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Yaphet Frederick Kotto (born November 15, 1939 in New York City) is a famous American actor known for his outstanding performance and versatile acting in film, television and theater. Known for his performances. Cotto, who is of Cameroonian and African-American descent, brings unique depth to his roles, often playing complex characters.
He received critical acclaim for his role as the villain Mr. Big in Villains. james bond Movie”life and death” (1973). Kotto’s talents also shined in the field of science fiction, notably as Lieutenant Mbutu in “Mbutu Detective.”alien” (1979) and Captain Davenport in the critically acclaimed TV series “Homicide: Life on the Streets” (1993-1999), for which he received an NAACP Image Award.
During his illustrious career, Cotto appeared in more than 80 films and numerous television shows, demonstrating his versatility in a variety of genres, from drama to action films. His deep, booming voice and intense acting style left a lasting impression in every role he played. Yaphet Kotto passed away on March 15, 2021, leaving behind an amazing performance legacy that is still celebrated today.
American actor
Yaphet Kotto |
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 Yaphet Kotto: History‧ Introduction‧ Photos |
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| Wiki facts and figures | |
| Real name: | Yaphet Frederic Cotto |
| stage name: | Yaphet Kotto |
| born: | November 15, 1939 (81 years old) |
| place of birth: | New York, New York State, USA |
| die: | March 15, 2021 (81 years old), Manila, Philippines |
| Country of Citizenship: | American |
| educate: | not applicable |
| high: | 1.9 meters |
| parents: | Abraham Kotto, Gladys Mary |
| Brothers and sisters: | not applicable |
| spouse: | Tessie Sinahon (m. 1998–2021), Antoinette Pettyjohn (m. 1975–1996), Rita Ingrid Dittman, married 1962–1975) |
| Girlfriend·Partner: | not applicable |
| Children: | Fred Kotto |
| Profession: | Actor•TV Personality |
| net worth: | $5 million |
Early life and education
Yaphet Kotto was born on November 15, 1939 in Harlem, New York City. His early life was enriched by a diverse cultural heritage. His father, Abraham Kotto, was a Cameroonian immigrant of royal descent; his great-grandfather had been a former colonial king. His mother, Gladys Marie, is of African-American descent, further contributing to Coto’s multifaceted ethnic background. The fusion of African and American cultures played a key role in shaping his identity and career.
Yaphet Kotto identifies as Jewish, a faith taught to him by his father. He said in interviews that if he had not pursued an acting career, he might have considered becoming a rabbi, highlighting the importance of his religious upbringing.
Although specific details about his siblings and early education are less recorded, Cotto’s innate talent drew him toward the performing arts. His commanding appearance and intense acting style developed early, likely influenced by his rich cultural background and life stories shared by his family.
Kotto’s entry into showbiz was not through a traditional theater or film education. Instead, he gained an arts education through practical experience, starting in theater and then moving on to film and television.
Profession
Yaphet Kotto began his career in theater, perfecting his craft in New York before making his film debut in the early 1960s. His early film roles include “4 Texas” (1963) and “Nothing but a man(1964), these works are noteworthy for their dignified and complex portrayals of black characters in an era when representation of black characters was rare.
He got his big break in 1973 playing Dr. Kananga/Mr. Da Zai james bond Movie”life and death“. This role not only highlights his acting prowess, but also demonstrates his ability to dominate the screen with the depth of a villain, breaking traditional stereotypes.
back”life and death,” Kotto’s career blossomed with a string of outstanding roles. He played the tough, no-nonsense detective Lieutenant Mbu in Ridley Scott’s picture.alien(1979), establishing the film as a science fiction classic. He is in “blue collar(1978), with Richard Pryor and Harvey Keitel, highlighted his talent for realistic portrayals of working-class characters.
Cotto also had a major impact on television, particularly with his role in the critically acclaimed TV series Captain Algardero.Homicide: Life on the Streets” (1993-1999). His portrayal of Jaredro, a compassionate but determined police captain, earned him an NAACP Image Award and widespread respect.
Later in life, Cotto continued to work, often taking roles that exploited his unique voice and commanding persona. He appeared in films such as "practice” and”Law and Order: SVU” and for topics such as “Fallout: New Vegas“.
social media
- Facebook: Yafet Kotto
- IMDb: Yafeit Kotto
personal life
Yaphet Kotto first married German immigrant Rita Ingrid Dittman in 1959. They had three children before divorcing in 1976. From his marriage to Rita, Cotto had three children, although their names were not widely publicized. One of his children was Fredrick Kotto, also known as Fred Kotto.
In 1998, Kotto married Filipino businesswoman and event planner Tessie Sinahon. The marriage lasted for nearly 23 years until his death in 2021. He was also married to Antoinette Pettyjohn from 1975 to 1996.
Yaphet Kotto is 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) tall, which often adds to his imposing presence on screen. This suited many of his characters, from villains to authority figures, such as Captain Jaredro in “The Movie.”Homicide: Life on the Streets“.
Born in the 1960s, Tessie Sinahon became a well-known figure in the Philippines for her entrepreneurial skills, especially her event planning abilities. Together with Kotto, they run an artists’ resort in the southern island of Leyte in the Philippines called “Running Man Research Institute”. This venture reflects their interests in creativity, holistic wellness, and community involvement.
net worth
Yaphet Kotto is known for his iconic performances in films such as “life and death,” “alien,” and TV series”Homicide: Life on the Streets”, and by the time of his death in 2021, his net worth had reached $5 million.
Beginning in the 1960s, his career spanned several decades, during which he made significant contributions to theatre, film and television. Cotto has played a variety of roles, ranging from villains to authority figures, most notably in “Lieutenant Algardero”Homicide: Life on the Streets“.
This role earned him widespread acclaim and significantly improved his financial standing. His extensive work in film, television, and video games has further boosted his earnings, with his last notable voice-over role being “Alien: Isolation” 2014.
film chronology
Yaphet Kotto is remembered for his powerful performances in film and television. Here are some of his popular movies and TV shows:
Movie
- Live and Let Die (1973) – He played Dr. Kananga/Mr. This “big shot” in a James Bond film was a breakthrough that highlighted his ability to portray complex villains.
- Alien (1979) – As Detective Lieutenant Mbutu, Kotto adds depth to the crew’s dynamic in this sci-fi horror classic.
- Blue Collar (1978) – Starring alongside Richard Pryor and Harvey Keitel, he showed off his dramatic side as a working-class man caught in a web of crime and corruption.
- Raid on Entebbe (1976) – He played Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in this television movie, which earned him an Emmy nomination.
- “The Star Chamber” (1983) – Cotto delivers another unforgettable performance as a judge who takes matters into his own hands.
- Midnight Run (1988) – A brief but compelling appearance as a killer adds humor and tension to this comedy-action film.
- “Freddy’s Dead: The Last Nightmare” (1991) – He played a father in the “A Nightmare on Elm Street” series.
tv show
- Homicide: Life on the Street (1993-1999) – Arguably his most recognized television role, as Captain Al Giardello, who displayed not only authority but also humanity and warmth, earning him an NAACP Membership Image Award.
- “The Practice” (2003-2004) – He played Judge Harold Shearer, bringing an air of gravitas to this courtroom drama.
- “Dragon” (1984) – Guest appearance in several episodes as a former CIA agent, adding depth to the show’s action-packed narrative.
- “Law & Order: SVU” (2004) – A guest role that showcased his ability to blend into the series’ intense drama.
- Southland (2009-2010) – Playing a retired cop, he brings his extensive acting skills to this gritty police drama.
