RICHARD ROUNDTREE Four of its sequels, Shaft's Big Score! (1972), Shaft in Africa (1973),[1][2] its 2000 sequel[3][4] and its 2019 sequel,[2] as well as the eponymous television series (1973–1974).[3] He was also known for featuring in several TV series, including Roots, Generations, and Desperate Housewives. Considered as "the first Black action hero",[3][5] Roundtree was credited with having an impact on the rise of African American leading actors in Hollywood projects, thanks to his successfu