The American stage and screen actor considered to be “the first black action hero” has died.

According to his agent, Richard Roundtree passed away Tuesday after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 81.

Roundtree’s starring role in the 1971 Blaxploitation epic, Shaft, pushed him into the limelight and made him a cultural icon.

In his 50-year career, Roundtree had over 150 screen credits, including TV roles in Roots, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Desperate Housewives.