Richard Roundtree, the stage and screen actor best known for his performance as a tough-talking private eye in 1971's "Shaft," has died, according to multiple reports.

He was 81.

The news was confirmed by Roundtree's manager Patrick McMinn in a statement to Variety.

"Richard's work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film," McMinn said. "The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated."

CNN has reached out to representatives for the actor for comment.

Roundtree has the distinction of being among a handful of actors who enjoyed top billing with his first-ever screen credit. Until then a theater actor, his starring role in the 1971 Blaxploitation epic "Shaft" propelled him into the cultural limelight, launching a franchise that would see sequels, a TV series and a 2019 reboot starring Samuel L. Jackson.

The actor would go on to enjoy a career spanning 50 years with over 150 screen credits. Notable television credits include "Roots," "L.A. Law," and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Roundtree also costarred in films such as "Se7en," "Speed Racer" and "Brick."

This story is developing and will be updated.