Friends and family members gathered at St. Catherine AME Zion Church on Saturday for a memorial that honored the life and legacy of Richard Roundtree.

The late actor was born in New Rochelle and died in October at the age of 81.

He graduated from New Rochelle High School and is considered as the first Black action hero.

Roundtree is best known for his role as private detective "John Shaft" from the Shaft movies in the 1970s.

News 12’s Jade Nash spoke with loved ones outside the church about the beloved actor.