‘Shaft’ star Richard Roundtree dies at 81, agent says

LOS ANGELES — Richard Roundtree, who broke cinematic ground with his lead role in the 1971 film “Shaft,” has died at age 81, his manager confirms.

Roundtree died from pancreatic cancer, his management told ABC News.

“I’m very sad to report that our client Richard Roundtree passed away this afternoon after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. His family was with him at his bedside.

“Artists & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree. His trailblazing career changed the face of entertainment around the globe and his enduring legacy will be felt for generations to come. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

“Shaft” was seen as one of the first to popularize the “blaxploitation” genre, a series of films in the 1970s starring Black actors that dealt with urban themes.

Critics coined the term “blaxploitation” as a critique of their portrayal of African-American culture but the films became popular with mainstream audiences.

“Shaft” directed by Gordon Parks, focused on a detective hired to find the daughter of a Harlem mobster who had been kidnapped. The film’s popularity paved the way for other stories in the genre, while its soundtrack by Isaac Hayes took two Grammys and an Oscar.

DEVELOPING: This story will be updated.