Yaphet Kotto

  • Chinese Name:亚非特·科托
  • Gender:Male
  • Height:6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
  • Date of Birth:November 15, 1939
  • Place of Birth:New York City, New York, USA
  • Profession:Actor
  • Introduce:Yaphet Kotto was an American actor celebrated for his commanding presence, deep voice, and nuanced performances across film and television. Born to a Cameroonian father and an American mother of Panamanian and Jewish descent, Kotto brought a distinctive multicultural perspective to his work. He achieved early success on stage before breaking into Hollywood, where he became known for memorable roles such as the villain Dr. Kananga/Mr. Big in the James Bond film Live and Let Die (1973) and Chief Engineer Parker in Ridley Scott’s sci‑fi classic Alien (1979). On television, he delivered a long‑running performance as Lieutenant Al Giardello in NBC’s Homicide: Life on the Street (1993–1999), earning praise for his gravitas and authenticity. Kotto appeared in diverse projects ranging from action dramas like Midnight Run to politically charged narratives such as The Running Man. His career, spanning over four decades, cemented him as one of Hollywood’s most respected character actors until his passing in 2021.