Richard Roundtree (born July 9 1942) is an American actor and former fashion model. He is best known for his portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the film Shaft (1971) and in its two sequels, Shaft's Big Score (1972) and Shaft in Africa (1973).

Personal life

Richard Roundtreee graduated from New Rochelle High School in 1961 and starred on New Rochelle High's undefeated and nationally ranked football team in 1960. He attended Southern Illinois University.Richard Roundtree Biography - Yahoo! Movies Roundtree was diagnosed with the rare form of male breast cancer in 1993 and underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy.USATODAY.com - Richard Roundtree 'Knows the Score' on cancer