The legacy of Richard Roundtree

It was very sad to learn that the legendary Richard Roundtree passed away (1942-2023). He was loved by many, of course, but I spent quite some time reflecting not only on what he achieved, or what his work means, but what it represents on a grand scale. Therein - I think - lies some meaning. When we hear about film or popular culture taking on greater symbolism, it's hard to think of a more powerful example than Shaft. And while Mr. Roundtree was a very busy character actor throughout his career, many audiences will remember him best as that cool-as-ice private detective from Ernest Tidyman's novel. I read the book as a kid and throughly enjoyed it. The material feels perfect for a film adaptation, but what happened on screen was pure magic and elevated it in no small way.

Mr. Roundtree's work in the original 1971 film (for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe) and its sequels were all hugely influential; a game-changing example of black cinema, which broke boundaries and inspired many all over the world. It’s hard to attribute success to a single ingredient here, as it’s clearly the combined recipe, a perfect storm for a winning formula. The perfect film at the perfect time.

There’s the theme, story and characters; this proud and upstanding, take-no-shit protagonist standing against the racially charged environment he lives in and marches through, everyday, with effortless swagger. There’s the iconic soundtrack from Isaac Hayes and his Oscar and Grammy award winning score, plus acclaimed photojournalist turned filmmaker Gordon Parks leading the charge. A strong cast too, all headlined by Roundtree, considered a newcomer at the time, and yet who brought with him such gravitas and commanding presence. He was dubbed the first black action hero for his role as John Shaft. For these reasons and more, Shaft is a landmark in cinema.

The “cult classic” or “blaxploitation” labels may be used, but it almost always never does it justice, and this was a trendsetter. It’s unfathomable to imagine how many filmmakers, actors, artists, musicians, and others from all walks of life, will have been directly inspired.

Later in his career, beyond the 1970's Shaft sequels (namely Shaft’s Big Score and Shaft in Africa), he landed many great and diverse roles, but how can anyone top John Shaft? His later credits included Inchon, One Down Two to Go, An Eye For an Eye, City Heat, Generations, Se7en, George of the Jungle, Brick, plus many more, and not forgetting the Shaft reboot from late director John Singleton, starring Samuel L. Jackson which paid homage and gave him a nice supporting role. One thing’s for certain, Richard Roundtree’s influence was felt far and wide and the legacy truly lives on.