Richard Roundtree, star of ‘Shaft’ and ‘Roots’, has died at the age of 81. His death was caused by prostate cancer.
Roundtree previously battled breast cancer and was outspoken about his experience.
“I’m not embarrassed,” he said, in an interview with People. “Breast cancer is unusual in men, yes, but you have to be a man to get through this — damn right.”
He also discussed what it was like to work during his illness.
“It was hard having to lie to keep working. Every film you do, there’s a physical. Have you had an operation in the last six months? No, no, no, no. When I had a physical, I’d always keep my undershirt on. I felt bad. But I couldn’t be unemployed.”
“After my last checkup, the doctors said, ‘You don’t have to come back in the foreseeable future.’ That felt wonderful. Wonderful. After those years with the cancer hanging over me.”
Sources:
‘Shaft’ star Richard Roundtree dies at 81 following brief cancer battle (msn.com)
How Richard Roundtree Spoke Up About his Breast Cancer (Exclusive) (people.com)
