Richard Roundtree - Actor Profile

Richard Roundtree

Acting
Updated: Apr 10, 2026
50Total Films
8.4 Highest Rated
Born: Jul 9, 1942
Birth Place: New Rochelle, New York, USA

About Richard Roundtree

Richard Roundtree (July 9, 1942 – October 24, 2023) was an American actor. He is noted as being "the first black action hero" for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft, and its four sequels, released between 1972 and 2019. For his performance in the original film, he was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor in 1972. He reprised the role of Shaft in the movie Shaft (2019), starring Samuel L. Jackson.

Richard Roundtree Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Richard Roundtree reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Richard Roundtree's work falls within the Action genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 34% of Richard Roundtree's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Se7en, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Richard Roundtree Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Richard Roundtree's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie Richard Roundtree has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2024 Thelma Ben Hit Similar →
2023 Moving On Ralph Average Similar →
2021 A Choice of Weapons: Inspired by Gordon Parks Self Hit Similar →
2020 Haunting of the Mary Celeste Tulls Flop Similar →
2019 A Family Reunion Christmas Jebidiah McKellan Average Similar →
2019 Shaft John Shaft, Sr. Hit Similar →
2019 What Men Want Skip Davis Average Similar →
2010 Whatever She Wants Theodore Wolf Hit Similar →
2008 Final Approach Gary Markash Flop Similar →
2008 Speed Racer Ben Burns Average Similar →
2008 Speed Racer: Wonderful World of Racing - The Amazing Racer Family Ben Burns Hit Similar →
2007 All The Days Before Tomorrow El Doctor Hit Similar →
2006 Brick Assistant V.P. Trueman Hit Similar →
2005 Painkiller Jane Colonel Watts Flop Similar →
2003 Men Cry in the Dark - Hit Similar →
2002 Boat Trip Felicia's Dad Flop Similar →
2002 BaadAsssss Cinema Self Average Similar →
2002 Al's Lads Boom-Boom Average Similar →
2002 Undercover Brother John Shaft (archive footage) (uncredited) Average Similar →
2001 Antitrust Lyle Barton Average Similar →
2000 Shaft "Uncle" John Shaft Average Similar →
1999 Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years Booker T. Washington Hit Similar →
1997 George of the Jungle Kwame Average Similar →
1996 Original Gangstas Slick Average Similar →
1995 Se7en Talbot Super Hit Similar →
1995 Bonanza: Under Attack Jacob Hit Similar →
1993 Bonanza: The Return Jacob Briscoe Hit Similar →
1993 Deadly Rivals Agent Peterson Average Similar →
1990 Bad Jim July Hit Similar →
1989 Crack House Lt. Johnson Flop Similar →
1989 Miami Cops Gamble Flop Similar →
1988 Angel III: The Final Chapter Lt. Doniger Flop Similar →
1988 Maniac Cop Commissioner Pike Average Similar →
1984 City Heat Dehl Swift Average Similar →
1984 Killpoint Agent Bill Bryant Average Similar →
1983 Just an Overnight Guest - Hit Similar →
1983 The Big Score Gordon Flop Similar →
1982 Q Powell Average Similar →
1981 An Eye for an Eye Capt. Stevens Flop Similar →
1979 Escape to Athena Nat Judson Average Similar →
1975 Diamonds Archie Average Similar →
1975 Man Friday Friday Hit Similar →
1974 Earthquake Miles Quade Average Similar →
1973 Shaft in Africa John Shaft Average Similar →
1973 Listen to a Stranger: An Interview with Gordon Parks Self / Shaft (archive footage) Average Similar →
1972 Nationtime Self Super Hit Similar →
1972 Shaft's Big Score! John Shaft Average Similar →
1972 Embassy Dick Shannon Flop Similar →
1971 Shaft John Shaft Average Similar →
1971 Soul in Cinema: Filming 'Shaft' on Location Self Hit Similar →

Richard Roundtree - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Richard Roundtree?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Richard Roundtree is "Se7en" with a rating of 8.4/10.

How many movies has Richard Roundtree acted in?

Richard Roundtree has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Richard Roundtree?

Other notable films include "Nationtime", "Bad Jim", and "Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years".

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