Legendary blaxploitation star Richard Roundtree died Tuesday of cancer, his family told entertainment-news outlets.

He was 81.

Mr. Roundtree died surrounded by family Tuesday afternoon from pancreatic cancer, Deadline reported.

“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,” his agency, Artists & Representatives, said in a statement to Deadline.

Mr. Roundtree shot to fame in the early 1970s as the star of one of the most important Black films in cinema history, the original “Shaft.”

• Victor Morton can be reached at vmorton@washingtontimes.com.