Samuel L. Jackson's Heartfelt Tribute To 'Shaft' Costar Richard Roundtree

Richard Roundtree, the groundbreaking film star best known for his starring role in the "Shaft" franchise, has died at the age of 81. Now, Access Hollywood is paying tribute to the star by looking back at the role that made him a legend. In a 2008 interview, Richard told Access his "whole world" changed after the ground making movie debuted and so did Hollywood's. The film gave a voice of power to people of color at the time, but there was a downside for Richard. "It was difficult for Hollywood to picture me in any other type of role," he said at the time. "The upside, I've always played authority figures. That's what 'Shaft' was." His "Shaft" co-star Samuel L. Jackson is also paying tribute to Roundtree. The Marvel star shared a heartfelt message on Instagram writing, "his passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I'm sure a lotta y'alls, too."

[@JM-qg9bo]

Much love and respect

[@luismrtz5203]

Rip boss ✌️🌹🫶🏼🙏🏼

[@cynthiahenry5585]

🙏🏽

[@jeffreyprather5834]

SIMPLY AWESOME THANKS

[@RyanzRyanz313]

❤