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Richard Roundtree - A true survivor
Richard Roundtree | Working Actor
Although with consistency being the benchmark for stardom in Hollywood, Richard Roundtree has proven to be a star in every sense of the word. As a leading actor over the last twenty five years, he has established himself as a constant force with his stellar work in both feature films and television. And yet this "Working Actor" still fits the bill as his roles have varied and his appetite for continued acting assignments has never waivered!
Discovering that he enjoyed the spotlight while on a football scholarship at Southern Illinois University, Richard signed with Johnson Publications to model in their annual Ebony Fashion Fair, touring 79 cities in 90 days- Roundtree then returned to New York his home state, began acting lessons and later became a member of New York's acclaimed Negro Ensemble Company. A succession of Off Broadway roles culminated in his starring role as Jack Johnson in "The Great White Hope".
Richard initially received international. fame starring as John Shaft: private detective and supercop hero in a trio of movies: “Shaft”, “Shaft in Africa”, and "Shaft's Big Score". He also starred in the 90 minute television series, "Shaft".
But Roundtree was just beginning to stretch his talents. He quickly moved on. to star in a number of films with some of Hollywood's most legendary actors. "City Heat” with Clint Eastwood, "Diamonds", with Robert Shaw, "Man Friday" with Peter O'Toole, "Game for Vultures" with Richard Harris, and "Inchon" with Laurence Olivier, naming just a few.
Richard's recent work has been just as impressive, having added the smash hit thriller "Seven" with Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, and the critically acclaimed "Once Upon A Time...When We Were Colored" . Other recent features include “Steel” with basketball superstar Shaquile O’Neal and the highly successful "George of the Jungle" for Disney Pictures.
He was recently given an honor by being nominated by the NAACP for an IMAGE AWARD as Best Actor in a Drama Series for his work as Mr. Thomas on the highly acclaimed FOX series, 413 Hope Street.
Richard was seen earlier this year on CBS portraying Booker T. Washington in the top rated movie for television, "Having Our Say". Other television highlights have been the movies for television, "Christmas in Connecticut", directed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, the recent "Bonanza" MOW's for NBC, and playing Charles Dutton's gay Uncle on several episodes of "Roc". He has also starred as a regular on the series, "Outlaws" for CBS, "Buddies" for ABC, and "Rescue 77" for the WB network.
Richard devotes his time to projects concerning children and is an excellent photographer and an avid golfer. A recent grandfather, Richard makes his home in Agoura Hills, California, with his wife Karen, daughters Tayler-Marie, Morgan and his new son John James.
Acting is a circle and you get what you put out. It requires a high degree of professionalism to keep the circle going. Being late; being unprepared; or not knowing your lines, breaks the circle.
The stage prepares you for that degree of professionalism. People who have had a background in the theater automatically develop a work ethic that gives them that level of professionalism".
Lesson learned:
Richard shared this anicdote which were added to our list of "Famous Quotes".
While working in Lebanon on "Embassy" with Chuck Conners, Max von Sydow, and Broderick Crawford. Richard recalls being frustrated with the antics of an unprepared young actor. Seeing his frustration, Crawford took Roundtree aside and interjected,:
Whatever you do in this business; It's much easier than lifting heavy things!"
Agent
http://www.smsagency.com
+1 323 655 1313 phone
+1 323 389 1577 fax
info@smsagency.com
Management
McMinn Management 310-235-1464 / 805-379-8955
Charles Floyd
Paul Patterson, Sr.
Reverend Alonzo Sparks
Henshaw
Judge Samuel Letts
Wallace Boden, Sr.
Theodore Wolf
J.T.
Grady
Ben Barry
Guess
Lou Bailey / Mr. Bailey
Michael Draden
Claude
Coleman Bradshaw
J.T.
Stan
Ben Burns
Charles Deveaux
Det. Miles Porter
Gary Markash
Rick Apping
El Doctor
Burt Campana - Oakley Drive-In Owner (voice)
Lee Marvin - Cleetus Woods
Colonel Watts
Mr. Shaw
Assistant V.P. Trueman
Tahsi
Felicia's Dad
Boom-Boom
Jack Blackburn
Nate Khane
Howard Shuster
M.O.
Hardy Lester
Lyle Barton
Uncle John Shaft
Captain Durfee
Booker T. Washington
Akuji (voice)
'Barracuda' Jim Barnes
Phil Thomas
Uncle Joe
Kwame
Gil Oberman
Slick
Rev. Gordon Sims / Dr. Mumford
Henry Carlisle
Commissioner Lynch
Cleve
Talbot
Harold
Jacob
Dunc
Chester Cooper
Russell Emerson
Rod
Frank Webb
Gray
Jacob Briscoe
Pauli
Agent Peterson
Les
Harry Reams
Prescott
Samuel Stark
Captain Ralph Phipps
Robinson Ashe Jr.
July
Cleon Manning
Lloyd
Sgt. Burke
Clinton Reese
Lt. Johnson
Captain Crane
Dr. Daniel Reubens (1989-1991)
Dundee
Gamble
Maj. Kevin Cooper
Lt. Doniger
Captain Barnes
Sergeant Matt Gideon
Commissioner Pike
Isaiah 'Ice' McAdams
Chip Williams
Stafford
Cmdr. Frederick Bryce
Serpenius
Dehl Swift
Frosty
Agent Bill Bryant
Matt
Gordon
Sergeant John Austin
Ralph
Powell
Capt. Stevens
Sgt. Augustus Henderson
Dr. Carlson
Dave Wilbur
Fessler
Gideon Marunga
Coco Morrell
Nat Judson
Sam Bennett
Archie
Friday
Miles
John Shaft
John Shaft
The Black Man
Shelly Forsythe
John Shaft
Richard 'Dick' Shannon
John Shaft
Oliver Travers (2002-2003)
* Quantrel_D. Colbert
** NBC Universal
*** © 2012 Todd Williamson
