Angela Smith Jones

Many years ago I was waiting in an audition room to go in an read for a role (in a movie I can’t remember) for a young director seemingly recently out of film school. As I waited, actor after actor walked in to audition, my turn was next and at that moment in walked a towering powerful elderly man. A man of regal grace, intelligence and class that I immediately recognized. As I looked at him sit down with his audition sides in hand, I sat back in my seat dumbfounded and angry. I said to myself, “Are these producers and that young director actually making the great Richard Roundtree audition for this rinky dink film?” I felt super protective of him for some reason. Lol. In my mind, there was no doubt they should’ve offered him the role out of respect. It was that moment I realized that the world rarely grants us the respect we are due. So after I read and before I left I made it a point to laud him with compliments and respect. From that moment on, everytime he would see me he would say with his deep voice and a smile, “Hill, how you doing Young Brother?” He reminded me of my father and other men from his generation. So strong. So cool. So loving without ever “showing” it. His immense talent and commanding presence graced our screens, embodying both strength and gentleness. Beyond his legendary roles, he was a man of deep kindness and soulful wisdom. Let us celebrate his enduring legacy and the indelible mark he leaves behind. Farewell good sir. With all respect, love and reverence. You, Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Ossie Davis and others are leaving us too soon and leaving a definite void. You represent the best of us. We love you. Rest in power, Richard. 🕊️🕊️🕊️ #KingRichard #RichardRoundtreeLegacy – at Romulus, MI