African American actor, best known for his role as John Shaft in the Shaft film series.
2023: Final Film Release
Richard Roundtree's final film to be released in his lifetime was Moving On (2023), where he acted alongside Jane Fonda.