What's After the Movie
Yaphet Kotto
Yaphet Frederick Kotto (November 15, 1939 – March 15, 2021) was a renowned American actor for film and television. Born in New York City, Kotto launched his professional acting career at 19 with a performance in Othello. He began his journey on Broadway, featuring in significant productions such as The Great White Hope. His film debut was in the 1963 film 4 for Texas. His career took off with stunning performances in films like the science-fiction horror film Alien (1979), the neo-noir action thriller Across 110th Street (1972), the science-fiction action film The Running Man (1987), and the James Bond film Live and Let Die (1973). He even released a single in 1967. His television career was highlighted with the long-running television series Homicide: Life on the Street (1993–1999)
Kotto's versatility was evident from his wide array of roles, from an auto worker in the 1978 film Blue Collar to a prison delegate in 1980s Brubaker. He also guest-starred in The A-Team episode 'The Out-of-Towners'. Among his credits, Kotto was also known for lending his voice to the video game Alien: Isolation in 2014, reprising his role from the original Alien movie. His personal life was as diverse as his career. A man of Hebrew faith, he had been married three times and was a father of six. Before passing away at 81 in Manila, Philippines, he retired from film acting in the mid-1990s, save for a final film role in Witless Protection (2008).
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Yaphet Kotto, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Yaphet Kotto rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Frederick Samuel Kotto
Born: New York City, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Birthday: November 15, 1939
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1963-2014
Children: 6
Spouses: Rita Ingried Dittman, Toni Pettyjohn, Tessie Sinahon
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Yaphet Kotto
Blue Collar
The Thomas Crown Affair
Live and Let Die
Brubaker
Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare
The Star Chamber
Two If by Sea
Alien
Nothing But a Man (1964)
Homicide: The Movie
Stiletto Dance
BaadAsssss Cinema
Best Ever Bond
The Beast Within: Making Alien
After the Shock
Hangfire
A House Divided: Denmark Vessey’s Rebellion
Fighting Back
Badge of the Assassin
Warning Sign
The Park Is Mine
Playing with Fire
Harem
Pretty Kill
Terminal Entry
A Whisper to a Scream
Prime Target
Ministry of Vengeance
Eye of the Tiger
The Jigsaw Murders
Desperado
Perry Mason: The Case of the Scandalous Scoundrel
Tripwire
Eye of the Tiger
Drum
Bond 1973: The Lost Documentary
Man and Boy
Report to the Commissioner
The World of James Bond
Raid on Entebbe
Intent to Kill
The Monkey Hustle
Truck Turner
Nothing But a Man
Inside ‘Live and Let Die’
Sharks’ Treasure
Out-of-Sync
Extreme Justice
The Liberation of L.B. Jones
Chrome Soldiers
Almost Blue
Friday Foster
The Puppet Masters
5 Card Stud
Across 110th Street
Bone
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Yaphet Kotto, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1989
A Whisper to a Scream
Jules Tallard
Prime Target
Gilmore Brown
Ministry of Vengeance
Mr. Whiteside
The Jigsaw Murders
Doctor Tyrone Fillmore
Tripwire
Lee Pitt
1987
Pretty Kill
Harris
Desperado
Bede
Perry Mason: The Case of the Scandalous Scoundrel
General Sorenson
1985
Badge of the Assassin
Detective Cliff Fenton NYPD
Warning Sign
Major Connolly
The Park Is Mine
Eubanks
Playing with Fire
Fire Chief Walker
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