# Richard Roundtree > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Richard_Roundtree > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Richard_Roundtree.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Roundtree > Source revision: 1355094593 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|American actor (1942–2023)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}} {{Infobox person | name = Richard Roundtree | image = Richard Roundtree 1973.JPG | caption = Publicity photo, 1973 | birth_name = Richard Arnold Roundtree | birth_date = {{Birth date|mf=yes|1942|7|9}} | birth_place = [New Rochelle, New York](/source/New_Rochelle%2C_New_York), U.S. | death_date = {{Death date and age|2023|10|24|1942|7|9}} | death_place = [Los Angeles](/source/Los_Angeles), [California](/source/California), U.S. | occupation = Actor | years_active = 1963–2023 | notable_works = [John Shaft](/source/John_Shaft) – ''[Shaft](/source/Shaft_(franchise))'' | alma_mater = [Southern Illinois University](/source/Southern_Illinois_University_Carbondale) | spouse = {{plainlist| * {{marriage|Mary Jane Grant|November 27, 1963|December 1973|reason=div.}} * {{marriage|Karen M. Ciernia|September 1980|1998|reason=div.}} }} | children = 5 }} '''Richard Arnold Roundtree''' (July 9, 1942 – October 24, 2023) was an American actor. He was best known for his portrayal of private detective [John Shaft](/source/John_Shaft) in the 1971 film ''[Shaft](/source/Shaft_(1971_film))'' and four of its sequels, ''[Shaft's Big Score!](/source/Shaft's_Big_Score!)'' (1972), ''[Shaft in Africa](/source/Shaft_in_Africa)'' (1973),{{cite web |last1=St. Martin |first1=Emily |date=October 25, 2023 |title=Richard Roundtree, star of the 1970s 'Shaft' film franchise, has died at 81 |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2023-10-24/richard-roundtree-shaft-movies-dead-at-81 |access-date=October 25, 2023 |website=[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times)}}{{cite web |last1=Koseluk |first1=Chris |title=Richard Roundtree, Suave Star of 'Shaft,' Dies at 81 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/richard-roundtree-dead-shaft-1235626813/ |access-date=October 24, 2023 |website=[The Hollywood Reporter](/source/The_Hollywood_Reporter)}} its [2000 sequel](/source/Shaft_(2000_film)){{Cite web |date=October 25, 2023 |title=È morto a 81 anni l'attore statunitense Richard Roundtree, protagonista della serie di film "Shaft" |url=https://www.ilpost.it/2023/10/25/richard-roundtree-shaft-morto/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=[Il Post](/source/Il_Post) |language=it-IT}} and its [2019 sequel](/source/Shaft_(2019_film)), as well as the television series (1973–1974). He was also known for featuring in several TV series, including ''[Roots](/source/Roots_(1977_miniseries))'', ''[Generations](/source/Generations_(American_TV_series))'', and ''[Desperate Housewives](/source/Desperate_Housewives)''. Considered "the first black action hero",{{Cite web |last=Tweedle |first=Sam |title=Richard Roundtree: I'm Just Talkin’ About Shaft (And We Can Dig It) |url=http://popcultureaddict.com/movies-2/shaft-htm/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820230657/http://popcultureaddict.com/movies-2/shaft-htm/ |archive-date=August 20, 2014 |access-date=August 20, 2014 |website=Confessions of a Pop Culture Addict}} Roundtree was credited with having an impact on the rise of African American [leading actor](/source/leading_actor)s in [Hollywood](/source/Cinema_of_the_United_States) projects, thanks to his successful performances in the genre.{{cite web |last1=Fulwood III |first1=Sam |title=Opinion: After 'Shaft,' Black Americans in film were never portrayed the same way |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/28/opinions/richard-roundtree-shaft-black-actors-hollywood-fulwood/index.html |website=CNN |publisher=Warner Bros. Discovery Company |access-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029013816/https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/28/opinions/richard-roundtree-shaft-black-actors-hollywood-fulwood/index.html |language=en |date=October 28, 2023|archive-date=October 29, 2023 }} His portrayal of Shaft as a bold, confident, and charismatic figure also influenced cinematic depictions of black men and black masculinity, a contrast to black men in films prior to ''Shaft'' having often been portrayed as mild-mannered or servile. ==Early life and education== Richard Arnold Roundtree was born on July 9, 1942, in [New Rochelle, New York](/source/New_Rochelle%2C_New_York), to John Roundtree and Kathryn Watkins. Roundtree attended [New Rochelle High School](/source/New_Rochelle_High_School), where he graduated in 1961.{{cite web |url=http://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/richard-roundtree |work=[HistoryMakers](/source/HistoryMakers) |title=Richard Roundtree |access-date=January 23, 2019 |date=January 3, 2018}} He subsequently attended [Southern Illinois University](/source/Southern_Illinois_University_Carbondale) in [Carbondale, Illinois](/source/Carbondale%2C_Illinois),{{cite web |url=https://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800018093/bio |title=Richard Roundtree Biography |work=[Yahoo! Movies](/source/Yahoo!_Movies) |access-date=April 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100914121704/http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800018093/bio |archive-date=September 14, 2010 |publisher=AEC One Stop Group, Inc. |agency=[Baseline](/source/Baseline_(database)) |url-status=live }} but eventually dropped out of college in 1963, in order to begin his acting career. ==Career== Roundtree started his professional career around 1963, as he began working as a model at the [Ebony Fashion Fair](/source/Ebony_Fashion_Fair) after being scouted by [Eunice W. Johnson](/source/Eunice_W._Johnson); he then began modeling in [advertisements](/source/Advertising) for products such as [Johnson Products](/source/Johnson_Products_Company)' Duke hair grease{{Cite journal |date=May 1968 |title=The Natural Look is Here |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KtoDAAAAMBAJ |journal=Ebony |volume=XXIII |issue=7 |pages=111 |access-date=August 25, 2025 |via=Google Books}} and [Salem](/source/Salem_(cigarette)) cigarettes.{{Cite journal |date=April 1970 |title=Springtime Lasts Even Longer with Salem Super King |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k0SaFPIrCVkC |journal=Ebony |volume=XXV |issue=6 |pages=184 |access-date=August 25, 2025 |via=Google Books}} In 1967, Roundtree joined the [Negro Ensemble Company](/source/Negro_Ensemble_Company): he then went on to play his first theatrical role by portraying boxer [Jack Johnson](/source/Jack_Johnson) in the company's production of ''The Great White Hope.'' According to [J. E. Franklin](/source/J._E._Franklin), he acted in the [Off-Off-Broadway](/source/Off-Off-Broadway) production of her play ''Mau Mau Room,'' by the Negro Ensemble Company Workshop Festival,{{cite web |title=Negro Ensemble Company Records |url=https://nyplorg-data-archives-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/collection/pdf_finding_aid/NEC.pdf |website=New York Public Library / Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture |access-date=June 20, 2022 |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707091514/https://nyplorg-data-archives-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/collection/pdf_finding_aid/NEC.pdf |url-status=dead }} at [St. Mark's Playhouse](/source/St._Mark's_Playhouse) in 1969, directed by [Shauneille Perry](/source/Shauneille_Perry).{{cite journal |last1=Forsgren |first1=La Donna L. |title="The Black Arts Movement (1965–1976) An Interview with Playwright J.e. Franklin |journal=Callaloo |date=Fall 2014 |volume=37 |issue=5 |page=1151 |doi=10.1353/cal.2014.0211 |jstor=24265197 |s2cid=162396774 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/24265197 |access-date=June 18, 2022|url-access=subscription }} [[File:Richard Roundtree Ed Barth Shaft (television version) 1973.JPG|thumb|left|180px|Roundtree playing [John Shaft](/source/John_Shaft) in the [CBS-TV television series](/source/Shaft_(TV_series)) (1973)]] Roundtree made his first big-screen appearance by playing a minor role in the film ''[What Do You Say to a Naked Lady?](/source/What_Do_You_Say_to_a_Naked_Lady%3F)'', a 1970 American hidden-camera style reality film directed by ''[Candid Camera](/source/Candid_Camera)'' creator [Allen Funt](/source/Allen_Funt). In the following years, he became a leading man in early 1970s films, and gained widespread popularity through his portrayal of private detective [John Shaft](/source/John_Shaft) in the action movie ''[Shaft](/source/Shaft_(1971_film))'' (1971) and its sequels, ''[Shaft's Big Score!](/source/Shaft's_Big_Score!)'' (1972) and ''[Shaft in Africa](/source/Shaft_in_Africa)'' (1973); he also played the same role in the [eponymous television series](/source/Shaft_(1973_film_series)), aired by [CBS](/source/CBS) between 1973 and 1974. In early-1974, Roundtree was cast in the role of an [Evel Knievel](/source/Evel_Knievel)-type motorcycle daredevil in the [disaster film](/source/disaster_film) ''[Earthquake](/source/Earthquake_(1974_film))'', a part which was originally written for [Joe Namath](/source/Joe_Namath). Hired after filming had already begun, the script was re-written to accommodate Roundtree in the part, alongside [Gabriel Dell](/source/Gabriel_Dell) and [Victoria Principal](/source/Victoria_Principal). In 1981, he appeared opposite [Laurence Olivier](/source/Laurence_Olivier) and [Ben Gazzara](/source/Ben_Gazzara) in the epic war film ''[Inchon](/source/Inchon_(film))'', directed by [Terence Young](/source/Terence_Young_(director)).{{Cite news |date=October 24, 2023 |title=Richard Roundtree, Black action hero who played 'Shaft,' dead at 81 |language=en |work=[Reuters](/source/Reuters) |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/richard-roundtree-black-action-hero-who-played-shaft-dead-81-2023-10-25/ |access-date=October 26, 2023}} In 1984, he starred again as a private detective, Diehl Swift, in the buddy-crime comedy movie ''[City Heat](/source/City_Heat),'' acting alongside [Clint Eastwood](/source/Clint_Eastwood) and [Burt Reynolds](/source/Burt_Reynolds).{{Cite news |last=Gates |first=Anita |date=October 25, 2023 |title=Richard Roundtree, Star of 'Shaft,' Dies at 81 |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/24/movies/richard-roundtree-dead.html |access-date=October 26, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} On television, he played the slave Sam Bennett in the 1977 television mini-series [''Roots''](/source/Roots_(1977_miniseries)), and then starred as Dr. Daniel Reubens in the soap opera ''[Generations](/source/Generations_(American_TV_series))'' from 1989 to 1991. Although Roundtree worked throughout the entirety of the 1990s, many of his films from that era were not well-received publicly; however, he found success in several stage plays.Sewall, Rhonda B., "Actor, icon, survivor: Richard Roundtree appears in 'Men Cry in the Dark{{'"}}, ''The Toledo Blade'', October 7, 2005.Ames, Denise, "One on One with Richard Rountree", ''The Toluca Lake Times and Canyon Crier'' (CA), March 6, 2014. During that same period of time, Roundtree kept featuring in TV series: on September 19, 1991, he appeared in the episode "Ashes to Ashes", from the [second season](/source/Beverly_Hills%2C_90210_season_2) of ''[Beverly Hills, 90210](/source/Beverly_Hills%2C_90210)''.{{Citation |last=Braverman |first=Charles |title=Ashes to Ashes |date=September 19, 1991 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0522743/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |series=Beverly Hills, 90210 |others=Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth}} In 1995, he acted in [David Fincher](/source/David_Fincher)'s critically-acclaimed movie ''[Seven](/source/Seven_(1995_film))''; in 2000, he starred again as John Shaft in [a new, eponymous sequel](/source/Shaft_(2000_film)) of the original 1971 film, with [Samuel L. Jackson](/source/Samuel_L._Jackson) playing the title character.{{Cite web |last=Landrum |first=Jonathan, Jr. |date=October 25, 2023 |title='Shaft' star Richard Roundtree, considered the first Black action movie hero, has died at 81 |url=https://whyy.org/articles/shaft-star-richard-roundtree-dead-at-81/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=[WHYY-FM](/source/WHYY-FM) |publisher= |language=en-US}} In 1997, he appeared in the comedy movie ''[George of the Jungle](/source/George_of_the_Jungle_(film));''{{Cite web |last=Tinoco |first=Armando |date=October 24, 2023 |title=Remembering Richard Roundtree: A Career In Photos From 'Shaft' To 'Roots' To 'Being Mary Jane' & 'Family Reunion' |url=https://deadline.com/gallery/richard-roundtree-career-photos/ |access-date=October 25, 2023 |website=[Deadline Hollywood](/source/Deadline_Hollywood) |language=en-US}} around the same year, he played a leading role as Phil Thomas in the [Fox](/source/Fox_Broadcasting_Company) ensemble drama, ''[413 Hope St](/source/413_Hope_St.)''; in 1999, he portrayed [Booker T. Washington](/source/Booker_T._Washington) in the 1999 television movie ''[Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years](/source/Having_Our_Say%3A_The_Delany_Sisters'_First_100_Years_(film))''.{{Cite web |last=Kronke |first=David |date=April 16, 1999 |title=Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years |url=https://variety.com/1999/tv/reviews/having-our-say-the-delany-sisters-first-100-years-2-1200457275/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} He served as a voice actor for the title character from the [PlayStation](/source/PlayStation) game ''[Akuji the Heartless](/source/Akuji_the_Heartless)'', which was first released in 1999.{{cite magazine |last=Bell |first=Carrie |date=March 13, 1999 |title=EnterActive |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6A0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA30 |magazine=[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine)) |volume=111 |issue=11 |page=30 |issn=0006-2510 |access-date=October 26, 2023}}{{cite web |last=Mullen |first=Micheal |date=April 28, 2000 |title=Akuji Gets Shaft (Star) |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/akuji-gets-shaft-star/1100-2465260/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=[GameSpot](/source/GameSpot)}} In 2004, Roundtree guest-starred in several episodes of the [first season](/source/Desperate_Housewives_season_1) of ''[Desperate Housewives](/source/Desperate_Housewives)'' as an amoral private detective; in 2005, he played the assistant vice principal of a high school in the neo-noir mystery film ''[Brick](/source/Brick_(film))''.{{Cite web |title=Brick |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/brick/cast/2000115510/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=[TVGuide](/source/TVGuide) |language=en}} thumb|180px|Roundtree in 2007Starting from the same year, Roundtree appeared in the television series ''[The Closer](/source/The_Closer)'' as retired [colonel](/source/colonel) D. B. Walter; in 2006, he starred in the science fiction drama series ''[Heroes](/source/Heroes_(American_TV_series))'' as Charles Deveaux, the terminally ill father of main character [Simone Deveaux](/source/Simone_Deveaux) ([Tawny Cypress](/source/Tawny_Cypress)). He then appeared as Eddie Sutton's father-in-law in several episodes of family drama series ''[Lincoln Heights](/source/Lincoln_Heights_(TV_series))'',{{efn|In season one, his car is rear-ended. In season two, he contemplates divorce.}} before playing a supporting role in the 2008 film ''[Speed Racer](/source/Speed_Racer_(film))'', a live-action adaptation of the [eponymous Japanese manga](/source/Speed_Racer).{{Cite web |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=July 2, 2007 |title=Roundtree is fast friend of 'Speed' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/roundtree-is-fast-friend-speed-141475/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=[The Hollywood Reporter](/source/The_Hollywood_Reporter) |publisher=[Associated Press](/source/Associated_Press) |language=en-US}} During the same year, he also appeared in the TV series ''[Knight Rider](/source/Knight_Rider_(2008_TV_series))'' as the father of [FBI](/source/FBI) agent Carrie Ravai ([Sydney Tamiia Poitier](/source/Sydney_Tamiia_Poitier)).{{Cite web |last=Blackwelder |first=Carson |date=October 25, 2023 |title=Samuel L. Jackson, Gabrielle Union lead tributes to late 'Shaft' actor Richard Roundtree |url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/samuel-jackson-gabrielle-union-tributes-shaft-actor-richard-roundtree/story?id=104279705 |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=[ABC News](/source/ABC_News_(United_States)) |language=en}} Starting from 2013, he co-starred as the father of lead character Mary Jane Paul ([Gabrielle Union](/source/Gabrielle_Union)) in the drama series ''[Being Mary Jane](/source/Being_Mary_Jane)'', aired on [BET](/source/BET).{{Cite web |last=Hatta |first=Madd |date=February 6, 2014 |title=EXCLUSIVE: "Being Mary Jane" Star Gives Advice On Adultery [AUDIO] |url=https://theboxhouston.com/9487056/richard-roundtree/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=97.9 The Box |language=en-US}} In 2019, Roundtree co-starred in the comedy film ''[What Men Want](/source/What_Men_Want)'', before once again returning to the role of John Shaft in ''[Shaft](/source/Shaft_(2019_film))'', a new sequel to the 2000 film, opposite [Samuel L. Jackson](/source/Samuel_L._Jackson) and [Jessie T. Usher](/source/Jessie_T._Usher), who portrayed John Shaft II and John Shaft III, respectively. Starting from the same year, Roundtree also had a recurring role on ''[Family Reunion.](/source/Family_Reunion_(TV_series))''{{Cite web |date=July 12, 2019 |title=Richard Roundtree draws on youth as a preacher kid for 'Family Reunion' role |url=https://kfalthebig900.com/2019/07/richard-roundtree-draws-on-youth-as-a-preacher-kid-for-family-reunion-role/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=[KFAL](/source/KFAL) |language=en-US}} Roundtree's final film to be released in his lifetime was ''[Moving On](/source/Moving_On_(2022_film))'' (2023) with [Jane Fonda](/source/Jane_Fonda). The last film released was ''[Thelma](/source/Thelma_(2024_film))'' (2024). ==Personal life, health problems, and death== Roundtree was married and divorced twice and had five children. He married Mary Jane Grant in 1963; the couple had two children before divorcing in 1973.{{Cite web |last=Agate |first=Samantha |date=October 25, 2023 |title=Richard Roundtree Wives: Late Actor's Marriage History |url=https://www.closerweekly.com/posts/richard-roundtree-wives-late-actors-marriage-history/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=Closer Weekly |language=en-US}} He dated actress and TV personality [Cathy Lee Crosby](/source/Cathy_Lee_Crosby) shortly thereafter.{{cite web|title=Cathy Lee Crosby Seems the Perfect Host: She Has Taken Risks All Her Professional Life|url=https://people.com/archive/cathy-lee-crosby-seems-the-perfect-host-she-has-taken-risks-all-her-professional-life-vol-14-no-15/}}, David Gritten, [People Magazine](/source/People_Magazine), October 13, 1980. Roundtree later married Karen M. Ciernia in 1980;{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Liz|date=September 28, 1980|title=Estrada tells his side|newspaper=[Herald & Review](/source/Herald_%26_Review)|location=Decatur, Illinois|page=C2|quote=Richard Roundtree, who found fame as the black detective 'Shaft,' has married the beautiful former model Karen Ciernia, now a 'civilian'...}} they had three children together before divorcing in 1998. In 1993, Roundtree was diagnosed with [breast cancer](/source/Male_breast_cancer), and subsequently underwent a double [mastectomy](/source/mastectomy) and [chemotherapy](/source/chemotherapy).{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/health/spotlight/2001-09-18-roundtree-cancer.htm |title=Richard Roundtree 'Knows the Score' on cancer |newspaper=[Usatoday.com](/source/Usatoday.com) |date=September 18, 2001 |access-date=April 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011122141213/http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/spotlight/2001-09-18-roundtree-cancer.htm |archive-date=November 22, 2001 |first=Rachel |last=Evans-Biermann |url-status=live }} Roundtree died of [pancreatic cancer](/source/pancreatic_cancer) at his home in Los Angeles on October 24, 2023, at the age of 81.{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title=Richard Roundtree Dies: 'Shaft' Star Was 81 |url=https://deadline.com/2023/10/richard-roundtree-dead-shaft-star-1235582237/ |website=[Deadline Hollywood](/source/Deadline_Hollywood) |access-date=October 24, 2023}} He was cremated at [Chapel of the Pines Crematory](/source/Chapel_of_the_Pines_Crematory). His family hosted a memorial service for him at Saint Catherine African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Rochelle, New York on February 17, 2024.{{cite web | url=https://newroarnews.org/richard-roundtree-remembrance/ | title=Richard Roundtree Remembrance - New RoAR News | date=February 19, 2024 }} ==Filmography== ===Film=== {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class=unsortable | Notes ! class=unsortable | {{Tooltip|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}} |- | 1970 | ''[What Do You Say to a Naked Lady?](/source/What_Do_You_Say_to_a_Naked_Lady%3F)'' | Interracial Couple | | {{sfn|Weldon|1996|p=614}}{{sfn|Aldous|2015|p=145}} |- | 1971 | ''[Shaft](/source/Shaft_(1971_film))'' | [John Shaft](/source/John_Shaft) | | |- | rowspan="2" | 1972 | ''[Embassy](/source/Embassy_(film))'' | Richard "Dick" Shannon | | {{sfn|McKay|2020|p=252}} |- | ''[Shaft's Big Score!](/source/Shaft's_Big_Score!)'' | John Shaft | | |- | rowspan="2" | 1973 | ''[Charley One-Eye](/source/Charley_One-Eye)'' | The Black Man | | {{cite book|last=Braziel|first=Jana Evans|date=2008|title=Artists, Performers, and Black Masculinity in the Haitian Diaspora|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=z-14TikSYwgC&pg=PA239|publisher=[Indiana University Press](/source/Indiana_University_Press)|page=239|isbn=978-0253219787}}{{cite book|last=Hilger|first=Michael|date=2015|title=Native Americans in the Movies: Portrayals from Silent Films to the Present|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9PuICgAAQBAJ&pg=PA130|publisher=[Rowman & Littlefield](/source/Rowman_%26_Littlefield)|page=130|isbn=978-1442240018}} |- | ''[Shaft in Africa](/source/Shaft_in_Africa)'' | John Shaft | | |- | 1974 | ''[Earthquake](/source/Earthquake_(1974_film))'' | Miles Quade | | |- | rowspan="2" | 1975 | ''[Man Friday](/source/Man_Friday_(film))'' | Friday | | |- | ''[Diamonds](/source/Diamonds_(1975_film))'' | Archie | | |- | rowspan="4" | 1979 | ''[Escape to Athena](/source/Escape_to_Athena)'' | Nat Judson | | |- | ''[Portrait of a Hitman](/source/Portrait_of_a_Hitman)'' | "Coco" Morrell | | {{cite book|last=Maltin|first=Leonard|author-link=Leonard Maltin|date=2008|title=Leonard Maltin's 2009 Movie Guide|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6EgPDierNGUC&pg=PA1087|publisher=[Plume](/source/Plume_(publisher))|page=1087|isbn=978-0452289789}} |- | ''[Game for Vultures](/source/Game_for_Vultures)'' | Gideon Marunga | | {{sfn|McKay|2020|p=289}} |- | ''[Day of the Assassin](/source/Day_of_the_Assassin)'' | Fessler | | {{cite web|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/tributes/a-goodbye-to-shaft-hollywoods-first-bad-black-man-richard-roundtree-1942-2023|title=A Goodbye to Shaft, Hollywood's First 'Bad' Black Man: Richard Roundtree (1942–2023)|last=Bayne|first=Bijan|date=October 25, 2023|website=[RogerEbert.com](/source/RogerEbert.com)|access-date=October 25, 2023}} |- | 1980 | ''Gypsy Angels'' | Dr. Carlson | | {{sfn|Weldon|1996|p=247}} |- | rowspan="2" | 1981 | ''[Inchon](/source/Inchon_(film))'' | Sergeant Augustus Henderson | | |- | ''[An Eye for an Eye](/source/An_Eye_for_an_Eye_(1981_film))'' | Captain Stevens | | {{cite magazine|date=July 2, 1981|title=Richard Roundtree Stars In 'An Eye For An Eye'|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GUIDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA61|magazine=[Jet](/source/Jet_(magazine))|volume=60|issue=16|page=61|issn=0021-5996|access-date=October 25, 2023}} |- | rowspan="2" | 1982 | ''[Q](/source/Q_(1982_film))'' | Sgt. Powell | Also known as ''Q – The Winged Serpent'' | {{sfn|Klotman|Gibson|1997|p=387}}{{sfn|Williams|2014|p=346}} |- | ''[One Down, Two to Go](/source/One_Down%2C_Two_to_Go_(film))'' | Ralph | | {{sfn|Budnik|2017|p=34}} |- | rowspan="2" | 1983 | ''Young Warriors'' | Sergeant John Austin | | {{sfn|Klotman|Gibson|1997|p=531}}{{sfn|Budnik|2017|p=59}} |- | ''[The Big Score](/source/The_Big_Score_(1983_film))'' | Gordon | | {{cite magazine|date=November 14, 1983|title=Celebrity Beat {{!}} Cinema Casualties|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3LMDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA55|magazine=[Jet](/source/Jet_(magazine))|volume=65|issue=10|page=55|issn=0021-5996|access-date=October 25, 2023}} |- | rowspan="2" | 1984 | ''[Killpoint](/source/Killpoint)'' | Agent Bill Bryant | | {{cite news|last=Rambeau|first=Catharine|date=February 4, 1984|title=Leo Fong's dignity is a saving grace|newspaper=[Detroit Free Press](/source/Detroit_Free_Press)|location=Detroit, Michigan|page=6B}}{{sfn|Klotman|Gibson|1997|p=265}} |- | ''[City Heat](/source/City_Heat)'' | Dehl Swift | | {{sfn|Klotman|Gibson|1997|p=93}} |- | rowspan="2" | 1986 | ''Opposing Force'' | Stafford | Also known as ''Hell Camp'' | {{cite book|last1=Malo|first1=Jean-Jacques|last2=Williams|first2=Tony|date=1994|title=Vietnam War Films: Over 600 Feature, Made-for-TV, Pilot and Short Movies, 1939–1992, from the United States, Vietnam, France, Belgium, Australia, Hong Kong, South Africa, Great Britain and Other Countries|publisher=[McFarland & Company](/source/McFarland_%26_Company)|page=314|isbn=978-0899507811}} |- | ''[Jocks](/source/Jocks_(film))'' | Chip Williams | | {{sfn|Klotman|Gibson|1997|p=255}}{{cite book|last1=Johnson|first1=Tom|last2=Miller|first2=Mark A.|date=2004|title=The Christopher Lee Filmography: All Theatrical Releases, 1948–2003|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=85g-CgAAQBAJ&pg=PA345|publisher=[McFarland & Company](/source/McFarland_%26_Company)|page=345|isbn=978-0-7864-4691-9}} |- | rowspan="3" | 1988 | ''[Maniac Cop](/source/Maniac_Cop)'' | Commissioner Pike | | {{sfn|Williams|2014|p=348}} |- | ''[Party Line](/source/Party_Line_(film))'' | Captain Barnes | | {{cite book|last=Coleman|first=Robin R. Means|date=2022|title=Horror Noire: A History of Black American Horror from the 1890s to the Present|edition=Second|publisher=[Routledge](/source/Routledge)|isbn=978-0367704407}} |- | ''[Angel III: The Final Chapter](/source/Angel_III%3A_The_Final_Chapter)'' | Lieutenant Doniger | | {{sfn|Weldon|1996|p=21}} |- | rowspan="5" | 1989 | ''Miami Cops'' | Gamble | | {{cite news|last=Burger|first=Mark|date=June 16, 2000|title=For many folks, only Richard Roundtree can be called Shaft|newspaper=[Winston-Salem Journal](/source/Winston-Salem_Journal)|location=Winston-Salem, North Carolina|page=E3}} |- | ''Getting Even'' | Dundee | | {{cite book|last=Hemenez|first=Richard L.|date=2001|title=The United States Marine Corps in Books and the Performing Arts|publisher=[McFarland & Company](/source/McFarland_%26_Company)|page=456|isbn=978-0786407583}} |- | ''[Night Visitor](/source/Night_Visitor)'' | Captain Crane | | {{sfn|Klotman|Gibson|1997|p=338}} |- | ''[Crack House](/source/Crack_House_(film))'' | Lieutenant Johnson | | {{sfn|Klotman|Gibson|1997|p=113}} |- | ''The Banker'' | Lloyd | | {{sfn|Davies|2015|p=56}} |- | 1990 | ''Bad Jim'' | July | | {{sfn|Klotman|Gibson|1997|p=34}} |- | 1991 | ''A Time to Die'' | Captain Ralph Phipps | | {{sfn|Weldon|1996|p=574}} |- | 1992 | ''[Bloodfist III: Forced to Fight](/source/Bloodfist_III%3A_Forced_to_Fight)'' | Samuel Stark | | {{cite book|last1=Palmer|first1=Bill|last2=Palmer|first2=Karen|last3=Meyers|first3=Richard|date=1995|title=The Encyclopedia of Martial Arts Movies|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AvOWrZ4WJHwC&pg=PA34|publisher=[Scarecrow Press](/source/Scarecrow_Press)|page=34|isbn=978-0810830271}} |- | rowspan="5" | 1993 | ''[Body of Influence](/source/Body_of_Influence)'' | Harry Reams | [Direct-to-video](/source/Direct-to-video) | {{cite book|last1=Mainon|first1=Dominique|last2=Ursini|first2=James|date=2007|title=Cinema of Obsession: Erotic Fixation and Love Gone Wrong in the Movies|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RfJCkmvexfMC&pg=PA369|publisher=[Limelight Editions](/source/Limelight_Editions)|page=369|isbn=978-0879103477}} |- | ''[Sins of the Night](/source/Sins_of_the_Night)'' | Les | | {{sfn|Klotman|Gibson|1997|p=650}} |- | ''Deadly Rivals'' | Agent Peterson | | {{cite book|last=Lentz III|first=Harris M.|date=2001|title=Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy Film and Television Credits|edition=Second|publisher=[McFarland & Company](/source/McFarland_%26_Company)|page=1016|isbn=978-0786409426}} |- | ''[Amityville: A New Generation](/source/Amityville%3A_A_New_Generation)'' | Pauli | Direct-to-video | {{sfn|Davies|2015|p=28}} |- | ''[Mind Twister](/source/Mind_Twister)'' | Frank Webb | | {{sfn|Weldon|1996|p=368}} |- | rowspan="4" | 1995 | ''Ballistic'' | Harold | | {{cite magazine|last=McGowan|first=Chris|date=June 17, 1995|title=Laser Scans {{!}} 'Jurassic Park' Towers At LDA Awards|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8AsEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA65|magazine=[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))|volume=107|issue=24|page=65|issn=0006-2510|access-date=October 25, 2023}} |- | ''[Se7en](/source/Seven_(1995_film))'' | District Attorney Martin Talbot | | |- | ''[Once Upon a Time...When We Were Colored](/source/Once_Upon_a_Time...When_We_Were_Colored)'' | Cleve | | |- | ''[Theodore Rex](/source/Theodore_Rex_(film))'' | Commissioner Lynch | | {{sfn|Davies|2015|p=957–958}} |- | 1996 | ''[Original Gangstas](/source/Original_Gangstas)'' | "Slick" | | {{cite magazine|date=May 13, 1996|title=Movies|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T-ECAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA71|magazine=[New York](/source/New_York_(magazine))|volume=29|issue=19|page=71|issn=0028-7369|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | rowspan="2" | 1997 | ''[George of the Jungle](/source/George_of_the_Jungle_(film))'' | Kwame | | |- | ''[Steel](/source/Steel_(1997_film))'' | Uncle Joe | | {{cite magazine|date=1997|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FSMnAQAAIAAJ|magazine=[Cinefantastique](/source/Cinefantastique)|volume=29|issn=0145-6032|access-date=October 26, 2023 | title=Cinefantastique }} |- | 2000 | ''[Shaft](/source/Shaft_(2000_film))'' | Uncle John Shaft | | {{sfn|Aldous|2015|p=141}} |- | rowspan="3" | 2001 | ''[Antitrust](/source/Antitrust_(film))'' | Lyle Barton | | {{cite web|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/antitrust-2001|title=Antitrust movie review & film summary (2001)|last=Ebert|first=Roger|author-link=Roger Ebert|date=January 12, 2001|website=[RogerEbert.com](/source/RogerEbert.com)|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | ''Hawaiian Gardens'' | M.O. | | {{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2001/film/reviews/hawaiian-gardens-1200469229/|title=Hawaiian Gardens|last=Elley|first=Derek|date=July 6, 2001|work=[Variety](/source/Variety_(magazine))|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | ''[Corky Romano](/source/Corky_Romano)'' | Howard Shuster | | {{cite web|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/corky-romano-2001|title=Corky Romano movie review & film summary (2001)|last=Ebert|first=Roger|date=October 12, 2001|website=[RogerEbert.com](/source/RogerEbert.com)|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | rowspan="2" | 2002 | ''[Capone's Boys](/source/Al's_Lads)'' | "Boom-Boom" | Also known as ''Al's Lads'' | {{cite book|last=Macnab|first=Geoffrey|date=2018|title=Stairways to Heaven: Rebuilding the British Film Industry|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LeqKDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA235|publisher=[I.B. Tauris](/source/I.B._Tauris)|page=235|isbn=978-1788310055}} |- | ''[Boat Trip](/source/Boat_Trip_(film))'' | Malcolm | | {{cite web|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/boat-trip-2003|title=Boat Trip movie review & film summary (2003)|last=Ebert|first=Roger|author-link=Roger Ebert|date=March 22, 2003|website=[RogerEbert.com](/source/RogerEbert.com)|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | 2003 | ''Men Cry in the Dark'' | Derrick's father | Direct-to-DVD | {{cite book|last1=Mayo|first1=Sandra M.|last2=Holt|first2=Elvin|date=2016|title=Stages of Struggle and Celebration: A Production History of Black Theatre in Texas|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tRYtCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA139|publisher=[University of Texas Press](/source/University_of_Texas_Press)|page=139|isbn=978-1477308202}} |- | 2004 | ''[Max Havoc: Curse of the Dragon](/source/Max_Havoc%3A_Curse_of_the_Dragon)'' | Tahsi | | {{cite web|url=https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2007/jan/25/sub-titles-max-havoc-gives-acting-swift-k-20070125/|title=Sub Titles: Max Havoc gives acting a swift kick in the teeth|last=Harrison|first=Eric E.|date=January 25, 2007|work=[Arkansas Democrat-Gazette](/source/Arkansas_Democrat-Gazette)|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | 2005 | ''[Brick](/source/Brick_(film))'' | Assistant Vice President Trueman | | {{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/26/movies/this-shamus-goes-to-high-school.html|title=This Shamus Goes to High School|last=McGrath|first=Charles|date=March 26, 2006|work=[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | 2006 | ''Wild Seven'' | Lee Marvin / Cleetus Woods | | {{cite web|url=https://www.screendaily.com/shooting-begins-on-heist-thriller-wild-seven/4023265.article|title=Shooting begins on heist thriller Wild Seven|last=Kay|first=Jeremy|date=May 23, 2005|website=[Screen Daily](/source/Screen_Daily)|access-date=October 26, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2006/film/reviews/wild-seven-1200514921/|title=Wild Seven|last=Chang|first=Justin|date=July 7, 2006|work=[Variety](/source/Variety_(magazine))|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | rowspan="2" | 2007 | ''[All the Days Before Tomorrow](/source/All_the_Days_Before_Tomorrow)'' | El Doctor | | {{cite news|last=Carne|first=Keith|date=June 22, 2007|title='Days' of our lives|newspaper=[The Central New Jersey Home News](/source/The_Central_New_Jersey_Home_News)|location=New Brunswick, New Jersey|page=Pulse 19}} |- | ''Vegas Vampires'' | Rick Apping | | |- | 2008 | ''[Speed Racer](/source/Speed_Racer_(film))'' | Ben Burns | | {{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/roundtree-is-fast-friend-speed-141423/|title=Roundtree is fast friend of 'Speed'|last=Kit|first=Borys|date=July 2, 2007|publisher=[The Associated Press](/source/The_Associated_Press)|via=[The Hollywood Reporter](/source/The_Hollywood_Reporter)|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | 2009 | ''Set Apart'' | J.T. | | {{cite web|url=https://www.christianretailing.com/index.php/newsletter/latest/20066-set-apart-in-christian-bookstores-|title='Set Apart' in Christian bookstores|last=Tiansay|first=Eric|date=September 24, 2009|website=Christian Retailing|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | 2010 | ''The Confidant'' | Claude | | {{cite web|url=https://www.essence.com/celebrity/boris-kodjoe-on-new-movie-surrogate-and-saving-childrens-lives/|title=Boris Kodjoe on New Movie 'Surrogate' and Saving Children's Lives|last=Jackson|first=Charreah|date=October 29, 2020|work=[Essence](/source/Essence_(magazine))|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | rowspan="2" | 2012 | ''The Trial of Ben Barry'' | Ben Barry | Short film | {{cite web|url=https://filmfreeway.com/1368938|title=The Trial of Ben Barry|website=[FilmFreeway](/source/FilmFreeway)|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | ''This Bitter Earth'' | Grady | | {{cite web|url=https://tucson.com/entertainment/low-budget-film-has-some-big-names/article_dbcf92ad-cf20-5e11-8fa0-bc43f083c6bc.html|title=Low-budget film has some big names|last=Villarreal|first=Phil|date=March 13, 2008|work=[Arizona Daily Star](/source/Arizona_Daily_Star)|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | 2015 | ''Collar'' | Reverend Alonzo Sparks | | {{cite web|url=https://www.recordonline.com/story/entertainment/theater/2012/08/03/inside-look-collar-ready-to/49480926007/|title=Inside look: 'Collar' ready to roll for premiere|last=Malcolm|first=Timothy|date=August 3, 2012|work=[Times Herald-Record](/source/Times_Herald-Record)|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | 2018 | ''[Duke](/source/Duke_(film))'' | J.T. | | {{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/duke-review-gaudioso-twins-1203145883/|title=Film Review: 'Duke'|last=Leydon|first=Joe|date=February 21, 2019|work=[Variety](/source/Variety_(magazine))|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | rowspan="2" | 2019 | ''[What Men Want](/source/What_Men_Want_(2019_film))'' | Skip | | {{cite web|url=https://www.phillytrib.com/entertainment/richard-roundtree-discusses-career-longevity-academy-awards-and-what-men-want/article_0ab16211-2b23-56d2-969d-84f760ac7c98.html|title=Richard Roundtree discusses career longevity, Academy Awards and 'What Men Want'|last=Roberts|first=Kimberly C.|date=January 30, 2019|work=[The Philadelphia Tribune](/source/The_Philadelphia_Tribune)|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | ''[Shaft](/source/Shaft_(2019_film))'' | John Shaft I | | {{cite web|url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2019/06/12/richard-roundtree-is-back-in-iconic-shaft-role/|title=Richard Roundtree is back in iconic 'Shaft' role|last=Schaefer|first=Stephen|date=June 12, 2019|work=[Boston Herald](/source/Boston_Herald)|access-date=October 26, 2023|url-access=subscription}}{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-shaft-samuel-l-jackson-richard-roundtree-jessie-t-usher-20190613-story.html|title=Three generations of 'Shaft' bring the 1970s hero up to date|last=Yamato|first=Jen|date=June 13, 2019|work=[Los Angeles Times](/source/Los_Angeles_Times)|access-date=October 26, 2023|url-access=subscription}} |- | 2020 | ''[Haunting of the Mary Celeste](/source/Haunting_of_the_Mary_Celeste)'' | Tulls | | |- | 2022 | ''[Moving On](/source/Moving_On_(2022_film))'' | Ralph | | {{cite web|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/moving-on-movie-review-2023|title=Moving On movie review & film summary (2023)|last=Gates|first=Marya E.|date=March 17, 2023|website=[RogerEbert.com](/source/RogerEbert.com)|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | 2024 | ''[Thelma](/source/Thelma_(2024_film))'' |Ben | Posthumous release | {{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/11/june-squibb-fred-hechinger-malcolm-mcdowell-more-set-for-comedy-thelma-1235179296/|title=June Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Richard Roundtree, Parker Posey, Clark Gregg & Malcolm McDowell Set For Josh Margolin Comedy 'Thelma'|last=Grobar|first=Matt|date=November 21, 2022|website=[Deadline Hollywood](/source/Deadline_Hollywood)|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- |} ===Television=== {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class=unsortable | Notes ! class=unsortable | {{Tooltip|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}} |- | 1972 | ''Parachute to Paradise'' | {{N/A}} | Television film | {{sfn|Aldous|2015|p=138}} |- | 1972–1976 | ''[The Hollywood Squares](/source/Hollywood_Squares)'' | Himself (Panelist) | Recurring role (4 episodes) | {{cite magazine|date=June 8, 1972|title=Television|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oLEDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA66|magazine=[Jet](/source/Jet_(magazine))|volume=XLII|issue=11|page=66|issn=0021-5996|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | 1973 | ''Firehouse'' | Shelly Forsythe | Television film | {{cite book|last=McKenna|first=Michael|date=2013|title=The ABC Movie of the Week: Big Movies for the Small Screen|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IVCFAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA99|publisher=[Scarecrow Press](/source/Scarecrow_Press)|page=99|isbn=978-0810891562}} |- | 1973–1974 | ''[Shaft](/source/Shaft_(TV_series))'' | [John Shaft](/source/John_Shaft) | Series regular (7 episodes) | {{cite book|last=Hyatt|first=Wesley|date=2003|title=Short-Lived Television Series, 1948–1978: Thirty Years of More Than 1,000 Flops|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ty21CgAAQBAJ&pg=PA222|publisher=[McFarland & Company](/source/McFarland_%26_Company)|page=222|isbn=978-0786414208}} |- | 1974 | ''[The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast](/source/The_Dean_Martin_Celebrity_Roast)'' | Himself | Episode: "[Telly Savalas](/source/Telly_Savalas)" | {{Cite web|url=http://finance.yahoo.com/video/dean-martin-celebrity-roasts-telly-161500632.html|title=The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts: Telly Savalas|date=April 3, 2014|website=Yahoo Finance}} |- | 1976 | ''Freedom Is'' | {{N/A}} | Television special; voice role | {{cite book|last=Terrace|first=Vincent|date=2023|title=Holiday Specials on Television, 1939–2021|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RQ2qEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA66|publisher=[McFarland & Company](/source/McFarland_%26_Company)|page=66|isbn=978-1476689692}} |- | 1977 | ''[Roots](/source/Roots_(1977_miniseries))'' | Sam Bennett | Television miniseries; Episode: "Part IV" | {{cite book|last1=Fearn-Banks|first1=Kathleen|last2=Burford-Johnson|first2=Anne|date=2014|title=Historical Dictionary of African American Television|edition=Second|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wxa7BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA397|publisher=[Rowman & Littlefield](/source/Rowman_%26_Littlefield)|page=397|isbn=978-0810879164}} |- | rowspan="2" | 1980 | ''[The Love Boat](/source/The_Love_Boat)'' | Dave Wilbur | 2 episodes | |- | ''[Miss Universe Pageant](/source/Miss_Universe)'' | Himself (Judge) | Television special | |- | 1981 | ''[CHiPs](/source/CHiPs)'' | Sergeant Aikens | Episode: "Sharks" | |- | rowspan="3" | 1983 | ''[Magnum, P.I.](/source/Magnum%2C_P.I.)'' | Peter Jordan | Episode: "Two Birds of a Feather" | |- | ''Masquerade'' | Willy "Mean Willy" Walters | Episode: "Pilot" | {{sfn|Roberts|2009|p=266}} |- | ''Just an Overnight Guest'' | Matt | Television short | {{sfn|Klotman|Gibson|1997|p=261}} |- | 1984 | ''[The Baron and the Kid](/source/The_Baron_and_the_Kid)'' | 'Frosty' | Television film | {{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/21/arts/johnny-cash-in-baron-and-the-kid.html|title=JOHNNY CASH IN 'BARON AND THE KID'|first=Stephen|last=Holden|work=The New York Times |date=November 21, 1984|via=NYTimes.com}} |- | rowspan="2" | 1985 | ''[A.D.](/source/A.D._(miniseries))'' | Serpenius | Television miniseries (5 episodes) | |- | ''[Hollywood Beat](/source/Hollywood_Beat)'' | Don Julian | Episode: "Double Exposure" | |- | 1986 | ''[The Fifth Missile](/source/The_Fifth_Missile)'' | Commander Frederick Bryce | Television film | {{Cite web|url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/166203%7C130352/Richard-Roundtree/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206201642/http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/166203%7C130352/Richard-Roundtree/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 6, 2011|title=Richard Roundtree|website=Turner Classic Movies}} |- | 1986 | ''Ebony/Jet Showcase'' | Himself | 1 episode (October 24) | {{cite magazine|date=October 27, 1986|title=Television {{!}} Stephanie Mills and Richard Roundtree Highlight 'Showcase'|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2LADAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA66|magazine=[Jet](/source/Jet_(magazine))|volume=71|issue=6|page=66|issn=0021-5996|access-date=October 29, 2023}} |- | 1986–1987 | ''[Outlaws](/source/Outlaws_(1986_TV_series))'' | Isaiah "Ice" McAdams | Series regular (12 episodes) | |- | 1987 | ''[The New Hollywood Squares](/source/Hollywood_Squares)'' | Himself (Panelist) | Episode: "03.23.1987" | |- | rowspan="3" | 1988 | ''[ABC Afterschool Special](/source/ABC_Afterschool_Special)s'' | Jason Ruigh | Episode: "Daddy Can't Read" | |- | ''Cadets'' | Sergeant Matt Gideon | Television film | |- | ''[Murder, She Wrote](/source/Murder%2C_She_Wrote)'' | Major Kevin Cooper | Episode: "The Last Flight of the Dixie Damsel" | {{Cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/shaft-star-richard-roundtree-dies-022953206.html|title='Shaft' Star Richard Roundtree Dies|date=October 25, 2023|website=Yahoo Entertainment}} |- | rowspan="3" | 1989 | ''[A Different World](/source/A_Different_World)'' | Clinton Reese | 2 episodes: "Great Expectations", "Answered Prayers" | |- | ''[Amen](/source/Amen_(TV_series))'' | Sergeant Burke | 2 episodes: "Thelma and the D.I.", "Sergeant in Arms" | |- | ''[Beauty and the Beast](/source/Beauty_and_the_Beast_(1987_TV_series))'' | Cleon Manning | Recurring role (3 episodes) | {{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/richard_rowntree|title=Richard Roundtree – Rotten Tomatoes|website=www.rottentomatoes.com}} |- | 1989–1991 | ''[Generations](/source/Generations_(U.S._TV_series))'' | Dr. Daniel Reubens | Recurring role (6 episodes) | |- | rowspan="2" | 1990 | ''[21 Jump Street](/source/21_Jump_Street)'' | Ben Halley | Episode: "La Bizca" | |- | ''[MacGyver](/source/MacGyver_(1985_TV_series))'' | R.T. Hines | Episode: "Tough Boys" | |- | 1990–1996 | ''[The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air](/source/The_Fresh_Prince_of_Bel-Air)'' | Dr. Mumford / Reverend Gordon Sims | 2 episodes: "[Clubba Hubba](/source/Clubba_Hubba)" (1990)", "Hare Today" (1996) | |- | rowspan="2" | 1991 | ''[The Young Riders](/source/The_Young_Riders)'' | Calvin | Episode: "Kansas" | {{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/the_young_riders/s02/e13|title=The Young Riders: Season 2, Episode 13 – Rotten Tomatoes|website=www.rottentomatoes.com}} |- | ''[Beverly Hills, 90210](/source/Beverly_Hills%2C_90210)'' | Robinson Ashe Jr. | Episode: "Ashes to Ashes" | |- | 1991–1994 | ''[Roc](/source/Roc_(TV_series))'' | Russell Emerson | Recurring role (4 episodes) | {{Cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/richard-roundtree/credits/3030006849/|title=Richard Roundtree|website=TVGuide.com}} |- | rowspan="3" | 1992 | ''[Hearts Are Wild](/source/Hearts_Are_Wild)'' | Xavier Burns | "Episode: #1.8" | {{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/hearts_are_wild/s01|title=Hearts Are Wild – Rotten Tomatoes|website=www.rottentomatoes.com}} |- | ''[Christmas in Connecticut](/source/Christmas_in_Connecticut_(1992_film))'' | Prescott | Television film | |- | ''[L.A. Law](/source/L.A._Law)'' | Judge Ira Menday | Episode: "Love on the Rox" | {{cite book|last=Morris|first=Bruce B.|date=1997|title=Prime Time Network Serials: Episode Guides, Casts, and Credits for 37 Continuing Television Dramas, 1964–1993|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uFEOAQAAMAAJ|publisher=[McFarland & Company](/source/McFarland_%26_Company)|page=644|isbn=0-7864-0164-8}} |- | 1992–1994 | ''[Hangin' with Mr. Cooper](/source/Hangin'_with_Mr._Cooper)'' | Sergeant / Chester Cooper | 2 episodes: "Miracle in Oaktown" (1992), "Hangin' with Mrs. Cooper" (1994) | |- | rowspan="2" | 1993 | ''[Bonanza: The Return](/source/Bonanza%3A_The_Return)'' | Jacob Briscoe | rowspan="4" | Television film | |- | ''Moscacieca'' | Gray | |- | rowspan="3" | 1994 | ''Black Heart'' | Rodney "Rod" | |- | ''[Shadows of Desire](/source/Shadows_of_Desire)'' | "Dunc" | {{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/devils_bed|title=Shadows of Desire – Rotten Tomatoes|website=www.rottentomatoes.com}} |- | ''[Renegade](/source/Renegade_(TV_series))'' | Gene Collins | Episode: "Thrill Kill" | |- | rowspan="3" | 1995 | ''[Bonanza: Under Attack](/source/Bonanza%3A_Under_Attack)'' | Jacob | Television film | {{sfn|Roberts|2009|p=594}} |- | ''[The Wayans Bros.](/source/The_Wayans_Bros.)'' | Dr. Saunders | Episode: "ER" | |- | ''[Dream On](/source/Dream_On_(TV_series))'' | Dr. Charles | Episode: "Little Orphan Eddie" | |- | rowspan="2" | 1996 | ''[Touched by an Angel](/source/Touched_by_an_Angel)'' | Murray | Episode: "Rock 'n' Roll Dad" | |- | ''[Buddies](/source/Buddies_(TV_series))'' | Henry Carlisle | Series regular (14 episodes) | |- | rowspan="2" | 1997 | ''Any Place But Home'' | Gil Oberman | Television film | |- | ''[Profiler](/source/Profiler_(TV_series))'' | Detective James Henegar | Episode: "Power Corrupts" | |- | 1997–98 | ''[413 Hope St.](/source/413_Hope_St.)'' | Phil Thomas | Series regular (10 episodes) | |- | 1998 | ''[Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman](/source/Dr._Quinn%2C_Medicine_Woman)'' | Jim "Barracuda Jim" Barnes | Episode: "The Fight" | |- | rowspan="3" | 1999 | ''[Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years](/source/Having_Our_Say%3A_The_Delany_Sisters'_First_100_Years_(film))'' | Booker T. Washington | Television film | {{cite news|last=Burger|first=Mark|date=August 7, 2003|title=Loving It|newspaper=[Winston-Salem Journal](/source/Winston-Salem_Journal)|location=Winston-Salem, North Carolina|page=B6}} |- | ''[Rescue 77](/source/Rescue_77)'' | Captain Durfee | Series regular (8 episodes) | {{cite magazine|date=October 1998|title=The New TV Season: What's Back, Black and New|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qwUDRnr2e-AC&pg=PA123|magazine=[Ebony](/source/Ebony_(magazine))|volume=LIII|issue=12|page=123|issn=0012-9011|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | ''[Linc's](/source/Linc's)'' | Jake | Episode: "Real Time" | {{cite magazine|date=1999|title=Linc's (CC)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fljvAAAAMAAJ|magazine=[TV Guide](/source/TV_Guide_(magazine))|volume=47|page=23|issn=0039-8543|access-date=October 28, 2023}} |- | 2000–2001 | ''[Soul Food](/source/Soul_Food_(TV_series))'' | Hardy Lester | Recurring role (6 episodes) | |- | 2001 | ''[Resurrection Blvd.](/source/Resurrection_Blvd.)'' | Nate Khane | 2 episodes: "Anisedad", "La Gran Pelea" | |- | 2002 | ''[Joe and Max](/source/Joe_and_Max)'' | Jack Blackburn | Television film | |- | 2002–2003 | ''[As the World Turns](/source/As_the_World_Turns)'' | [Oliver Travers](/source/List_of_As_the_World_Turns_recurring_characters) | {{N/A}} | |- | 2003 | ''[1-800-Missing](/source/Missing_(Canadian_TV_series))'' | Sam Haslett | Episode: "Father Figure" | {{cite magazine|date=2004|title=1-800-Missing—Drama|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oU7vAAAAMAAJ|magazine=[TV Guide](/source/TV_Guide_(magazine))|volume=52|page=84|issn=0039-8543|access-date=October 28, 2023}} |- | 2003, 2004 | ''[Alias](/source/Alias_(TV_series))'' | Thomas Brill | 2 episodes: "[Breaking Point](/source/Alias_season_3)" & "[Blood Ties](/source/Alias_season_3)" | |- | 2004–2005 | ''[Desperate Housewives](/source/Desperate_Housewives)'' | Mr. Shaw | Recurring role (5 episodes) | |- | rowspan="2" | 2005 | ''[The Closer](/source/The_Closer)'' | Colonel D.B. Walter | Episode: "Show Yourself" | |- | ''[Painkiller Jane](/source/Painkiller_Jane_(TV_series))'' | Colonel Watts | Television film | |- | rowspan="3" | 2006 | ''[Blade: The Series](/source/Blade_(TV_series))'' | Robert Brooks | Episode: "Sacrifice" | |- | ''[Grey's Anatomy](/source/Grey's_Anatomy)'' | Donald Burke | Episode: "I Am a Tree" | |- | ''[Close to Home](/source/Close_to_Home_(2005_TV_series))'' | Cyrus Cater | Episode: "Prodigal Son" | |- | 2006–2007 | ''[Heroes](/source/Heroes_(American_TV_series))'' | [Charles Deveaux](/source/List_of_Heroes_characters) | Recurring role (6 episodes) | |- | rowspan="2" | 2007 | ''[Final Approach](/source/Final_Approach_(2007_film))'' | Gary Markash | rowspan="2" | Television film | {{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/final-approach-125441/|title=Final Approach|first1=Ray|last1=Richmond|website=[The Hollywood Reporter](/source/The_Hollywood_Reporter) |date=May 21, 2008}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/final-approach/cast/2030052079/|title=Final Approach|website=TVGuide.com}} |- | ''Point of Entry'' | Detective Miles Porter | |- | 2007–2009 | ''[Lincoln Heights](/source/Lincoln_Heights_(TV_series))'' | Coleman Bradshaw | Recurring role (3 episodes) | |- | 2008 | ''[Ladies of the House](/source/Ladies_of_the_House)'' | Stan | Television film | {{Cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2008/10/17/ladies-of-the-house-is-homey-hallmark-hokum/|title='Ladies of the House' is homey Hallmark hokum|first=David|last=Hinckley|website=[New York Daily News](/source/New_York_Daily_News) |date=October 17, 2008}} |- | 2009 | ''[Knight Rider](/source/Knight_Rider_(2008_TV_series))'' | Lawrence Rival | Episode: "Day Turns into Knight" | {{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/samuel-jackson-gabrielle-union-tributes-shaft-actor-richard-roundtree/story?id=104279705|title=Samuel L. Jackson, Gabrielle Union lead tributes to late 'Shaft' actor Richard Roundtree|first=Blackwelder|last=Carson|website=ABC News}} |- | 2009–2011 | ''[Diary of a Single Mom](/source/Diary_of_a_Single_Mom)'' | Lou Bailey | Recurring role (18 episodes) | {{Cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/news/movies-tv/robert-townsends-webseries-diary-single-mom-video-55260/|title=Robert Townsend's Webseries 'Diary Of A Single Mom' [VIDEO]|first=R. I.|last=Reeves|date=November 19, 2010}} |- | 2009 | ''[Meet the Browns](/source/Meet_the_Browns_(TV_series))'' | Frank | Episode: "Meet the Anniversary" | |- | 2011 | ''[The Mentalist](/source/The_Mentalist)'' | Floyd Benton | Episode: "Bloodsport" | |- | 2012 | ''[Private Practice](/source/Private_Practice_(TV_series))'' | Raymond McCray | Episode: "The Next Episode" | |- | 2013–2019 | ''[Being Mary Jane](/source/Being_Mary_Jane)'' | Paul Patterson Sr. | Recurring role (33 episodes) | |- | rowspan="2" | 2015 | ''[Chicago Fire](/source/Chicago_Fire_(TV_series))'' | Wallace Boden Sr. | Recurring role (4 episodes) | |- | ''[The Player](/source/The_Player_(2015_TV_series))'' | Judge Samuel Letts | 2 episodes: "The Norseman", "A House Is Not a Home" | |- | 2017–2018 | ''[Star](/source/Star_(TV_series))'' | Charles Floyd | Recurring role (5 episodes) | |- | 2018 | ''[Lethal Weapon](/source/Lethal_Weapon_(TV_series))'' | Don Bennett | Episode: "A Whole Lotta Trouble" | {{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/lethal-weapon-season-3-episode-3-review-a-whole-lotto-trouble/|title=Lethal Weapon Season 3 Episode 3 Review: A Whole Lotto Trouble|last=Kurland|first=Daniel|date=October 10, 2018|website=[Den of Geek](/source/Den_of_Geek)|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- | 2019–2022 | ''[Family Reunion](/source/Family_Reunion_(TV_series))'' | Jebediah McKellan | Recurring role (22 episodes ) | {{cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/name/nm0745780/?ref_=tt_cl_t_8|title=Richard Roundtree IMDb|date=2023|work=[IMDb](/source/IMDb)|access-date=November 19, 2023|url-access=subscription}} |- | 2022 | ''[Cherish the Day](/source/Cherish_the_Day_(TV_series))'' | Mandeville "MV" St. James | Main role (season 2) | |- |} ===Video games=== {| class="wikitable" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class=unsortable | Notes ! class=unsortable | {{Tooltip|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}} |- | 1998 | ''[Akuji the Heartless](/source/Akuji_the_Heartless)'' | Akuji | Voice role | {{cite magazine|last=Bell|first=Carrie|date=March 13, 1999|title=EnterActive|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6A0EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA30|magazine=[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))|volume=111|issue=11|page=30|issn=0006-2510|access-date=October 26, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/akuji-gets-shaft-star/1100-2465260/|title=Akuji Gets Shaft (Star)|last=Mullen|first=Micheal|date=April 28, 2000|website=[GameSpot](/source/GameSpot)|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |} ===Stage=== {| class="wikitable" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! Playwright ! Venue ! class=unsortable | Notes ! class=unsortable | {{Tooltip|Ref(s)|Reference(s)}} |- | 1969 | ''Mau Mau Room'' | {{N/A}} | [J. E. Franklin](/source/J._E._Franklin) | [St. Mark's Playhouse](/source/St._Mark's_Playhouse) | | |- | 1976 | ''[Guys and Dolls](/source/Guys_and_Dolls)'' | Sky Masterson | [Frank Loesser](/source/Frank_Loesser), [Jo Swerling](/source/Jo_Swerling), and [Abe Burrows](/source/Abe_Burrows) | [The Broadway Theatre](/source/The_Broadway_Theatre) | | {{cite news|last=Cedrone|first=Lou|date=September 9, 1977|title=Things Get Out of Hand in This 'Guys and Dolls'|newspaper=[The Evening Sun](/source/The_Baltimore_Sun)|location=Baltimore, Maryland|page=B5}} |- | 1977 | ''[Purlie Victorious](/source/Purlie_Victorious)'' | Purlie | [Ossie Davis](/source/Ossie_Davis) | Tiffany's Attic | | {{cite news|date=March 31, 1977|title=Richard Roundtree Heads Tiffany's Cast|newspaper=[The Daily Herald](/source/Daily_Herald_(Utah))|location=Provo, Utah|page=35}}{{cite magazine|date=April 14, 1977|title=People Are Talking About|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0EIDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA32|magazine=[Jet](/source/Jet_(magazine))|volume=57|issue=4|page=32|issn=0021-5996|access-date=October 25, 2023}}[Salem](/source/Salem_(cigarette)) |- | 2007 | ''Whatever She Wants'' | Theodore Wolf | [Je'Caryous Johnson](/source/Je'Caryous_Johnson) | [Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium](/source/Spartanburg_Memorial_Auditorium) | Recorded version released direct-to-DVD | {{cite web|url=https://www.goupstate.com/story/news/2007/10/05/roundtree-gives-us-whatever-she-wants/29413993007/|title=Roundtree gives us 'Whatever She Wants'|last=Franco|first=Jose|date=October 5, 2007|work=[Spartanburg Herald-Journal](/source/Spartanburg_Herald-Journal)|access-date=October 26, 2023}} |- |} ==Discography== * ''The Man from Shaft'' (MGM Records 1972) ==Awards and nominations== {| class="wikitable" !Association !Year !Category !Nominated work !Result !Ref |- |[African-American Film Critics Association](/source/African-American_Film_Critics_Association) |2011 |[Legacy Award](/source/African-American_Film_Critics_Association) |{{N/A}} |{{Won}} | rowspan="7" |{{Cite web|url=http://thecincinnatiherald.com/2023/10/26/richard-roundtree-shaft-legacy/|title=The Legacy of Richard Roundtree: From Shaft to Television Stardom|first=NNPA|last=Newswire|date=October 26, 2023|website=The Cincinnati Herald – Black & African American community news}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2023/10/24/richard-roundtree-dead-shaft-roots/71307943007/#:~:text=Roundtree%27s%20performance%20earned%20him%20a,the%20%22Shaft%22%20TV%20series.|title=Richard Roundtree, 'Shaft' action hero and 'Roots' star, dies at 81 from pancreatic cancer|last=Segarra|first=Edward|website=[USA Today](/source/USA_Today)|date=October 24, 2023|access-date=October 27, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/article/qbkpz6/remembering-richard-roundtree-five-epic-performances|title=Remembering Richard Roundtree: Five Epic Performances|website=BET|date=October 25, 2023|access-date=October 27, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/article/b1ws3v/richard-roundtree-dead-at-81|title=Richard Roundtree, 'Shaft' Star, Dies at 81|website=BET|date=October 24, 2023|access-date=October 27, 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RVkEAAAAMBAJ&dq=Outstanding+Lead+Actor+in+a+Drama+Series+Richard+Roundtree&pg=PA24-IA2|title=The Crisis|date=January 27, 1998|publisher=The Crisis Publishing Company, Inc.|via=Google Books}} |- |[Golden Globe Awards](/source/Golden_Globe_Awards) |1972 |[Most Promising Newcomer – Male](/source/Golden_Globe_Award_for_Best_Actor_%E2%80%93_Motion_Picture_Drama) |''[Shaft](/source/Shaft_(1971_film))'' |{{Nominated}} |- |[Indie Series Awards](/source/Indie_Series_Awards) |2010 |[Best Performance by a Supporting Actor](/source/Indie_Series_Awards) |''[Diary of a Single Mom](/source/Diary_of_a_Single_Mom)'' |{{Nominated}} |- |[MTV Movie & TV Awards](/source/MTV_Movie_%26_TV_Awards) |1994 |[Lifetime Achievement Award](/source/MTV_Movie_%26_TV_Awards) |[''Shaft'' (film series)](/source/Shaft_(film_series)) |{{Won}} |- | rowspan="2" |[NAACP Image Awards](/source/NAACP_Image_Awards) |1971 |[Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture](/source/NAACP_Image_Award_for_Outstanding_Actor_in_a_Motion_Picture) |''[Shaft](/source/Shaft_(1971_film))'' |{{Nominated}} |- |1998 |[Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series](/source/NAACP_Image_Award_for_Outstanding_Actor_in_a_Drama_Series) |''[413 Hope St.](/source/413_Hope_St.)'' |{{Nominated}} |} ==References== {{Reflist}} ===Notes=== {{Notelist}} ===Bibliography=== * {{cite book|last=Aldous|first=Steve|date=2015|title=The World of Shaft: A Complete Guide to the Novels, Comic Strip, Films and Television Series|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3C21CgAAQBAJ|publisher=[McFarland & Company](/source/McFarland_%26_Company)|isbn=978-0786499236}} * {{cite book|last=Budnik|first=Daniel R.|date=2017|title='80s Action Movies on the Cheap: 284 Low Budget, High Impact Pictures|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S6RtDgAAQBAJ|publisher=[McFarland & Company](/source/McFarland_%26_Company)|isbn=978-0786497416}} * {{cite book|last=Davies|first=Clive|date=2015|title=Spinegrinder: The Movies Most Critics Won't Write About|publisher=Headpress|page=56|isbn=978-1909394278}} * {{cite book|last1=Klotman|first1=Phyllis R.|last2=Gibson|first2=Gloria J.|date=1997|title=Frame by Frame II: A Filmography of the African American Image 1978–1994|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kczcgHtgGfYC|publisher=[Indiana University Press](/source/Indiana_University_Press)|isbn=978-0253332806}} * {{cite book|last=McKay|first=James|date=2020|title=Ray Milland: The Films, 1929–1984|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WnnNDwAAQBAJ|publisher=[McFarland & Company](/source/McFarland_%26_Company)|isbn=978-1476678870}} * {{cite book|last=Roberts|first=Jerry|date=2009|title=Encyclopedia of Television Film Directors|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kW8j6sHvrewC|publisher=[Scarecrow Press](/source/Scarecrow_Press)|isbn=978-0810861381}} * {{cite book|last=Weldon|first=Michael J.|date=1996|title=The Psychotronic Video Guide to Film|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nhjsnWfFoiAC|publisher=[St. Martin's Griffin](/source/St._Martin's_Griffin)|isbn=978-0312131494}} * {{cite book|last=Williams|first=Tony|date=2014|title=Larry Cohen: The Radical Allegories of an Independent Filmmaker|edition=Rev.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-gpNBQAAQBAJ|publisher=[McFarland & Company](/source/McFarland_%26_Company)|isbn=978-0-7864-7969-6}} ==External links== * {{IMDb name|id=0745780|name=Richard Roundtree}} * {{Tcmdb name}} * {{Discogs artist|Richard Roundtree}} * {{IOBDB name|23531}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Roundtree, Richard}} Category:1942 births Category:2023 deaths Category:Male actors from New York (state) Category:American male film actors Category:Male models from New York (state) Category:American male soap opera actors Category:American male stage actors Category:American male television actors Category:Players of American football from New Rochelle, New York Category:Southern Illinois Salukis football players Category:Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni Category:21st-century African-American male actors Category:21st-century American male actors Category:20th-century African-American male actors Category:20th-century American male actors Category:African-American history of Westchester County, New York Category:New Rochelle High School alumni Category:Deaths from pancreatic cancer in California --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Richard Roundtree](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Roundtree) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Roundtree?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.