Actor Richard Roundtree, best known for his iconic role as private detective John Shaft, has died at 81 years old. 

<div class="block">Actor Richard Roundtree, best known for his iconic role as private detective John Shaft, has died at 81 years old. </div>

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'Shaft' Actor Richard Roundtree Dies at 81

Actor is Richard Roundtree known for his iconic role as private detective John Shaft. He died at 81 years old. The actor's manager said he'd been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Roundtree died at his home in Los Angeles. Yesterday Roundtree starred in multiple shaft movies and a television film series in which he played a suave private detective who fought crime. The role was described as hotter than bond, cooler than a bullet. The actor revived his shaft character in a film starring Samuel L Jackson back in 2000.