Yaphet Kotto, the actor known for his role in “Alien” and as the villain of James Bond Mr. Big in “Live and Let Die,” he died at age 81, his wife announced on Facebook. “She died last night around 10:30 p.m., Philippine time. For me it’s a very painful time to inform all of my husband’s fans, friends and family,” Tessie Sinahon wrote.
It is unclear what caused Kotto’s death.
He was born in New York City in 1939 and, at the age of 16, studied at Actors Mobile Theater Studio. He made his stage debut at the age of 19 in “Otelo”.
Kotto’s first major role came in 1972 as Lieutenant Pope on “Across 110th Street.” A year later, Kotto became the first villain of Black Bond.
“You’ve played a villain in some of your movies, but for me you’re a real hero and for a lot of people too. A good man, a good father, a good husband and a decent human being, very rare of to find”. Sinahon said.
Kotto’s work as Smokey James in “Blue Collar” in 1978 and coach Dennis Parker in “Alien” in 1979 earned him much fame, as well as his long career as Lieutenant Al Giardello on the television series. ” Homicide: Life on the Street “from 1993 to 2000 He was nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series in 1996 and each year thereafter until 1999.
Kotto made his last film appearance in 2008 as Ricardo Bodi in “Witless Protection.” Sinahon and six sons survive him.