Tuesday, March 19, 2024

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RIP Yaphet Kotto: ‘Alien’ Star Dies At Age 81

Yaphet Kotto in 'Alien'
Source: 20th Century Studios

We are sad to report that American actor Yaphet Kotto has passed away. Kotto, who died at the age of 81, was best known for playing the first major Black James Bond villain, as well as for starring in one of the most iconic sci-fi horror films of all time, Ridley Scott‘s  Alien (1979). The cause of death has not been made publicly available, but it is believed he died of natural causes.

The news of Kotto’s death was first broken by the actor’s wife, Tessie Sinahon, who announced his passing in a public Facebook post: Sinahon said:

I’m saddeneed and still in shocked of the passing of my husband Yaphet of 24 years. He died last night around 10:30PM Phillipine time. You played a villain on some of your movies but for me you’re a real hero and to a lot of people also. A good man, a good father, a good husband and a decent human being. One of the best actors in Hollywood. A Legend. Rest in Peace Honey, I’m gonna miss you everyday, my bestfriend, my rock. I love you and you will always be in my heart. Till we meet again!

Kotto’s agent later confirmed his passing to Variety.

Yaphet Kotto was born in New York in 1939 and began his acting career in 1964 with film roles in projects like Nothing But A Man (1964), The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), and Night Chase (1970) as well as appearances on television series including Death Valley Days (1967), Tarzan (1967), Bonanza (1968), and Hawaii  Five-O (1969). He would catch his big break with a starring role in Roger Moore’s first James Bond film Live And Let Die (1973) where he played the first Black James Bond villain, the corrupt dictator Kanaga and his alter ego, Mr. Big.

Yaphet Kotto in 'Live And Let Die'
Source: MGM

Kotto would go on to have an extensive acting career including major roles in high-profile projects including technician Dennis Parker in Alien (1979), William Laughlin in The Running Man (1987) alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. His longest-running role was that of Al Giardello on Homicide Life on The Streets (1993 to 1999). The series ultimately spawned the entire Law & Order franchise that still airs today. Yaphet Kotto would go on to appear as Al Giardello in Homicide: The Movie (2000) and in guest appearances on various Law & Order series over the years.

His final role was ultimately a return to one of his most iconic former roles; Dennis Parker from Alien (1979). Kotto reprised the character in the 2014 video game Alien: Isolation which saw the entire original Alien (1979) cast return to voice their characters.

Yaphet Kotto on 'Homicide: Life On The Streets'
Source: Universal

Yaphet Koto is survived by his wife Tessie Sinahon and his six children. While he hasn’t been particularly active in the entertainment industry as of late, he will be missed. We offer our deepest condolences to the actor’s family and friends in this difficult time.

RIP Yaphet Kotto 
1939-2021

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