Portrait of Richard Roundtree

Richard Roundtree

Bio: Richard Roundtree (July 9, 1942 – October 24, 2023) was an American actor. He is noted as being "the first black action hero" for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft, and its four sequels, released between 1972 and 2019
Born: Thu, Jul 09 1942
Birthplace: New Rochelle, New York, USA

Death: Tue, Oct 24 2023
Richard Roundtree is 81 years old
External Links
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Movies (Acting Roles)

Poster of Thelma
Thelma
Richard Roundtree will be
81 in Thelma
as 'Ben'.
Fri, Jun 21 2024
Poster of Moving On
Moving On
Richard Roundtree was
80 in Moving On
as 'Ralph'.
Fri, Mar 17 2023
Poster of A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks
A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks
Richard Roundtree was
78 in A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks
as 'Self'.
Fri, Jun 18 2021
Poster of Haunting of the Mary Celeste
Haunting of the Mary Celeste
Richard Roundtree was
78 in Haunting of the Mary Celeste
as 'Tulls'.
Fri, Oct 23 2020
Poster of A Family Reunion Christmas
A Family Reunion Christmas
Richard Roundtree was
77 in A Family Reunion Christmas
as 'Jebidiah McKellan'.
Mon, Dec 09 2019
Poster of Shaft
Shaft
Richard Roundtree was
76 in Shaft
as 'John Shaft, Sr.'.
Fri, Jun 14 2019
Poster of What Men Want
What Men Want
Richard Roundtree was
76 in What Men Want
as 'Skip Davis'.
Fri, Feb 08 2019
Poster of Collar
Collar
Richard Roundtree was
72 in Collar
as 'Alonzo Sparks'.
Thu, Jan 01 2015
Poster of Retreat!
Retreat!
Richard Roundtree was
69 in Retreat!
as 'Henshaw'.
Fri, May 25 2012
Poster of The Confidant
The Confidant
Richard Roundtree was
68 in The Confidant
as 'Claude'.
Tue, Aug 24 2010
Poster of Whatever She Wants
Whatever She Wants
Richard Roundtree was
67 in Whatever She Wants
as 'Theodore Wolf'.
Tue, Feb 02 2010
Poster of Diary of a Single Mom
Diary of a Single Mom
Richard Roundtree was
66 in Diary of a Single Mom
as 'Lou Bailey'.
Tue, Jan 27 2009
Poster of Set Apart
Set Apart
Richard Roundtree was
66 in Set Apart
as 'J.T.'.
Mon, Jan 19 2009
Poster of Ladies of the House
Ladies of the House
Richard Roundtree was
66 in Ladies of the House
as 'Stan'.
Sat, Oct 18 2008
Poster of Final Approach
Final Approach
Richard Roundtree was
65 in Final Approach
as 'Gary Markash'.
Sat, May 24 2008
Poster of Speed Racer
Speed Racer
Richard Roundtree was
65 in Speed Racer
as 'Ben Burns'.
Wed, May 07 2008
Poster of Point of Entry
Point of Entry
Richard Roundtree was
65 in Point of Entry
as 'Miles Porter'.
Sat, Nov 03 2007
Poster of All The Days Before Tomorrow
All The Days Before Tomorrow
Richard Roundtree was
64 in All The Days Before Tomorrow
as 'El Doctor'.
Sun, Apr 01 2007
Poster of Brick
Brick
Richard Roundtree was
63 in Brick
as 'Assistant V.P. Trueman'.
Fri, Mar 31 2006
Poster of Wild Seven
Wild Seven
Richard Roundtree was
63 in Wild Seven
as 'Lee Marvin / Cleetus Woods'.
Sun, Jan 01 2006
Poster of Painkiller Jane
Painkiller Jane
Richard Roundtree was
63 in Painkiller Jane
as 'Colonel Watts'.
Sat, Dec 10 2005
Poster of Max Havoc: Curse Of The Dragon
Max Havoc: Curse Of The Dragon
Richard Roundtree was
62 in Max Havoc: Curse Of The Dragon
as 'Tahsi'.
Wed, Nov 10 2004
Poster of Vegas Vampires
Vegas Vampires
Richard Roundtree was
61 in Vegas Vampires
as 'Rick Apping'.
Fri, Dec 12 2003
Poster of Men Cry in the Dark
Men Cry in the Dark
Richard Roundtree was
61 in Men Cry in the Dark
as ''.
Tue, Oct 21 2003
Poster of Boat Trip
Boat Trip
Richard Roundtree was
60 in Boat Trip
as 'Felicia's Dad'.
Tue, Oct 01 2002
Poster of BaadAsssss Cinema
BaadAsssss Cinema
Richard Roundtree was
60 in BaadAsssss Cinema
as 'Self'.
Wed, Aug 14 2002
Poster of Al's Lads
Al's Lads
Richard Roundtree was
59 in Al's Lads
as 'Boom-Boom'.
Sat, Jun 29 2002
Poster of Undercover Brother
Undercover Brother
Richard Roundtree was
59 in Undercover Brother
as 'John Shaft (archive footage) (uncredited)'.
Fri, May 31 2002
Poster of Joe and Max
Joe and Max
Richard Roundtree was
59 in Joe and Max
as 'Jack Blackburn'.
Sun, Mar 03 2002
Poster of Hawaiian Gardens
Hawaiian Gardens
Richard Roundtree was
59 in Hawaiian Gardens
as 'M.O.'.
Thu, Dec 06 2001
Poster of Corky Romano
Corky Romano
Richard Roundtree was
59 in Corky Romano
as 'Howard Shuster'.
Fri, Oct 12 2001
Poster of Antitrust
Antitrust
Richard Roundtree was
58 in Antitrust
as 'Lyle Barton'.
Thu, Jan 11 2001
Poster of Shaft
Shaft
Richard Roundtree was
57 in Shaft
as '"Uncle" John Shaft'.
Thu, Jun 15 2000
Poster of Steel
Steel
Richard Roundtree was
55 in Steel
as 'Uncle Joe'.
Fri, Aug 15 1997
Poster of George of the Jungle
George of the Jungle
Richard Roundtree was
55 in George of the Jungle
as 'Kwame'.
Tue, Jul 15 1997
Poster of Any Place But Home
Any Place But Home
Richard Roundtree was
54 in Any Place But Home
as 'Gil Oberman'.
Wed, Jan 01 1997
Poster of Original Gangstas
Original Gangstas
Richard Roundtree was
53 in Original Gangstas
as 'Slick'.
Fri, May 10 1996
Poster of Once Upon a Time... When We Were Colored
Once Upon a Time... When We Were Colored
Richard Roundtree was
53 in Once Upon a Time... When We Were Colored
as 'Cleve'.
Fri, Jan 26 1996
Poster of Theodore Rex
Theodore Rex
Richard Roundtree was
53 in Theodore Rex
as 'Commissioner Lynch'.
Thu, Dec 14 1995
Poster of Se7en
Se7en
Richard Roundtree was
53 in Se7en
as 'Dist. Atty. Martin Talbot'.
Fri, Sep 22 1995
Poster of Ballistic
Ballistic
Richard Roundtree was
52 in Ballistic
as 'Harold'.
Tue, Feb 28 1995
Poster of Bonanza: Under Attack
Bonanza: Under Attack
Richard Roundtree was
52 in Bonanza: Under Attack
as 'Jacob'.
Sun, Jan 15 1995
Poster of Shadows of Desire
Shadows of Desire
Richard Roundtree was
52 in Shadows of Desire
as 'Dunc'.
Tue, Sep 20 1994
Poster of Blind Man's Bluff
Blind Man's Bluff
Richard Roundtree was
51 in Blind Man's Bluff
as 'Gray'.
Wed, Jun 29 1994
Poster of Mind Twister
Mind Twister
Richard Roundtree was
51 in Mind Twister
as 'Frank Webb'.
Wed, Mar 16 1994
Poster of Black as the Heart
Black as the Heart
Richard Roundtree was
51 in Black as the Heart
as 'Rod'.
Wed, Jan 05 1994
Poster of Sins of the Night
Sins of the Night
Richard Roundtree was
51 in Sins of the Night
as 'Les'.
Tue, Dec 07 1993
Poster of Bonanza: The Return
Bonanza: The Return
Richard Roundtree was
51 in Bonanza: The Return
as 'Jacob Briscoe'.
Wed, Nov 24 1993
Poster of Amityville: A New Generation
Amityville: A New Generation
Richard Roundtree was
51 in Amityville: A New Generation
as 'Pauli'.
Wed, Sep 29 1993
Poster of Deadly Rivals
Deadly Rivals
Richard Roundtree was
50 in Deadly Rivals
as 'Agent Peterson'.
Wed, Jun 30 1993
Poster of Body of Influence
Body of Influence
Richard Roundtree was
50 in Body of Influence
as 'Harry Reams'.
Wed, Apr 21 1993
Poster of Christmas in Connecticut
Christmas in Connecticut
Richard Roundtree was
49 in Christmas in Connecticut
as 'Prescott'.
Mon, Apr 13 1992
Poster of Bloodfist III: Forced to Fight
Bloodfist III: Forced to Fight
Richard Roundtree was
49 in Bloodfist III: Forced to Fight
as 'Samuel Stark'.
Sun, Jan 05 1992
Poster of A Time to Die
A Time to Die
Richard Roundtree was
49 in A Time to Die
as 'Captain Ralph Phipps'.
Thu, Dec 05 1991
Poster of Gypsy Angels
Gypsy Angels
Richard Roundtree was
47 in Gypsy Angels
as 'Dr. Carlson'.
Fri, Jun 08 1990
Poster of Bad Jim
Bad Jim
Richard Roundtree was
47 in Bad Jim
as 'July'.
Wed, Apr 25 1990
Poster of The Banker
The Banker
Richard Roundtree was
47 in The Banker
as 'Lloyd'.
Wed, Dec 20 1989
Poster of Crack House
Crack House
Richard Roundtree was
47 in Crack House
as 'Lt. Johnson'.
Fri, Nov 10 1989
Poster of Night Visitor
Night Visitor
Richard Roundtree was
46 in Night Visitor
as 'Captain Crane'.
Fri, May 12 1989
Poster of Miami Cops
Miami Cops
Richard Roundtree was
46 in Miami Cops
as 'Gamble'.
Sat, Apr 08 1989
Poster of Angel III: The Final Chapter
Angel III: The Final Chapter
Richard Roundtree was
46 in Angel III: The Final Chapter
as 'Lt. Doniger'.
Thu, Nov 10 1988
Poster of Party Line
Party Line
Richard Roundtree was
46 in Party Line
as 'Captain Barnes'.
Sat, Oct 01 1988
Poster of Getting Even
Getting Even
Richard Roundtree was
45 in Getting Even
as 'Dundee'.
Tue, May 24 1988
Poster of Maniac Cop
Maniac Cop
Richard Roundtree was
45 in Maniac Cop
as 'Commissioner Pike'.
Fri, May 13 1988
Poster of Jocks
Jocks
Richard Roundtree was
44 in Jocks
as 'Chip'.
Fri, Nov 14 1986
Poster of Opposing Force
Opposing Force
Richard Roundtree was
44 in Opposing Force
as 'Stafford'.
Fri, Aug 01 1986
Poster of The Fifth Missile
The Fifth Missile
Richard Roundtree was
43 in The Fifth Missile
as 'Cmdr. Frederick Bryce'.
Sun, Feb 23 1986
Poster of City Heat
City Heat
Richard Roundtree was
42 in City Heat
as 'Dehl Swift'.
Fri, Dec 07 1984
Poster of The Baron and the Kid
The Baron and the Kid
Richard Roundtree was
42 in The Baron and the Kid
as 'Frosty'.
Wed, Nov 21 1984
Poster of Killpoint
Killpoint
Richard Roundtree was
41 in Killpoint
as 'Agent Bill Bryant'.
Thu, Mar 01 1984
Poster of Young Warriors
Young Warriors
Richard Roundtree was
41 in Young Warriors
as 'Sergeant John Austin'.
Sun, Aug 28 1983
Poster of The Big Score
The Big Score
Richard Roundtree was
40 in The Big Score
as 'Gordon'.
Thu, Mar 17 1983
Poster of One Down, Two to Go
One Down, Two to Go
Richard Roundtree was
40 in One Down, Two to Go
as 'Ralph'.
Fri, Nov 19 1982
Poster of Q
Q
Richard Roundtree was
40 in Q
as 'Powell'.
Wed, Sep 08 1982
Poster of An Eye for an Eye
An Eye for an Eye
Richard Roundtree was
39 in An Eye for an Eye
as 'Capt. Stevens'.
Fri, Aug 14 1981
Poster of Inchon
Inchon
Richard Roundtree was
38 in Inchon
as 'Sgt. Augustus Henderson'.
Mon, May 04 1981
Poster of Game for Vultures
Game for Vultures
Richard Roundtree was
38 in Game for Vultures
as 'Gideon Marunga'.
Wed, Sep 17 1980
Poster of Day of the Assassin
Day of the Assassin
Richard Roundtree was
37 in Day of the Assassin
as 'Fessler'.
Sat, Dec 15 1979
Poster of Escape to Athena
Escape to Athena
Richard Roundtree was
36 in Escape to Athena
as 'Nat Judson'.
Mon, May 21 1979
Poster of Portrait of a Hitman
Portrait of a Hitman
Richard Roundtree was
36 in Portrait of a Hitman
as 'Coco Morrell'.
Fri, May 11 1979
Poster of Diamonds
Diamonds
Richard Roundtree was
33 in Diamonds
as 'Archie'.
Wed, Oct 22 1975
Poster of Man Friday
Man Friday
Richard Roundtree was
32 in Man Friday
as 'Friday'.
Tue, Mar 04 1975
Poster of Earthquake
Earthquake
Richard Roundtree was
32 in Earthquake
as 'Miles Quade'.
Fri, Nov 15 1974
Poster of Shaft in Africa
Shaft in Africa
Richard Roundtree was
30 in Shaft in Africa
as 'John Shaft'.
Thu, Jun 14 1973
Poster of Charley-One-Eye
Charley-One-Eye
Richard Roundtree was
30 in Charley-One-Eye
as 'The Black Man'.
Wed, Apr 18 1973
Poster of Firehouse
Firehouse
Richard Roundtree was
30 in Firehouse
as 'Shelly Forsythe'.
Tue, Jan 02 1973
Poster of Nationtime
Nationtime
Richard Roundtree was
30 in Nationtime
as 'Self'.
Wed, Nov 01 1972
Poster of Shaft's Big Score!
Shaft's Big Score!
Richard Roundtree was
29 in Shaft's Big Score!
as 'John Shaft'.
Thu, Jun 08 1972
Poster of Embassy
Embassy
Richard Roundtree was
29 in Embassy
as 'Dick Shannon'.
Thu, Mar 02 1972
Poster of Shaft
Shaft
Richard Roundtree was
28 in Shaft
as 'John Shaft'.
Fri, Jun 25 1971
Poster of Soul in Cinema: Filming 'Shaft' on Location
Soul in Cinema: Filming 'Shaft' on Location
Richard Roundtree was
28 in Soul in Cinema: Filming 'Shaft' on Location
as 'Self'.
Wed, Jun 02 1971
Poster of What Do You Say to a Naked Lady
What Do You Say to a Naked Lady
Richard Roundtree was
27 in What Do You Say to a Naked Lady
as 'Interracial Couple'.
Wed, Feb 18 1970

TV Shows (Acting Roles)

Ages in TV shows are based off the first air date and may not be accurate. View individual episode details for accurate ages
Poster of GAME ON: A Comedy Crossover Event
GAME ON: A Comedy Crossover Event
Richard Roundtree was
78+ in GAME ON: A Comedy Crossover Event
as 'Grandpa'.
First Air Date
Mon, Aug 10 2020
Poster of Family Reunion
Family Reunion
Richard Roundtree was
77+ in Family Reunion
as 'Grandpa'.
First Air Date
Wed, Jul 10 2019
Poster of Lethal Weapon
Lethal Weapon
Richard Roundtree was
74+ in Lethal Weapon
as 'Don Bennett'.
First Air Date
Wed, Sep 21 2016
Poster of The Player
The Player
Richard Roundtree was
73+ in The Player
as 'Samuel Letts'.
First Air Date
Thu, Sep 24 2015
Poster of Being Mary Jane
Being Mary Jane
Richard Roundtree was
70+ in Being Mary Jane
as 'Paul Patterson, Sr.'.
First Air Date
Tue, Jul 02 2013
Poster of Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire
Richard Roundtree was
70+ in Chicago Fire
as 'Wallace Boden, Sr.'.
First Air Date
Wed, Oct 10 2012
Poster of The Mentalist
The Mentalist
Richard Roundtree was
66+ in The Mentalist
as 'Floyd Benton'.
First Air Date
Tue, Sep 23 2008
Poster of Private Practice
Private Practice
Richard Roundtree was
65+ in Private Practice
as 'Raymond McCray'.
First Air Date
Wed, Sep 26 2007
Poster of Lincoln Heights
Lincoln Heights
Richard Roundtree was
64+ in Lincoln Heights
as ''.
First Air Date
Mon, Jan 08 2007
Poster of Heroes
Heroes
Richard Roundtree was
64+ in Heroes
as 'Charles Deveaux'.
First Air Date
Mon, Sep 25 2006
Poster of Blade: The Series
Blade: The Series
Richard Roundtree was
63+ in Blade: The Series
as ''.
First Air Date
Wed, Jun 28 2006
Poster of Close to Home
Close to Home
Richard Roundtree was
63+ in Close to Home
as ''.
First Air Date
Tue, Sep 20 2005
Poster of The Closer
The Closer
Richard Roundtree was
62+ in The Closer
as 'Col. D.B. Walter'.
First Air Date
Mon, Jun 13 2005
Poster of Grey's Anatomy
Grey's Anatomy
Richard Roundtree was
62+ in Grey's Anatomy
as 'Donald Burke'.
First Air Date
Sun, Mar 27 2005
Poster of Desperate Housewives
Desperate Housewives
Richard Roundtree was
62+ in Desperate Housewives
as 'Mr. Shaw'.
First Air Date
Sun, Oct 03 2004
Poster of Alias
Alias
Richard Roundtree was
59+ in Alias
as 'Brill'.
First Air Date
Sun, Sep 30 2001
Poster of Soul Food
Soul Food
Richard Roundtree was
57+ in Soul Food
as 'Hardy Lester'.
First Air Date
Wed, Jun 28 2000
Poster of Rescue 77
Rescue 77
Richard Roundtree was
56+ in Rescue 77
as 'Captain Durfee'.
First Air Date
Mon, Mar 15 1999
Poster of 413 Hope St.
413 Hope St.
Richard Roundtree was
55+ in 413 Hope St.
as 'Phil Thomas'.
First Air Date
Thu, Sep 11 1997
Poster of Profiler
Profiler
Richard Roundtree was
54+ in Profiler
as 'Det. James Henegar'.
First Air Date
Sat, Sep 21 1996
Poster of Buddies
Buddies
Richard Roundtree was
53+ in Buddies
as 'Henry Carlisle'.
First Air Date
Tue, Mar 05 1996
Poster of The Wayans Bros.
The Wayans Bros.
Richard Roundtree was
52+ in The Wayans Bros.
as 'Dr. Saunders'.
First Air Date
Wed, Jan 11 1995
Poster of Touched by an Angel
Touched by an Angel
Richard Roundtree was
52+ in Touched by an Angel
as 'Murray'.
First Air Date
Wed, Sep 21 1994
Poster of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
Richard Roundtree was
50+ in Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
as ''.
First Air Date
Fri, Jan 01 1993
Poster of Hangin' with Mr. Cooper
Hangin' with Mr. Cooper
Richard Roundtree was
50+ in Hangin' with Mr. Cooper
as 'General (uncredited)'.
First Air Date
Tue, Sep 22 1992
Poster of Renegade
Renegade
Richard Roundtree was
50+ in Renegade
as ''.
First Air Date
Sat, Sep 19 1992
Poster of Vicki!
Vicki!
Richard Roundtree was
50+ in Vicki!
as 'Self'.
First Air Date
Mon, Aug 31 1992
Poster of Roc
Roc
Richard Roundtree was
49+ in Roc
as 'Russell Emerson'.
First Air Date
Sun, Aug 25 1991
Poster of Beverly Hills, 90210
Beverly Hills, 90210
Richard Roundtree was
48+ in Beverly Hills, 90210
as ''.
First Air Date
Thu, Oct 04 1990
Poster of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Richard Roundtree was
48+ in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
as 'Dr. Mumford'.
First Air Date
Mon, Sep 10 1990
Poster of Dream On
Dream On
Richard Roundtree was
47+ in Dream On
as ''.
First Air Date
Sun, Jul 08 1990
Poster of Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast
Richard Roundtree was
45+ in Beauty and the Beast
as ''.
First Air Date
Fri, Sep 25 1987
Poster of A Different World
A Different World
Richard Roundtree was
45+ in A Different World
as 'Clinton Reese'.
First Air Date
Thu, Sep 24 1987
Poster of 21 Jump Street
21 Jump Street
Richard Roundtree was
44+ in 21 Jump Street
as 'Ben Halley'.
First Air Date
Sun, Apr 12 1987
Poster of Outlaws
Outlaws
Richard Roundtree was
44+ in Outlaws
as ''.
First Air Date
Sun, Dec 28 1986
Poster of Amen
Amen
Richard Roundtree was
44+ in Amen
as ''.
First Air Date
Sat, Sep 27 1986
Poster of L.A. Law
L.A. Law
Richard Roundtree was
44+ in L.A. Law
as 'Judge Ira Menday'.
First Air Date
Mon, Sep 15 1986
Poster of MacGyver
MacGyver
Richard Roundtree was
43+ in MacGyver
as 'R.T. Hines'.
First Air Date
Sun, Sep 29 1985
Poster of Hollywood Beat
Hollywood Beat
Richard Roundtree was
43+ in Hollywood Beat
as ''.
First Air Date
Sat, Sep 21 1985
Poster of A.D.
A.D.
Richard Roundtree was
42+ in A.D.
as 'Serpenius'.
First Air Date
Sun, Mar 31 1985
Poster of Murder, She Wrote
Murder, She Wrote
Richard Roundtree was
42+ in Murder, She Wrote
as 'Major Kevin Cooper'.
First Air Date
Sun, Sep 30 1984
Poster of Masquerade
Masquerade
Richard Roundtree was
41+ in Masquerade
as 'Mean Willy'.
First Air Date
Thu, Dec 15 1983
Poster of Magnum, P.I.
Magnum, P.I.
Richard Roundtree was
38+ in Magnum, P.I.
as ''.
First Air Date
Thu, Dec 11 1980
Poster of The Love Boat
The Love Boat
Richard Roundtree was
35+ in The Love Boat
as 'Dave Wilbur'.
First Air Date
Sat, Sep 24 1977
Poster of CHiPs
CHiPs
Richard Roundtree was
35+ in CHiPs
as 'Sgt. Aikens'.
First Air Date
Thu, Sep 15 1977
Poster of Roots
Roots
Richard Roundtree was
34+ in Roots
as 'Sam Bennett'.
First Air Date
Sun, Jan 23 1977
Poster of Dinah!
Dinah!
Richard Roundtree was
32+ in Dinah!
as 'Self'.
First Air Date
Mon, Oct 21 1974
Poster of Shaft
Shaft
Richard Roundtree was
31+ in Shaft
as ''.
First Air Date
Tue, Oct 09 1973
Poster of The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts
The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts
Richard Roundtree was
31+ in The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts
as 'Self'.
First Air Date
Fri, Sep 14 1973
Poster of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Richard Roundtree was
20+ in The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
as 'Self'.
First Air Date
Mon, Oct 01 1962
Poster of The Mike Douglas Show
The Mike Douglas Show
Richard Roundtree was
19+ in The Mike Douglas Show
as 'Self'.
First Air Date
Mon, Dec 11 1961