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.

Yaphet Kotto

Acting Born November 16, 1939 – Died March 15, 2021 New York City, New York, U.S.A

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.

Known For

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

Self

Law & Order

Al Giardello

Bonanza

Child Barnett

Murder, She Wrote

Lt. Bradshaw

The A-Team

Charles Struthers

Hawaii Five-O

Lance Corporal John T. Auston

Mannix

Gabe Johnson / Gabriel Dillon

Hill Street Blues

Calvin Matthias

American Playhouse

Jocko

Homicide: Life on the Street

Al Giardello

Daniel Boone

Luke

Daniel Boone

Jonah