Richard Roundtree Second Wife: Who Is The Woman Who Stole His Heart?

Karen M. Ciernia was Richard Roundtree second wife. They met in the late 1970s when he was already a famous star and fell in love. 

They married in September 1980 when he was 38, and she was 25.

Karen M. Ciernia supported her husband as he worked in movies and TV, and they moved to Los Angeles for his career.

Together, they raised a family of three children: Morgan, Kelli, and James, enjoying the comforts of a grand Beverly Hills mansion and a lavish lifestyle.

Richard Roundtree’s unfortunate passing at age 81 leaves behind a significant legacy in the film industry, with his iconic role in ‘Shaft’ being a defining highlight.

Throughout his life, he entered into matrimony twice, with Mary Jane and Karen. His five children were integral to his personal life, shaping a meaningful part of his journey.

Did Richard Roundtree pass away today?

The renowned actor Richard Roundtree, celebrated for his iconic performance in the 1971 film “Shaft,” passed away at 81 in his Los Angeles home.

His role as John Shaft broke new ground, establishing him as one of cinema’s pioneering Black action heroes.

In the film “Shaft,” his portrayal marked a pivotal moment in depicting African-American masculinity in cinema, launching his stardom at 29.

Sadly, pancreatic cancer cut short Richard Roundtree’s life.

Patrick McMinn’s manager revealed that the diagnosis came just two months before his passing.

Richard Roundtree’s loss is significant for the film industry and his fans worldwide. 

His performance in “Shaft” has left a lasting impact on cinema, and his contributions to the industry will continue to be remembered.

Who is Richard Roundtree second wife, Karen M. Ciernia?

Karen M. Ciernia was born in 1955; she met Richard in the late 70s when he was formerly a star.

Together, they had three children: Morgan was born in 1981,  Kelli was born in 1983, and James was born in 1986.

Residing in a luxurious Beverly Hills mansion, they led lives filled with glamour. 

He attended extravagant events, enjoyed vacations, and mingled with notable celebrities, including Eddie Murphy and Halle Berry.

Their marital journey wasn’t without its challenges. Richard candidly shared in his autobiography that in 1993.

He faced diagnosis of bone cancer and underwent a double mastectomy.

He admitted feeling “shocked” and “embarrassed,” keeping his condition a secret from everyone except his woman and croaker.

The couple divorced in 1998 but remained friends and co-parents.

Richard later dated actress Cathy Lee Crosby and married Jessica Merritt in 2010. 

Following her divorce, Karen chose not to remarry.

Her primary focus was on raising her children and nurturing her passions. 

In time, she emerged as a thriving businesswoman and a dedicated philanthropist. 

When Richard passed away in 2023 due to pancreatic cancer, Karen was by his side, providing support.

How many times was Richard Roundtree married?

Richard Roundtree got married two times in his life. First, he married a lady named Mary Jane Grant in 1963. 

They became parents to two kids, Kelli and Nicole. Unfortunately, they got divorced in 1973.

Afterwards, he married another woman, Karen M. Ciernia, in 1980. 

With Karen, he had three children: Morgan, Kelli (a different Kelli than his first child), and James.

So, in his lifetime, Richard Roundtree had two marriages and five children from both marriages.

His life journey included different chapters of love, family, and change.

Who is Richard Roundtree first wife?

Richard Roundtree was married twice. His first wife was Mary Jane Grant.

They got married on November 27, 1963. The couple had two children together during their marriage.

Mary Jane and Richard were together for a decade. They divorced in December 1973.

Despite the end of their marriage, they remained connected through their shared children.

After his divorce from Mary Jane, Richard married Karen M. Ciernia in 1980. They were married 18 times and had three children together.

Richard Roundtree children 

Richard Roundtree had five children who were veritably important to him. He had two daughters, Kelli and Nicole, with his first woman, Mary Jane Grant.

They spent a lot of time with their dad in their early years. Kelli later became a jewelry designer and opened her store called CottingTree Beads.

Richard Roundtree’s second wife was Karen Michelle Ciernia. 

They had three children together: Taylor, Morgan, and John James. Taylor is good at horseback riding and became a jumping instructor. 

Morgan got a degree in business media and communication. John James liked sports and coached soccer.

Sadly, Richard Roundtree passed away in 2023 when he was 81. His children were significant to him, and he will never forget him.

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