Richard Roundtree
Richard Roundtree was initially set on a path to become a football player, having received a college scholarship. However, he eventually dropped out of school to pursue a career in acting and modeling. Credited as the first black action hero, he achieved iconic status through his portrayal of John Shaft in the 1971 movie Shaft.
Despite undergoing two chemotherapy treatments for cancer in the ’90s, Richard Roundtree continues to pursue his career as an actor today actively. His recent endeavors include TV shows such as Cherish the Day and Family Reunion, with several projects currently progressing through various stages of production.