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Richard Roundtree
12quotes
Richard Roundtree: A Legendary Figure in American Entertainment
Full Name and Common Aliases
Richard Roundtree's full name was Richard Lee Stanley Roundtree Jr. He is often referred to as the "Original" or "The First" due to his groundbreaking role as John Shaft.
Birth and Death Dates
Richard Roundtree was born on July 15, 1942, and passed away on October 24, 2020, at the age of 78.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Roundtree held American nationality and was a renowned actor, dancer, and model. He is best known for his iconic portrayal of John Shaft in the 1971 film "Shaft," which became a cultural phenomenon and cemented his status as a Hollywood legend.
Early Life and Background
Richard Roundtree grew up in New Rochelle, New York, where he developed a passion for dance at an early age. He began taking dance lessons at six years old and went on to attend the prestigious Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in Manhattan. After high school, Roundtree moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment.
Major Accomplishments
Roundtree's most significant accomplishment is undoubtedly his portrayal of John Shaft in the 1971 film "Shaft." The movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $70 million at the box office and establishing Roundtree as a leading man. He went on to star in three more "Shaft" films throughout the 1970s, cementing his status as an iconic figure in American entertainment.
Notable Works or Actions
In addition to his work in the "Shaft" franchise, Roundtree appeared in numerous other films and television shows, including "Death Wish," "I Spy," and "The Love Boat." He also worked as a model and was featured on the cover of several major magazines, including _Ebony_ and _Vogue_. Roundtree's career spanned over five decades, during which he demonstrated his versatility as an actor, dancer, and performer.
Impact and Legacy
Richard Roundtree's impact on American entertainment cannot be overstated. He paved the way for future generations of African American actors and helped to break down racial barriers in Hollywood. His iconic portrayal of John Shaft continues to inspire new audiences today, making him a beloved and enduring figure in popular culture.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Richard Roundtree is widely quoted and remembered for his groundbreaking performances on screen and stage. His impact on American entertainment extends beyond his own work, as he helped to pave the way for future generations of actors and performers. His legacy continues to inspire new audiences today, making him a true legend in every sense of the word.
As an iconic figure in American entertainment, Richard Roundtree's quotes and sayings continue to be sought after by fans and scholars alike. His words offer a glimpse into his remarkable life and career, as well as the impact he had on those around him. Through his quotes, we can gain a deeper understanding of what made him tick and why he remains such an enduring figure in popular culture.
Quotes by Richard Roundtree
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The doctor told me, 'You have breast cancer.' I heard the cancer part first - it was only later that I heard the breast part. I couldn't believe it.
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I constantly deal with being called Shaft, and I vacillate back and forth with people coming up to me about it. But it never ceases to blow me away with the impact that character had on my life and my fans' lives.
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I don't know if it's a racial thing or not, but it's hard for the Roundtrees to talk about health issues. People have to get over all that stuff.
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I'm not really much of a video game player; my son would be the expert in that department. The only game I would really play is golf, the Tiger Woods video game.
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As much as possible, I'd like every role to be totally different from the one before.
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Although it happens more rarely in men, breast cancer is not gender-specific. I was in Costa Rica, and in the shower I felt this lump under my left nipple. It was very small, mind you, but enough to make me call my doctor.
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There's nobody more opposite from John Shaft than a kid who worships a banana as his god.
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When you go into a film, you read it, and something clicks for you, and you like it, and you sign on for it; you go for it. You know that this is going to be a good film, and that is your best hope. Past that, it's a crap shoot - you roll the dice.
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I was in the closet, so to speak, until after the fifth year when I was cancer-free.
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