Yaphet Kotto

Date of Birth: November 15, 1939

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: March 15, 2021

Biography

Yaphet Frederick Kotto was an American actor, known for his versatility and powerful screen presence. Born on November 15, 1939, in New York City, Kotto’s career spanned over five decades, during which he appeared in a wide array of films and television shows. He gained significant fame for his role as Parker in the sci-fi classic “Alien” (1979) and as the villain Dr. Kananga/Mr. Big in the James Bond film “Live and Let Die” (1973). Kotto also starred in the long-running TV series “Homicide: Life on the Street” as Lieutenant Al Giardello. Kotto was born to Gladys Marie, a nurse and U.S. Army officer, and Avraham Kotto, a businessman from Cameroon who immigrated to the United States. His heritage was a blend of African, Jewish, and Panamanian roots, which deeply influenced his worldview and acting style. Kotto began studying acting at the age of 16 at the Actors Mobile Theater Studio and made his professional theater debut in “Othello” a year later. Throughout his career, Kotto was known for breaking racial barriers in Hollywood, often being one of the first African American actors to play roles that were not specifically written for Black actors. His dedication to his craft earned him a reputation as a trailblazer and a role model for future generations of actors. Kotto passed away on March 15, 2021, but his legacy in film and television continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Yaphet Kotto

1. Yaphet Kotto was one of the first African American actors to be cast as a James Bond villain in “Live and Let Die” (1973).

2. He turned down the role of Lando Calrissian in “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” (1980).

3. Kotto was also a playwright and authored several screenplays and books.

4. He was a devout Jew and often spoke about his Jewish heritage in interviews.

5. Kotto appeared in over 50 films and television shows throughout his career.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Yaphet Kotto

1. “I want to be remembered as a real man who stood for real life.”

2. “I was always a rebel. I still am. I challenged anyone who wanted to challenge me.”

3. “Acting is an art form, and you have to approach it with passion and dedication.”

4. “I’ve always been proud of my heritage and have always used it to influence my work.”

5. “In this business, you have to be strong and resilient. It’s not for the faint-hearted.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Yaphet Kotto was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Yaphet Kotto had six children from his three marriages. His children are Fred Kotto, Robert Kotto, Sarada Kotto, and three others whose names are not publicly disclosed.