SHORT TAKES : Roundtree Joins ‘Generations’

Richard Roundtree, best known for the “Shaft” movies, will join the cast of NBC’s daytime drama, “Generations,” as a doctor. The announcement was made today by Brandon Tartikoff, president of NBC Entertainment, at the network’s semi-annual press gathering in Los Angeles.

Roundtree will star as Daniel Reubens, a doctor forced to live in hiding for the past 15 years after being blamed for a murder he did not commit. He will make his first on-air appearance Jan. 22.

Roundtree starred as John Shaft in a trio of movies about the private eye: “Shaft,” “Shaft’s Big Score” and “Shaft In Africa.” He also starred in a 90-minute television version, “Shaft.”

Tartikoff said the addition of Roundtree is “further indication of our commitment to and confidence” in “Generations,” which debuted last year.