Yaphet Kotto
Born November 16, 1939 · New York City, New York, U.S.A
Yaphet Kotto was a prolific American actor known for his roles in films such as Alien, The Running Man, and Live and Let Die. He also had notable television appearances on shows like Homicide: Life on the Street, Law & Order, and Hawaii Five-O. Kotto's acting career spanned over several decades.
3
Films reviewed
7.4
Avg. rating
Alien
Best-reviewed
1968–1979
Years active
Biography
Yaphet Frederick Kotto (November 16, 1939 – March 15, 2021) was an American actor known for numerous film roles, as well as starring in the NBC television series Homicide: Life on the Street (1993-99) as Lieutenant Al Giardello. His films include the science-fiction and horror film Alien (1979), and the Arnold Schwarzenegger science-fiction and action film The Running Man (1987). He portrayed the main villain Dr. Kananga/Mr. Big in the James Bond movie Live and Let Die (1973). He appeared opposite Robert De Niro in the comedy thriller Midnight Run (1988) as FBI Agent Alonzo Mosley.
On theIReview.com
Films featuring Yaphet Kottothat we've reviewed.
★ 8.5Alien
as Parker, the chief engineer. Kotto was sent a script off the back of his recent success as villain Dr. Kananga in the James Bond film Live and Let Die (1973), and said he rejected a lucrative film offer in the hope of being cast in Alien.
Ridley Scott · 1979
RT 93%
★ 6.7Live and Let Die
as Kananga/Mr. Big
Guy Hamilton · 1973
RT 67%
★ 6.9The Thomas Crown Affair
as Carl
Norman Jewison · 1968
RT 70%
Review Highlights
AI-summarized critic and audience reaction, pulled from the Fan & Critic Buzz on their highest-rated films with us.
“The movie "Alien" is widely praised for its horror and sci-fi elements, with many reviewers noting that it sets a new standard for the genre. The film's claustrophobic setting and iconic alien design have become synonymous with fear and suspense. A strong cast, including Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, and Yaphet Kotto, has been praised for their performances. Despite being described as not eventful or entertaining in some reviews, "Alien" is still regarded as a classic horror movie that continues to thrill audiences today.”
From the Fan & Critic Buzz on Alien →
“Steve McQueen stars as wealthy businessman Thomas Crown in "The Thomas Crown Affair", playing off his public image as effortlessly charming. The film's understated tone and sophisticated direction are praised by reviewers.”
From the Fan & Critic Buzz on The Thomas Crown Affair →
Selected Filmography
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson(1962)TV Series · 1 epas Self
- Law & Order(1990)TV Series · 1 epas Al Giardello
- Bonanza(1959)TV Series · 1 epas Child Barnett
- Hawaii Five-O(1969)TV Series · 1 epas Lance Corporal John T. Auston
- Murder, She Wrote(1984)TV Series · 1 epas Lt. Bradshaw
- Hill Street Blues(1981)TV Series · 1 epas Calvin Matthias
- Mannix(1967)TV Series · 1 epas Gabe Johnson / Gabriel Dillon
- The A-Team(1983)TV Series · 1 epas Charles Struthers
- American Playhouse(1982)TV Series · 1 epas Jocko
- Homicide: Life on the Street(1993)TV Series · 122 epsas Al Giardello
- Daniel Boone(1964)TV Series · 1 epas Jonah
- seaQuest DSV(1993)TV Series · 1 epas Captain Jack Clayton
- The Big Valley(1965)TV Series · 1 epas Damien
- The Name of the Game(1968)TV Series · 1 epas Wyman Jackson
- Night Gallery(1970)TV Series · 1 epas Buckner
- The High Chaparral(1967)TV Series · 1 epas Sgt. Major Creason
- Gunsmoke(1955)TV Series · 1 epas Piney Biggs
- The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents(1985)TV Series · 1 epas Convict
- Tarzan(1966)TV Series · 1 ep
- The Running Man(1987)as William Laughlin