Richard Roundtree

Richard Roundtree Profile Photo

Characters played by Richard Roundtree

John Shaft, Sr. — Shaft (2019)

John Shaft's father and JJ's grandfather. A seasoned, weapons-savvy elder statesman of the family business.

Powell — Q (1982)

Powell is a detective investigating the bloody rooftop attacks and bizarre ritual murders alongside Shepard. The investigation brings him into the case of the creature in the Chrysler Building. Later, the creature kills Powell before returning to the tower for the final showdown.

Kwame — George of the Jungle (1997)

Local guide who leads Ursula through the jungle.

John Shaft (archive footage) (uncredited) — Undercover Brother (2002)

A brief appearance in archival footage, rather than an active participant in the film's present-day events.

"Uncle" John Shaft — Shaft (2000)

Shaft's legendary uncle from the 1971 original, offers wisdom

Commissioner Lynch — Theodore Rex (1995)

The police commissioner who orders Detective Coltrane to partner with Teddy Rex for the investigation, acting on the instructions of Summers.

John Shaft — Shaft (1971)

Hardboiled private investigator navigating Harlem crime and corruption.

Uncle Joe — Steel (1997)

An ally who assists Irons and Sparky in crafting the high-tech armor and weaponry needed for the Steel persona, playing a crucial role in the lab operations and final escape.

Ben — Thelma (2024)

Ben is Thelma’s widowed old friend who lives in assisted living. He lends her his two-person scooter, accompanies her into danger, and ultimately returns to help after their argument and his abandonment of the trip. He and Thelma reconcile, and she gains a renewed respect for him.

Capt. Stevens — An Eye for an Eye (1981)

Capt. Stevens is Sean Kane's superior and the officer overseeing the larger aspects of the investigation. He disciplines Kane after the public killing of an assailant, but secretly knows about the corruption involving Morgan Canfield and Tom McCoy. Once the drug shipment and recording provide evidence, Stevens moves to arrest Canfield and reconciles with Kane.

Miles Quade — Earthquake (1974)

Motorcycle daredevil running a stunt track with his manager Sal. His sister Rosa fears for his safety and refuses to promote his stunts. During the earthquake, Miles arrives in a truck to rescue Denise and Corry from the river. He uses his motorcycle to search for Rosa after parting ways with Slade and Graff.

Dehl Swift — City Heat (1984)

Mike Murphy's partner who secretly colludes with rival mob bosses Leon Coll and Primo Pitt. He is in possession of the stolen financial records but is murdered by Pitt's thugs in a struggle at his apartment. His death directly triggers the main revenge plot.

Career Overview

Richard Roundtree has 124 screen credits in a career dating back to 1961. Their work spans 14 cinematic universes — most prominently Shaft Collection with 4 titles. Signature works include Man Friday, Shaft, Shaft. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
male
Known Credits
124
Birth Date
1942-07-09
Birth Place
New Rochelle, New York, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 14 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q446493), public domain (CC0).