Richard Roundtree, , ‘Shaft’ Star, Dead at 81.br Roundtree died on Oct. 24 surrounded by his family, according to his manager, Patrick McMinn.br He had pancreatic cancer, NBC News reports.br Artists & Representatives Agency br mourns the loss of our friend br and client, Richard Roundtree, Patrick McMinn, Richard Roundtree's manager, via statement.br His trailblazing career changed the br face of entertainment around the br globe and his enduring legacy will br be felt for generations to come, Patrick McMinn, Richard Roundtree's manager, via statement.br Roundtree was also diagnosed with br breast cancer in 1993, becoming an advocate for increased awareness among men. .br The actor is best known for portraying br John Shaft in the 'Shaft' franchise.br According to the University of Maryland, br Baltimore County, the movie "introduced into mainstream br cinema the African American action hero; until then, br action-hero roles had been reserved for white actors.".br The film's success launched Roundtree into the spotlight and paved the way for other "strong Black protagonists in Hollywood," NBC News reports. .br He went on to appear in several br other films throughout the '80s and br '90s, including 'Original Gangstas.'.br TV credits include 'CHiPs,' 'Magnum P.I.,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Chicago Fire' and more.br Roundtree has also appeared in br Samuel L. Jackson's newer versions of 'Shaft.