Remembering Richard Roundtree

Somewhere, maybe within an old couch I dare not throw out for fear of losing it, there is a picture of greats Teresa Wright, Gordon Parks and the good/tries hard to be factually accurate me, all of us meeting for the first and likely only time.

Parks was behind the “Shaft” movies (Wright as cited here before, was a great star) and the man who starred, made it go and epitomized “cool,” in those movies and elsewhere (Roots where he and Leslie Uggams shine) the great and also classy, Richard Roundtree died days back at age 81.

Mr. Roundtree grew up in New Rochelle and starred on one of the many legendary “New Ro” football teams (by the way, of course New Rochelle’s Ray Rice’s actions were wrong, but he is a good man who helps the unfortunate and he was “hatchet jobbed” by people such as Lupica, who ought to look up “courtesy.”)

The one time I met him I cited it and New Rochelle days. I walked away and then was informed that New Rochelle did not kindle good memories for “Richie,” as his brother had died there.

Yet Roundtree answered and talked to me with class.

Yes, Richard Roundtree was/is a truly, classy,fine actor, (I will watch my mouth!!) HUMAN BEING!

Richard Roundtree, “John Shaft” and so much more, pictured above.