Richard Roundtree, “Shaft” actor, dies at age 81

Richard Roundtree, the actor best known for portraying detective John Shaft in the 1971 film “Shaft,” has died, his representative told CBS News. He was 81.

Roundtree died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, his representative, Patrick McMinn, said.

Roundtree’s career in film and television spanned more than 50 years, including his appearance in five “Shaft” movies and a notable role as Sam Bennett in the iconic 1977 TV miniseries “Roots.”