Richard Roundtree, who will forever be linked with the role of trailblazing Black detective John Shaft, has died. The actor, who on screen is best remembered for the iconic role, was also a breast cancer survivor known for raising funds to treat the condition. He was more recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died yesterday afternoon, with his family at his bedside.
Richard Roundtree was born in New Rochelle, New York, played football for Southern Illinois University and did some modeling before the acting bug bit.
He was drawn to theater and joined New York’s acclaimed Negro Ensemble Company, then starred as Jack Johnson in The Great White Hope off-Broadway before the role of John Shaft presented itself — a lucky break secured after Sidney Poitier refused to screen test for the role, leading director Gordon Parks to cast Roundtree instead.
The role of Shaft, the “hotter than Bond, cooler than Bullitt” private detective,...
Richard Roundtree was born in New Rochelle, New York, played football for Southern Illinois University and did some modeling before the acting bug bit.
He was drawn to theater and joined New York’s acclaimed Negro Ensemble Company, then starred as Jack Johnson in The Great White Hope off-Broadway before the role of John Shaft presented itself — a lucky break secured after Sidney Poitier refused to screen test for the role, leading director Gordon Parks to cast Roundtree instead.
The role of Shaft, the “hotter than Bond, cooler than Bullitt” private detective,...
- 10/25/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
Richard Roundtree, known for his role as Shaft in the series of films, died at the age of 81. The actor has left a legacy in both film and television for generations to come.
Roundtree made his debut in film as John Shaft in Shaft about a private detective who is hired by a mobster to help rescue his daughter who was kidnapped by Italian mobsters. The actor would go on to reprise his role of Shaft in the sequels Shaft’s Big Score (1972) and Shaft in Africa (1973). A reboot of Shaft starring Samuel L. Jackson was released in 2000 with Roundtree appearing as “Uncle” Shaft. Roundtree also played the role in the short-lived CBS series.
Other films in which Roundtree appeared in include Embassy (1972), Earthquake (1974), Man Friday (1975), Diamonds (1975), Escape to Athena (1979), City Heat (1984), George of the Jungle (1997), What Men Want (2019) and The Haunting of the Mary Celeste (2020), just to name a few.
Roundtree made his debut in film as John Shaft in Shaft about a private detective who is hired by a mobster to help rescue his daughter who was kidnapped by Italian mobsters. The actor would go on to reprise his role of Shaft in the sequels Shaft’s Big Score (1972) and Shaft in Africa (1973). A reboot of Shaft starring Samuel L. Jackson was released in 2000 with Roundtree appearing as “Uncle” Shaft. Roundtree also played the role in the short-lived CBS series.
Other films in which Roundtree appeared in include Embassy (1972), Earthquake (1974), Man Friday (1975), Diamonds (1975), Escape to Athena (1979), City Heat (1984), George of the Jungle (1997), What Men Want (2019) and The Haunting of the Mary Celeste (2020), just to name a few.
- 10/25/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Richard Roundtree, who became known as “the first Black action hero” for his portrayal of detective John Shaft in five films, has died at the age of 81 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film,” Roundtree’s manager Patrick McMinn said in his statement confirming the actor’s death. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”
Shaft followed the exploits of African American detective John Shaft. While the original screenplay called for Shaft to be white, director Gordon Parks opted to cast Roundtree, then just 28 years old, to play the titular character. The first Shaft film was released in 1971 on a budget of just $500,000. It went on to earn $12 million at the box office, and four sequel films followed.
Beyond its commercial success, Shaft is credited for being one of the...
“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film,” Roundtree’s manager Patrick McMinn said in his statement confirming the actor’s death. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”
Shaft followed the exploits of African American detective John Shaft. While the original screenplay called for Shaft to be white, director Gordon Parks opted to cast Roundtree, then just 28 years old, to play the titular character. The first Shaft film was released in 1971 on a budget of just $500,000. It went on to earn $12 million at the box office, and four sequel films followed.
Beyond its commercial success, Shaft is credited for being one of the...
- 10/25/2023
- by Alex Young and Carys Anderson
- Consequence - Film News
As confirmed by Deadline, Richard Roundtree, the groundbreaking star of the original "Shaft" franchise has died as a result of pancreatic cancer. He was 81. Roundtree was a gifted athlete who played for New Rochelle High School's nationally-ranked and undefeated football team but later dropped out of college after he was scouted by Ebony Fashion Fair founder Eunice W. Johnson and began modeling for companies like Duke hair products and Salem cigarettes. A few years later, he joined the Negro Ensemble Company theater group in New York City, where he became a fast leading man. This led to a successful career in front of the camera, where Roundtree would become colloquially known as the "first Black action hero."
He appeared in a number of Blaxploitation films in the 1970s, but he became a cinematic icon as detective John Shaft in the films "Shaft," "Shaft's Big Score!," "Shaft in Africa," and the short-lived series adaptation.
He appeared in a number of Blaxploitation films in the 1970s, but he became a cinematic icon as detective John Shaft in the films "Shaft," "Shaft's Big Score!," "Shaft in Africa," and the short-lived series adaptation.
- 10/25/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Richard Roundtree, the suave star of the Shaft movies who has long been called the first Black action hero, has died at the age of 81 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Roundtree died in his Los Angeles home with his family by his side on Tuesday, October 24, per Deadline. His manager since 1987, Patrick McMinn, said “Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film,” in a statement to Variety. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.” Roundtree’s signature role was playing private eye John Shaft in Shaft (1971) and its follow-ups, Shaft’s Big Score! (1972), Shaft in Africa (1973), and the short-lived Shaft TV series (1973). Roundtree’s first screen credit was in As the World Turns in 1956. He broke ground for representation in Hollywood as Shaft‘s leading man at the age of 28. Directed by Gordon Parks and based...
- 10/25/2023
- TV Insider
Richard Roundtree, star of “Shaft,” “Roots,” and “Generations,” has died at the age of 81.
The actor succumbed after a short battle with pancreatic cancer, TheWrap has learned. Roundtree’s family was at his side when he died. His agency, Artists & Partners, confirmed his death.
“Artists & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree,” the agency said in a statement obtained by TheWrap. “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.”
The actor starred in a number of landmark films, including 1971’s “Shaft” and its two sequels, 1972’s “Shaft’s Big Score!” and 1973’s “Shaft in Africa.” Roundtree was nominated for a New Star of the Year at the Golden Globes following the first movie.
Roundtree also starred in “Inchon” and...
The actor succumbed after a short battle with pancreatic cancer, TheWrap has learned. Roundtree’s family was at his side when he died. His agency, Artists & Partners, confirmed his death.
“Artists & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree,” the agency said in a statement obtained by TheWrap. “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.”
The actor starred in a number of landmark films, including 1971’s “Shaft” and its two sequels, 1972’s “Shaft’s Big Score!” and 1973’s “Shaft in Africa.” Roundtree was nominated for a New Star of the Year at the Golden Globes following the first movie.
Roundtree also starred in “Inchon” and...
- 10/25/2023
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
Richard Roundtree, who played the iconic lead character in the 1971 movie Shaft and its sequels, has died at the age of 81. The actor passed away on Tuesday “after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer with his family at his bedside,” per our sister site Deadline.
“Artists & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree,” the actor’s agency said in a statement. “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.
“Artists & Representatives Agency mourns the loss of our friend and client Richard Roundtree,” the actor’s agency said in a statement. “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.
- 10/25/2023
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
Richard Roundtree, the ultracool actor who helped open the door to a generation of Black filmmakers and performers with his portrayal of private eye John Shaft, “the cat that won’t cop out when there’s danger all about,” died Tuesday. He was 81.
Roundtree died at his home in Los Angeles of pancreatic cancer, his manager, Patrick McMinn, told The Hollywood Reporter.
He was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and had a double mastectomy. “Breast cancer is not gender specific,” he said four years later. “And men have this cavalier attitude about health issues. I got such positive feedback because I spoke out about it, and it’s been quite a number of years now. I’m a survivor.”
Roundtree also portrayed the title character opposite Peter O’Toole as Robinson Crusoe in Man Friday, was featured as an army sergeant opposite Laurence Olivier as Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the Korean...
Roundtree died at his home in Los Angeles of pancreatic cancer, his manager, Patrick McMinn, told The Hollywood Reporter.
He was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and had a double mastectomy. “Breast cancer is not gender specific,” he said four years later. “And men have this cavalier attitude about health issues. I got such positive feedback because I spoke out about it, and it’s been quite a number of years now. I’m a survivor.”
Roundtree also portrayed the title character opposite Peter O’Toole as Robinson Crusoe in Man Friday, was featured as an army sergeant opposite Laurence Olivier as Gen. Douglas MacArthur in the Korean...
- 10/25/2023
- by Chris Koseluk
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Richard Roundtree, an icon of Blaxploitation film who starred as detective John Shaft in Gordon Parks’ 1971 action thriller, died Tuesday afternoon after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 81 years old.
His death was confirmed by Patrick McMinn, his manager since 1987.
“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film,” McMinn said in his statement. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”
Roundtree was a leading man from the very start of his lifetime in screen acting. After beginning his career in modeling, he secured “Shaft” at the age of 28, marking his feature debut. The MGM release earned $12 million in ticket sales off of a $500,000 production budget, helping to save the studio from bankruptcy. A breakthrough hit, “Shaft” set the tone for a prolific decade of Blaxploitation filmmaking and demonstrated Hollywood’s historical failure to consider Black talent...
His death was confirmed by Patrick McMinn, his manager since 1987.
“Richard’s work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film,” McMinn said in his statement. “The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated.”
Roundtree was a leading man from the very start of his lifetime in screen acting. After beginning his career in modeling, he secured “Shaft” at the age of 28, marking his feature debut. The MGM release earned $12 million in ticket sales off of a $500,000 production budget, helping to save the studio from bankruptcy. A breakthrough hit, “Shaft” set the tone for a prolific decade of Blaxploitation filmmaking and demonstrated Hollywood’s historical failure to consider Black talent...
- 10/25/2023
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Richard Roundtree, who broke ground with his signature role in the Shaft movie franchise, died October 24 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer with his family at his bedside. He was 81.
Roundtree’s career spanned five decades and included everything from his most popular blaxploitation role to a very early appearance on As the World Turns in 1956 to being a Season 2 main cast member on Ava DuVernay’s OWN series Cherish the Day last year.
He is best known for playing detective John Shaft in the 1971 action thriller and its sequels, Shaft’s Big Score! (1972) and Shaft in Africa (1973) as well as the short-lived 1973 Shaft TV series.
For his performance in the original film, Roundtree was nominated for a New Star of the Year Golden Globe and hailed as the first Black action hero. More importantly, the films made Shaft a cultural hero, a symbol of Black power onscreen, at the box office and beyond.
Roundtree’s career spanned five decades and included everything from his most popular blaxploitation role to a very early appearance on As the World Turns in 1956 to being a Season 2 main cast member on Ava DuVernay’s OWN series Cherish the Day last year.
He is best known for playing detective John Shaft in the 1971 action thriller and its sequels, Shaft’s Big Score! (1972) and Shaft in Africa (1973) as well as the short-lived 1973 Shaft TV series.
For his performance in the original film, Roundtree was nominated for a New Star of the Year Golden Globe and hailed as the first Black action hero. More importantly, the films made Shaft a cultural hero, a symbol of Black power onscreen, at the box office and beyond.
- 10/25/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
For any hip-hop historian, a certain party on August 11, 1973 looms large. In a rec room at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, young Cindy Campbell threw a back-to-school jam with entertainment provided by her older brother, a Jamaican-born immigrant named Clive Campbell who’d renamed himself DJ Kool Herc. There, Herc put into action a new technique that would set the sonic template for hip hop — working not one but two turntables and playing two copies of the same record to extend the instrumental breaks. “One night I was watching the...
- 7/29/2022
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
As Gordon Parks’ blaxploitation classic “Shaft,” released nationwide on July 2, 1971, celebrates its 50th anniversary, a proper revision of its ethos is overdue. An anachronistic “Shaft” that promotes an outmoded 007 brand of masculine toxicity — an obsession with shiny possessions including cars, clothing, guns, and of course, women, while relishing violence as the most innate means to an end — may not quite cut it anymore.
That doesn’t mean the character should be neutered; but a post-Trump, post-George Floyd “Shaft” should intrigue executives in an industry that loves to exploit known IP, especially as it contends with an uncertain, rapidly evolving environment. The world does not need a Black James Bond right now; it needs a “Shaft,” updated to clash head-on with a backdrop that isn’t all that different from the era that led to a proliferation of movies like it.
For years, Idris Elba has had to react to...
That doesn’t mean the character should be neutered; but a post-Trump, post-George Floyd “Shaft” should intrigue executives in an industry that loves to exploit known IP, especially as it contends with an uncertain, rapidly evolving environment. The world does not need a Black James Bond right now; it needs a “Shaft,” updated to clash head-on with a backdrop that isn’t all that different from the era that led to a proliferation of movies like it.
For years, Idris Elba has had to react to...
- 7/4/2021
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
Tarzan Goes to India/Tarzan’s Three Challenges
Blu ray
Warner Archives
1962, 1963 / 2:35:1 / 88 Min., 92 Min. / Street Date – January 29, 2019
Starring Jock Mahoney, Simi Garewal, Woody Strode
Cinematography by Paul Beeson, Edward Scaife
Directed by John Guillermin, Robert Day
Jane Goodall fell for Tarzan at an early age – ‘he married the wrong Jane’ she said, half joking. A confirmed tree-hugger, the King of the Apes would seem to be a perfect match for the nature loving primatologist – even though the greater part of Tarzan’s big screen career played out in backlot jungles rather than the real thing.
Producer Sy Weintraub rectified that situation with Tarzan Goes to India and Tarzan’s Three Challenges – both sleekly made widescreen entertainments that put the jungle lord in his proper element. Made on location in India and Thailand, the films are a non-stop parade of cliffhanging serial thrills that revel in the raw beauty...
Blu ray
Warner Archives
1962, 1963 / 2:35:1 / 88 Min., 92 Min. / Street Date – January 29, 2019
Starring Jock Mahoney, Simi Garewal, Woody Strode
Cinematography by Paul Beeson, Edward Scaife
Directed by John Guillermin, Robert Day
Jane Goodall fell for Tarzan at an early age – ‘he married the wrong Jane’ she said, half joking. A confirmed tree-hugger, the King of the Apes would seem to be a perfect match for the nature loving primatologist – even though the greater part of Tarzan’s big screen career played out in backlot jungles rather than the real thing.
Producer Sy Weintraub rectified that situation with Tarzan Goes to India and Tarzan’s Three Challenges – both sleekly made widescreen entertainments that put the jungle lord in his proper element. Made on location in India and Thailand, the films are a non-stop parade of cliffhanging serial thrills that revel in the raw beauty...
- 2/12/2019
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
There's a new Shaft. Can ya dig it? In the tradition of the franchise since the last installment, we're getting another soft reboot that's also actually a sequel to what's come before. The film series began back in 1971 with the blaxploitation classic Shaft, starring Richard Roundtree as the titular detective, John Shaft. Two sequels arrived over the next two years (Shaft's Big Score! and Shaft in Africa), followed by a TV series also starring the same actor. In 2000, we got a new movie, also titled Shaft, which starred Samuel L. Jackson as the titular detective, John Shaft. But not the same John Shaft. This private dick was the nephew of the original and Roundtree reprised his role briefly once again. The reboot was a...
Read More...
Read More...
- 8/19/2017
- by Christopher Campbell
- Movies.com
There's a new Shaft. Can ya dig it? In the tradition of the franchise since the last installment, we're getting another soft reboot that's also actually a sequel to what's come before. The film series began back in 1971 with the blaxploitation classic Shaft, starring Richard Roundtree as the titular detective, John Shaft. Two sequels arrived over the next two years (Shaft's Big Score! and Shaft in Africa), followed by a TV series also starring the same...
Read More
Read Comments...
Read More
Read Comments...
- 8/18/2017
- by affiliates@fandango.com
- Fandango
Director John Guillermin has passed away at age 89. The British director was best known for his high profile action films including the 1974 blockbuster "The Towering Inferno" and the 1976 remake of "King Kong", a production that was plagued by troubles but ended up being quite profitable. Guillermin was despised by some in the industry for his mercurial temperament and harsh methods of directing actors. However, no one could deny his talents. He was equally adept at directing scenes of intimate drama as well as explosive, large-scale action scenes. Among his best films was the 1969 production of "The Bridge at Remagen" which was interrupted by the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. Guillermin and producer David L. Wolper managed to salvage the film by moving the production elsewhere, a monumental task that they completed successfully. Other Guillermin films include "Death on the Nile", "The Blue Max", "El Condor", "Shaft in Africa", "Skyjacked", "Never Let Go...
- 10/2/2015
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Perfectionist director of big-budget action fare also took the reins on Agatha Christie whodunnit Death on the Nile and blaxploitation sequel Shaft in Africa
John Guillermin, the British director whose expertise with big-budget action fare in the 1960s and 70s led him to direct the 1976 remake of King Kong and the 1974 disaster movie epic The Towering Inferno, has died. He was 89.
Continue reading...
John Guillermin, the British director whose expertise with big-budget action fare in the 1960s and 70s led him to direct the 1976 remake of King Kong and the 1974 disaster movie epic The Towering Inferno, has died. He was 89.
Continue reading...
- 10/1/2015
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
The Towering Inferno director John Guillermin has died at the age of 89.
The filmmaker's close friend Nick Redman confirmed Guillermin's passing this week in Los Angeles, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Guillermin's long and varied career included working on action epics like Tarzan Goes to India, blaxploitation drama thriller Shaft in Africa and the '80s cult classic Sheena: Queen of the Jungle.
Among his more famous Hollywood projects was the disaster epic The Towering Inferno, the highest-grossing movie of 1974.
Guillermin was also at the helm of 1976's King Kong remake starring Jessica Lange, a financial success that earned middling reviews.
In more recent decades, Guillermin focused on low-budget films and television work.
He is survived by two children from his marriage to Kenyan actress Maureen Connell.
The filmmaker's close friend Nick Redman confirmed Guillermin's passing this week in Los Angeles, according to Entertainment Weekly.
Guillermin's long and varied career included working on action epics like Tarzan Goes to India, blaxploitation drama thriller Shaft in Africa and the '80s cult classic Sheena: Queen of the Jungle.
Among his more famous Hollywood projects was the disaster epic The Towering Inferno, the highest-grossing movie of 1974.
Guillermin was also at the helm of 1976's King Kong remake starring Jessica Lange, a financial success that earned middling reviews.
In more recent decades, Guillermin focused on low-budget films and television work.
He is survived by two children from his marriage to Kenyan actress Maureen Connell.
- 10/1/2015
- Digital Spy
John Guillermin, director of such films as “The Towering Inferno” and the 1976 remake of “King Kong,” died on Monday, his wife announced on social media. He was 89 years old. The British filmmaker was best known for big-budget action films, which also included “El Condor,” “Shaft in Africa,” “Death on the Nile,” “Sheena” and the sequel “King Kong Lives.” He has directed actors such as Paul Newman, Jessica Lange, Lee Van Cleef, Steve McQueen, Peter Ustinov, Mia Farrow, Orson Welles, Angela Lansbury, George Peppard, David Niven, Jeff Bridges, Jack Warden, Richard Chamberlain, William Holden and Faye Dunaway. Guillermin was born in London,...
- 9/30/2015
- by Jordan Burchette
- The Wrap
John Guillermin, the director responsible for films such as The Towering Inferno and 1976’s version of King Kong, has died at the age of 89.Guillermin was born in London in 1925, and got his education at the University of Cambridge. After his studies, he joined the Royal Air Force, then mustered out at 22 to begin a career in filmmaking. Initially studying in France and learning the art of documentaries, he moved to Los Angeles in 1950 to learn Hollywood’s film ways, though he’d already gotten his start in movies with the likes of Torment/Paper Gallows, Melody In The Dark and High Jinks In Society.He would go on to work on films including Town On Trial, The Blue Max, El Condor, Skyjacked, Shaft In Africa and even a couple of Tarzan instalments. But he was best known for entering the world of producer Irwin Allen with The Towering Inferno,...
- 9/30/2015
- EmpireOnline
Crypt Of The Living Dead
(1973, dir: Julio Salvador & Ray Danton)
“The Undead Dies…Again, Again And Again!”
One night whilst snooping round a luxurios island villa, archaeologist Professor Bolton (Mariano García Rey, Shaft in Africa) is attacked by crazed writer Peter (Mark Damon, Black Sabbath). Bolton is left for dead under a tomb. When his son Chris (Andrew Pine, The Town That Dreaded Sundown) finds out about the fate of his father, he visits the island to say his goodbyes. He is greeted by Peter who is playing the nice guy card. Once settled and with the help of the mysterious locals, Chris and Peter begin to open the tomb belonging to Hannah (Teresa Gimpera, Lips of Blood), who according to local folklore was the vampiric wife of Louis VII. Once opened, they discover the still fresh corpse of Hannah (who looks damn good considering she’s been buried for 700 years!
(1973, dir: Julio Salvador & Ray Danton)
“The Undead Dies…Again, Again And Again!”
One night whilst snooping round a luxurios island villa, archaeologist Professor Bolton (Mariano García Rey, Shaft in Africa) is attacked by crazed writer Peter (Mark Damon, Black Sabbath). Bolton is left for dead under a tomb. When his son Chris (Andrew Pine, The Town That Dreaded Sundown) finds out about the fate of his father, he visits the island to say his goodbyes. He is greeted by Peter who is playing the nice guy card. Once settled and with the help of the mysterious locals, Chris and Peter begin to open the tomb belonging to Hannah (Teresa Gimpera, Lips of Blood), who according to local folklore was the vampiric wife of Louis VII. Once opened, they discover the still fresh corpse of Hannah (who looks damn good considering she’s been buried for 700 years!
- 8/11/2015
- by Mondo Squallido
- Nerdly
The Wrap is reporting that New Line Cinema has acquired rights to the "Shaft" franchise with plans of developing a new film. It's not clear if it will be a reboot or a loose continuation. The original film is based on the 1970 novel by Ernest Tidyman. It was released in 1971 with Gordon Parks directing and Richard Roundtree playing the lead role, Detective John Shaft. The film spawned two sequels, "Shaft's Big Score" in 1972 and "Shaft in Africa" in 1973. Roundtree also played Shaft in a short-lived CBS TV series. Then in 2000, the actor returned for a cameo in the "Shaft" reboot, which was directed by John Singleton and starred Samuel L. Jackson as Shaft's nephew. The film cost $46 million to make and grossed $107 million worldwide. A new actor is expected to star as Shaft in the new version.
- 2/20/2015
- WorstPreviews.com
Tony Sokol Feb 7, 2019
There's a new Shaft movie on the way, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Richard Roundtree, and the first trailer is here!
Who's the black private dick that's a sex machine to all the chicks? Shaft! Damn right and New Line is bringing the man that would risk his neck for his brother man back to the big screen. Shaft is gonna be made again. Can ya dig it? Richard Roundtree is returning to the title that made him a screen icon, but not as the lead. The upcoming reboot of Shaft will star Samuel L. Jackson, Jesse T. Usher, and Alexandra Shipp.
Tim Story, who directed Barbershop, Fantastic Four, Fantastic Four 2: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Ride Along and Kevin Hart: What Now?, will helm New Line’s Shaft reboot. The screenplay for the new Shaft is written by Kenya Barris (creator of Black-ish) and...
There's a new Shaft movie on the way, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Richard Roundtree, and the first trailer is here!
Who's the black private dick that's a sex machine to all the chicks? Shaft! Damn right and New Line is bringing the man that would risk his neck for his brother man back to the big screen. Shaft is gonna be made again. Can ya dig it? Richard Roundtree is returning to the title that made him a screen icon, but not as the lead. The upcoming reboot of Shaft will star Samuel L. Jackson, Jesse T. Usher, and Alexandra Shipp.
Tim Story, who directed Barbershop, Fantastic Four, Fantastic Four 2: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Ride Along and Kevin Hart: What Now?, will helm New Line’s Shaft reboot. The screenplay for the new Shaft is written by Kenya Barris (creator of Black-ish) and...
- 2/18/2015
- Den of Geek
Every movie has to have its signature song and that certainly goes for the action-oriented males in film that are fortunate to have these finger-snapping tunes represent them on the big screen. The movie theme song indulges the audience and delivers a whole new kind of intrigue and feeling that we invest in the roguish ruffians on the big screen that some men would like to emulate and the ladies would love to cozy up to intimately.
There are music selections that do bring to mind the euphoria of the male action-packed characters we regard highly despite their moral compass. Maybe one can get excitable when hearing Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” tune for the Marvel Comics superhero of the same name? Perhaps any of the musical themes for the countless James Bond films tickle your fancy? (there are two included in this article incidentally). Your preference might be in...
There are music selections that do bring to mind the euphoria of the male action-packed characters we regard highly despite their moral compass. Maybe one can get excitable when hearing Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” tune for the Marvel Comics superhero of the same name? Perhaps any of the musical themes for the countless James Bond films tickle your fancy? (there are two included in this article incidentally). Your preference might be in...
- 6/19/2014
- by Frank Ochieng
- SoundOnSight
How many versions of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde have been released on film? It’s an astounding number at 123 film versions. It may not be quite as many as Dracula or Frankenstein, but it’s in the running if not right on their cape tails. Each age of in horror history attempts to lay its own claim to this tale of chemistry meets the modern scientific man meets the Monster. Who of us can forget Frederic March with his near pompadour hairstyle slightly hunched over with eyebrows all-a-caterpillar? How about Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde; that was Hammer getting cheeky with all of us who had decided that simply redoing Universal horror stories wasn’t good enough in 1971. So what happened between 1886 when Stevenson first unleashed his epic literary tale and the 1970’s when Dr. Jekyll became Dr. Black and...
- 2/17/2012
- by Jimmy Terror
- The Liberal Dead
Okay, yes, "The Expendables," ended up being better as an "idea" than a reality. Sylvester Stallone gathered a bunch of over-the-hill action stars (including his "Rocky IV" opponent, Dolph Lundgren, and his "Get Carter" pal, Mickey Rourke) for a bloody shoot-'em-up designed to show all the young whippersnappers out there that the old men still got it. The resulting film had its moments but was ultimately too confusing, too haphazard and too, well, expendable.
But what are sequels for if not a chance to make things all better (don't answer that)? Stallone has gathered an even more impressive cast for "The Expendables 2" -- Chuck Norris and Jean-Claude Van Damme will be contributing to the mayhem this time around, and Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger, both of whom only had cameo appearances in the original film, will have much larger roles in the new adventure. And, of course, all of the old gang is back,...
But what are sequels for if not a chance to make things all better (don't answer that)? Stallone has gathered an even more impressive cast for "The Expendables 2" -- Chuck Norris and Jean-Claude Van Damme will be contributing to the mayhem this time around, and Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger, both of whom only had cameo appearances in the original film, will have much larger roles in the new adventure. And, of course, all of the old gang is back,...
- 9/15/2011
- by IFC
- ifc.com
Viva Riva, which opens in New York, Los Angeles, and Portland today, "boasts a seductive combination of African mystique and hardboiled noir storytelling that makes for one seriously sexy crime flick," according to Twitch's James Marsh. Set in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the film is the directorial debut of Djo Tunda Wa Munga, and presents a native's view of the country and its culture. That wasn't the case nearly 40 years ago, when Hollywood invaded Ethiopia in the person of an African-American detective, with a British filmmaker at the helm. John Guillermin, born in London and a graduate of Cambridge, directed Shaft in Africa, the second sequel to 1971's Shaft. As second sequels go, Shaft in Africa is an entertaining, under-appreciated flick. More significantly,...
- 6/11/2011
- Screen Anarchy
Actor famous for her roles in blaxploitation films of the 1970s
The actor Vonetta McGee, who has died aged 65 after a cardiac arrest, was a heroine of 1970s blaxploitation movies, but I pursued her because she had also appeared in the greatest of all Italian westerns, Sergio Corbucci's Il Grande Silenzio (The Great Silence). The year was 1983, and I was in the fortunate position of having a feature to direct: Repo Man. The cast was a large one for a low-budget movie. It included all types: method actors from New York, punks from the La hardcore scene, disgruntled Hollywood character actors and refugees from the theatre, but only one star, as I soon discovered.
Not that Vonetta behaved in a "starry" fashion. She was completely approachable and a professional, always one of the team. Nevertheless, of all the actors in my film, Vonetta was the one with the credits.
The actor Vonetta McGee, who has died aged 65 after a cardiac arrest, was a heroine of 1970s blaxploitation movies, but I pursued her because she had also appeared in the greatest of all Italian westerns, Sergio Corbucci's Il Grande Silenzio (The Great Silence). The year was 1983, and I was in the fortunate position of having a feature to direct: Repo Man. The cast was a large one for a low-budget movie. It included all types: method actors from New York, punks from the La hardcore scene, disgruntled Hollywood character actors and refugees from the theatre, but only one star, as I soon discovered.
Not that Vonetta behaved in a "starry" fashion. She was completely approachable and a professional, always one of the team. Nevertheless, of all the actors in my film, Vonetta was the one with the credits.
- 7/20/2010
- by Alex Cox
- The Guardian - Film News
Here.s some sad new for fans of 70.s Blaxpolitation.
From the Los Angeles Times:
” Vonetta McGee, an actress whose big-screen heyday during the blaxploitation era of the 1970s included leading roles in “Blacula” and “Shaft in Africa,” has died. She was 65. McGee died Friday at a hospital in Berkeley after experiencing cardiac arrest and being on life support for two days, said family spokeswoman Kelley Nayo. McGee was described as “one of the busiest and most beautiful black actresses” by Times movie reviewer Kevin Thomas in 1972, the year she appeared opposite Fred Williamson in the black action movie “Hammer,” and had starring roles in the crime-drama “Melinda” and the horror film “Blacula.”She went on to appear with Richard Roundtree in “Shaft in Africa” (1973), and co-starred with Max Julien in “Thomasine & Bushrod” (1974).”
Ms McGee did not like the term .Blaxpolitation. but starred in many of those films including, besides the ones mentioned above,...
From the Los Angeles Times:
” Vonetta McGee, an actress whose big-screen heyday during the blaxploitation era of the 1970s included leading roles in “Blacula” and “Shaft in Africa,” has died. She was 65. McGee died Friday at a hospital in Berkeley after experiencing cardiac arrest and being on life support for two days, said family spokeswoman Kelley Nayo. McGee was described as “one of the busiest and most beautiful black actresses” by Times movie reviewer Kevin Thomas in 1972, the year she appeared opposite Fred Williamson in the black action movie “Hammer,” and had starring roles in the crime-drama “Melinda” and the horror film “Blacula.”She went on to appear with Richard Roundtree in “Shaft in Africa” (1973), and co-starred with Max Julien in “Thomasine & Bushrod” (1974).”
Ms McGee did not like the term .Blaxpolitation. but starred in many of those films including, besides the ones mentioned above,...
- 7/16/2010
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Vonetta McGee, one of the most prominent actresses to gain fame during the period of Blaxploitation films in the 1970s, has died at age 65. She had been battling health problems since she was teenager and had been on life support for the last few days. McGee resented the term Blaxploitation and felt frustrated that she never received studio support to emerge as a bigger star. Still, she worked consistently and in hit films like Blacula, Shaft in Africa, Melinda and Thomasine and Bushrod. She also had a few key roles in The Lost Man opposite Sidney Poitier, and most notably, as the female lead, Jemima Brown, in Clint Eastwood's 1975 spy thriller The Eiger Sanction. In later years, she had a recurring role on TV series L.A. Law. For more click here
Click here to watch the original trailer for...
Click here to watch the original trailer for...
- 7/15/2010
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Shaft In Africa and The Eiger Sanction star Vonetta McGee has died, aged 65.
The actress suffered a cardiac arrest and died in hospital last Friday.
An icon of the blaxploitation films of the 1970s, McGee also had starring roles in Blacula and Hammer.
But it was her role opposite Richard Roundtree in Shaft in Africa in 1973 which really helped make her name.
According to the Los Angeles Times, McGee was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 17, although her death was not related to the disease.
The actress suffered a cardiac arrest and died in hospital last Friday.
An icon of the blaxploitation films of the 1970s, McGee also had starring roles in Blacula and Hammer.
But it was her role opposite Richard Roundtree in Shaft in Africa in 1973 which really helped make her name.
According to the Los Angeles Times, McGee was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 17, although her death was not related to the disease.
- 7/15/2010
- WENN
I’m only just learning that 70s starlet Vonetta McGee has died at 65 years old; she suffered cardiac arrest at a hospital in Berkeley, and was on life support for two days before passing. This happened last week Friday actually, the 9th of July.
During McGee’s prime, she co-starred in a handful of 1970s blaxploitation films, including roles in Blacula, Hammer and Shaft in Africa.
Her career began in the late 60s, when she played parts in films alongside the likes of Jean-Louis Trintignant and Klaus Kinski in the Spaghetti Western The Great Silence (1968), & Sidney Poitier in The Lost Man (1969). She can also be found in John Huston’s 1970 noir thriller The Kremlin Letter.
Post her blaxploitation run, she later appeared with Clint Eastwood in The Eiger Sanction. In the ’80s, she had numerous TV credits, including parts in Cagney & Lacey, Bustin’ Loose, and L.A. Law.
Her resume thinned out in the 1990s,...
During McGee’s prime, she co-starred in a handful of 1970s blaxploitation films, including roles in Blacula, Hammer and Shaft in Africa.
Her career began in the late 60s, when she played parts in films alongside the likes of Jean-Louis Trintignant and Klaus Kinski in the Spaghetti Western The Great Silence (1968), & Sidney Poitier in The Lost Man (1969). She can also be found in John Huston’s 1970 noir thriller The Kremlin Letter.
Post her blaxploitation run, she later appeared with Clint Eastwood in The Eiger Sanction. In the ’80s, she had numerous TV credits, including parts in Cagney & Lacey, Bustin’ Loose, and L.A. Law.
Her resume thinned out in the 1990s,...
- 7/15/2010
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
She appeared alongside Clint Eastwood in 'The Eiger Sanction' and in many blaxploitation films.
By Kara Warner
Vonetta McGee
Photo: Los Angeles Times
Actress Vonetta McGee, best known for her leading roles in the blaxploitation films "Blacula," "Hammer" and "Shaft in Africa," has died at age 65. The Los Angeles Times reports that McGee died Friday (July 9) after being admitted to a Berkeley, California, hospital for cardiac arrest, for which she was put on life support for two days.
Born Lawrence Vonetta McGee in San Francisco on January 14, 1945, she caught the acting bug while attending college and landed her first film role in the 1968 spaghetti western "The Great Silence." Times movie reviewer Kevin Thomas called McGee "one of the busiest and most beautiful black actresses" in 1972, the year "Hammer" and "Blacula" were released. She later appeared alongside Clint Eastwood in the action-thriller "The Eiger Sanction." Other film credits include "The Lost Man,...
By Kara Warner
Vonetta McGee
Photo: Los Angeles Times
Actress Vonetta McGee, best known for her leading roles in the blaxploitation films "Blacula," "Hammer" and "Shaft in Africa," has died at age 65. The Los Angeles Times reports that McGee died Friday (July 9) after being admitted to a Berkeley, California, hospital for cardiac arrest, for which she was put on life support for two days.
Born Lawrence Vonetta McGee in San Francisco on January 14, 1945, she caught the acting bug while attending college and landed her first film role in the 1968 spaghetti western "The Great Silence." Times movie reviewer Kevin Thomas called McGee "one of the busiest and most beautiful black actresses" in 1972, the year "Hammer" and "Blacula" were released. She later appeared alongside Clint Eastwood in the action-thriller "The Eiger Sanction." Other film credits include "The Lost Man,...
- 7/15/2010
- MTV Music News
I likely wouldn’t have posted the below trailer, but in watching it, it got me thinking – not about the obvious, hackneyed fish-out-water, white-person-in-Africa (broadly speaking) storyline, as you might think. But rather, I realized that I couldn’t come up with many titles of fictional narrative feature films that centered on stories about African Americans going to Africa for whatever reason the story itself suggests, or who are already living there.
We’ve obviously had quite a number of films about white Americans or White Europeans either already living in Africa, or visiting some African country, in search of something or someone – whether it’s salvation, redemption, inspiration, vacation, themselves, their spouses, children, friends, their dogs, cats, apes, whatever; and it’s rare that they’re villains, nor in positions of inferiority. Also, those that are historically based usually involve white settlers, or remnants of colonialism, who come to...
We’ve obviously had quite a number of films about white Americans or White Europeans either already living in Africa, or visiting some African country, in search of something or someone – whether it’s salvation, redemption, inspiration, vacation, themselves, their spouses, children, friends, their dogs, cats, apes, whatever; and it’s rare that they’re villains, nor in positions of inferiority. Also, those that are historically based usually involve white settlers, or remnants of colonialism, who come to...
- 6/30/2010
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
British West Indian actor Cy Grant was one of the first black performers to appear regularly on British television, starring in the BBC’s satirical current events program Tonight in 1957. He gave a calypso rendition of the news events of the day before leaving the popular program after three years. He was later featured as the voice of Lieutenant Green, the black defender of Earth, in Gerry Anderson’s ITV marionette series Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons from 1967 to 1968.
Grant was born in Beterverwagting, Demerara, British Guiana (now Guyana), on November 8, 1919. He one of the first West Indian recruits to serve with the Royal Air Force during World War II. He was serving as a navigator on a bombing mission when his aircraft was shot down over Holland in June of 1943. He spent the remainder of the war as a German Pow until being liberated by Russian troops in 1945.
Grant...
Grant was born in Beterverwagting, Demerara, British Guiana (now Guyana), on November 8, 1919. He one of the first West Indian recruits to serve with the Royal Air Force during World War II. He was serving as a navigator on a bombing mission when his aircraft was shot down over Holland in June of 1943. He spent the remainder of the war as a German Pow until being liberated by Russian troops in 1945.
Grant...
- 3/24/2010
- by Jesse
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
Original Shaft star Richard Roundtree would turn down the role if he were offered it again - because the character is too violent for his young children. The actor says having kids has changed his outlook on life and caused him to regret some of his earlier on-screen actions. He explains, "I have a big issue with violence given the fact that I have such young kids. That kind of changes a lot of your views of what's going on, on the big screen. I have quite a few kids from nineteen months old to 35 years old." He adds, "When my thirty-five-year-old was in high school, she came home one day and said, 'I was talking to some girls today and they said they saw my Dad naked. They saw Shaft in Africa (1973) and you're naked in it.' And that gave me pause. I wasn't thinking along those lines back then when I was doing all that stuff. You gotta be very careful."...
- 6/23/2000
- WENN
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.