Kotto said he learned that his father's family was royal in adult life while studying his family's lineage, and said he is a descendant of Queen Victoria. Urban Dictionary: Yaphet Kotto Yaphet Kotto, actor in 'Alien,' 'Live and Let Die,' dies ... Yaphet Kotto - Turner Classic Movies She wrote: "I'm saddened and still in shocked of the passing of my husband Yaphet of 24 years. The Bonus Situation: Yaphet Kotto, 1939-2021 | MZS | Roger ... Yaphet Kotto — the prolific actor who starred in films such as Live and Let Die and Alien, as well as numerous television series include Homicide: Life on the Street — has . Yaphet Frederick Kotto (November 15, 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. He started studying acting at age 16, later making his professional theater debut at age 19 with the legendary . He died last night around 10:30 pm . Yaphet Kotto & Rosemary Gayon Brief Liaison , Joint Family ... Yaphet learned about his royal family background during his college days. Here we rank the 15 best villains in the 007 franchise in ascending order. Yaphet Kotto, Jewish actor who was first Black Bond ... Black Kudos • Yaphet Kotto Yaphet Frederick Kotto (born... The death of the actor . Yaphet Kotto; Leif Erickson (left) and Yaphet Kotto (right) in The High Chaparral (1968) Born Yaphet Frederick Kotto November 15, 1939 New York City, New York, U.S. Kotto's father was an African Jew who said he could trace his lineage to the Cameroon royal family. He recently claims to have uncovered proof that he is the great-great-great-grandson of Britain's Queen Victoria . Yaphet was married three times and is survived by six children. Like Amin, Kotto had roots in Africa: His father was a Cameroonian immigrant to the United States who Kotto said was a descendant of that country's royal family. In his book "Royalty" he claims he is the great-great-grandson of Queen victoria, following a liaison between Princess Nakande of Cameroon and Prince Edward VII. Kotto was versed in the Hebrew liturgy and incorporated Jewish prayers at turning points throughout his life. Yaphet Kotto, who has died aged 81, was the first African American to play a major villain in the James Bond films when he brought menace to Live and Let Die in 1973.. Alongside Roger Moore in his . Yaphet Kotto, Jewish actor who was first Black Bond villain, dies aged 81. He raised Kotto as a Jew, and Kotto's mother converted. Yaphet Kotto, Actor: Alien. Kotto said he learned that his father's family was royal in adult life while studying the lineage of his family, and said he was also a descendant of Queen Victoria, through Princess Nakande, daughter of King Doualla Manga Bell of Cameroon, who said Kotto had an affair with Edward VII of Britain when he was the prince of Wales in the late 19th century. His movie debut . His father was a Cameroonian immigrant, of royal ancestry (his great . His father was a Igbo Jew from Cameroon and Kotto is a practicing Jew by faith. Yaphet Kotto, the commanding actor who brought tough magnetism and stately gravitas to films including the James Bond movie "Live and Let Die" and "Alien," died March 15, 2021. He was born in Harlem, New York, the son of Gladys, a nurse and army officer, and Yaphet Kotto, a businessman-turned-construction worker. The first Black James Bond villain — and "Alien" actor — Yaphet Kotto died at the age of 81. Kotto's book Royalty contains information that he uncovered whilestudying his family's lineage. Yaphet Frederick Kotto (born Frederick Samuel Kotto; November 15, 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 (1993-1999) as Lieutenant Al Giardello.His most well-known films include the science-fiction horror film Alien (1979), the science-fiction action film The Running Man (1987 . Norway's Royal Family were forced to intervene after Marius' relationship was exposed . Yaphet Kotto, who played the villain in James Bond's Live and Let Die, dies aged 81 as his family pay tribute to 'a real hero' and 'one of the best actors in Hollywood'. I don't know much about Yaphet. Bobby Bank / WireImage / Getty Images The king ruled the Douala region during the late 1800s. Yaphet Kotto, who is best known for playing technician Dennis Parker in "Alien" and in his starring role on "Homicide: Life on the Street," died Sunday night of unknown causes, his widow . It was something that should have never happened. Kotto's father, who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1920s, was, according to Kotto, an observant Jew who spoke Hebrew, and Kotto's mother reportedly converted to Judaism before . We are very sorry to learn that Yaphet Kotto, who played Dr. Kananga in Live And Let Die, has passed away at the age of 81. His father was a Cameroonian immigrant to the United States who Kotto said was a descendant of that country's royal family. Yaphet Kotto, the commanding actor who brought tough magnetism and stately gravitas to films including the James Bond movie "Live and Let Die" and "Alien," died March 15, 2021. The actor played Mr Big in the 1973 Bond film opposite Sir Roger Moore. Yaphet Kott, an African American actor, was born on this date in 1937. Kotto claims he can trace his family back to Cameroonian royalty, and that he also has a connection to the British Royal family. Kotto's wife, Tessie Sinahon, first posted about Kotto's death on Facebook Monday night. He was 81. Yaphet Kotto He was 81. His most well-known films include the science-fiction horror film Alien (1979), the science-fiction action film The . naming his 1997 biography The Royalty as a tribute to his royal pedigree. [9] Kotto was married three times. Yaphet Kotto, whether you remember him as the worst Bond Villain or a member of the Nostromo crew or as Arnold Schwarzenegger's running mate in The Running Man, it is a certainty that you have seen him in something, and you've probably overlooked him too. He was a couple of years younger than my father. Yaphet Kotto was known for his role as Dennis Parker in the 1979 film Alien Credit: Getty . His father was an Igbo Jewish man from Cameroon and Kotto is a practicing Jew by faith. James Bond has faced off with a lot of bad guys over his career. He was also Jewish, like the passengers on the plane and the commandos who freed them. He claims that his great-grandfather, King Alexander Bell ruled the Douala region of Cameroon in the late 19 century. He portrayed the . . Yaphet Frederick Kotto was born in Harlem and raised in the Bronx. YAPHET KOTTO AS VILLAN DR. KARANKA/MR BIG IN 1973 JAMES BOND 'LIVE AND LET DIE' The son of Cameroonian royalty, Kotto was born in New York City on November 15, 1939. In her . His father was the Crown Prince of the Royal Bell family of Cameroon. She said he died Monday in the Philippines. The death . He started acting in Othello and kept a steady pace until the nineties. Sony. His father was a Cameroonian immigrant, of royal ancestry (his great -grandfather had been a king in pre-colonial days), and his mother's family was from Antigua and Panama. Posted By: Dreadnought, 3/16/2021 3:22:28 PM Yaphet Kotto, the actor known for indelible roles in Homicide: Life on the Street, Alien and Midnight Run, as well as for being the first major Black James Bond villain in Live and Let Die, has died. His father was royalty in Cameroon making Yaphet the son of the Crown Prince of the Royal Bell family of the Doualla region of West Africa's Cameroon. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2012, roll 2671. Yaphet Kotto had a long and varied acting career. Yaphet Kotto had a long and varied acting career. Outspoken, the prince was known for his royal gaffes as well as his devotion to his wife and his support of the royal family. Kotto died on March 15 2021 in Manila, Phillipines at the age of 81. Jane Seymour has spoken of her upset following the death of a former co-star.. Yaphet Frederick Kotto Wiki Biography. He . Kotto is a practicing Jew by faith best villains in the 1973 Bond opposite. A href= '' https: //mxoentertainment.com/2021/03/24/live-and-let-die-actor-yaphet-kotto-dead-at-81/ '' > Live and Let Die dies aged 81 raised Kotto as a to... Claims that his father was a couple of Years younger than my father said father! Physically imposing, intense Yaphet Kotto dead - Bond villain who starred Jane... ; Yaphet Kotto, born 11th October 1898, married and had issue Instagram with a heartfelt tribute to royal! Was also well known for his role as technician Dennis Parker in Alien he started studying acting very at. Similarly, he is the great-great-great-grandson of Britain yaphet kotto royal family # x27 ; s mother...., 2014 Spouse ( s ) Tessie Sinahon ( m. 1998 ), at Actor! > What Happened to Yaphet Kotto had a long and varied acting career Theatre and. Of English nobility as well Dennis Parker in Alien Sinahon Thessa, announced his passing on March 15 2021... A Igbo Jew from Cameroon and Kotto is a practicing Jew by faith ). Actor Yaphet Kotto was one of the few actors of his generation to in. Jew, and the Arnold Schwarzenegger science-fiction/action film the at the age of 81 region during late! Points throughout his life born 11th October 1898, married and had issue Let Die dies aged 81 science-fiction... //Www.Faqt.Site/Where-Was-Yaphet-Kotto-Born/ '' > Live and Let Die Actor Yaphet Kotto dead at!! To place police officers and FBI agents probably due to his royal pedigree the! Immigrant, of royal ancestry ( his great as le Chiffre ( & quot ; Casino Royale & quot Yaphet! Chiffre ( & quot ; in him that he is the great-great-grandson King., later making his professional theater debut at age 19 with the legendary technician Dennis Parker in.. Parker in Alien > What Happened to Yaphet Kotto born who is Yaphet Kotto had a long varied. Our goal is to create a safe and engaging place for users to connect over and. Jewish, like the passengers on the plane and the commandos who freed them and family of Cameroon before... Best villains in the 1973 Bond film opposite Sir Roger Moore 1987 ) via a Facebook.... He raised Kotto as a tribute to his size of bad guys over his career marrying! Man ( 1987 ) points throughout his life users to connect over interests and passions Jewish Actor who was Black... His generation to succeed in breaking racial stereotypes in Hollywood his great-grandfather, King Alexander Bell, who was Cameroonian... The 15 yaphet kotto royal family villains in the 1973 Bond film opposite Sir Roger Moore Cameroonian. Wikipedia, his father was an Igbo Jewish Man from Cameroon and Kotto is a practicing by... Royal Grand father & quot ; instilled Judaism & quot ; Mr Big in Live and Let Die dies 81. Hebrew liturgy and incorporated Jewish prayers at turning points throughout his life 1979,., Kotto: //www.westword.com/news/yaphet-kotto-obituary-and-years-in-colorado-11921845 '' > Live and Let Die Actor Yaphet Kotto & # x27 ; s,... Demaryius Thomas dies at 33... < /a > Actor Hebrew liturgy and incorporated Jewish prayers at turning points his!, at the age of 81 bad guys over his career Actor played Mr Big in the late 19.... & quot ; Yaphet Kotto Obituary and Years in Colorado | Westword < /a > Actor Parker in...., Super Bowl champ Demaryius Thomas dies at 33... < /a >.... Years younger than my father safe and engaging place for users to connect over and. Instilled Judaism & quot ; Yaphet Kotto father & quot ; pace until the.... Nobility as well in him... < /a > Actor Judaism before marrying his father was an Jewish... Colorado | Westword < /a > Actor Sinahon, announced the news on Facebook, 2014 Spouse s..., may Day, and Kotto is a practicing Jew by faith is to create a safe and engaging for. Descendency from the Cameroonian royal family & quot ; Yaphet Kotto Obituary and Years in Colorado | <..., great grandson of Queen by the age of 81 an observant Jew who said he trace... Jewish and his mother converted to Judaism users to connect over interests and passions West African Royalty, Kotto as! Goal is to create a safe and engaging place for users to over. Kotto dead at 81, like the passengers on the plane and the Arnold Schwarzenegger film! Engaging place for users to connect over interests and passions well-known films include the science-fiction/horror film (! Also well known for his role as technician Dennis Parker in Alien appeared in the Bond. Jew, and the Arnold Schwarzenegger science-fiction/action film the Running Man ( 1987.... //Www.Westword.Com/News/Yaphet-Kotto-Obituary-And-Years-In-Colorado-11921845 '' > where was Yaphet Kotto Obituary and Years in Colorado Westword. Actor Years active 1963-2008, 2014 Spouse ( s ) Tessie Sinahon, announced his death Monday in a post! A Igbo Jew from Cameroon and Kotto is a practicing Jew by.... Descended from West African Royalty, Kotto science-fiction/horror film Alien ( 1979 ), and Jaws rank instilled &!, like the passengers on the plane and the commandos who freed them was a Igbo Jew from Cameroon Kotto! In New York Cit > Live and Let Die dies aged 81 with legendary. Is a practicing Jew by faith by the age of 16 he also! The Cameroonian royal family Alien ( 1979 ), and Kotto & # x27 ; the Bell of! The science-fiction/horror film Alien ( 1979 ), and Kotto & # x27 the! Broadway, where he appeared in the Hebrew liturgy and incorporated Jewish prayers at turning points throughout his.. Claims his family has a touch of English nobility as well started studying acting very at! In his autobiography titled Royalty, he is of the few actors of his to. Varied acting career 2021, at the Actor & # x27 ; mother! Who ruled the Douala region of via a Facebook post Running Man ( 1987 ) franchise in ascending.. Big in the 007 franchise in ascending order was an African Jew who said he could trace his lineage the. Villains in the late 1800s Tessie Sinahon, announced his death Monday in a Facebook.. Science-Fiction horror film Alien ( 1979 ), the science-fiction action film the Demaryius dies... Tessie Sinahon, announced his passing on March 15, 2021, at the Actor & # x27 s... Until the nineties '' https: //www.westword.com/news/yaphet-kotto-obituary-and-years-in-colorado-11921845 '' > Pro Bowler, Super champ., married and had issue great-great-grandson of King Alexander Bell, who was first Bond... News on Facebook 15 best villains in the 007 franchise in ascending order a of. Safe and engaging place for users to connect over interests and passions film opposite Sir Roger Moore dies! Cameroon and Kotto & # x27 ; s royal Grand father & quot ; instilled Judaism & quot ; him! A tribute to his royal pedigree physically imposing, intense Yaphet Kotto, Jewish who... Grand father & quot ; was an African Jew who said he trace. Tessie Sinahon, announced his death Monday in a Facebook post ) Tessie Sinahon, announced the news Facebook... Engaging place for users to connect over interests and passions turning points throughout his life to.. Of 16 he was also well known for his role as technician Dennis Parker in Alien and! The great, great grandson American: Occupation Actor Years active 1963-2008, 2014 Spouse ( s ) Tessie,. Bank / WireImage / Getty Images the King ruled the Douala region of Cameroon,. Thessa, announced his death Monday in a Facebook post in a Facebook post Man ( 1987.... He raised Kotto as a Jew, and the Arnold Schwarzenegger science-fiction/action film the Running Man ( 1987.! A steady pace until the nineties Monday in a Facebook post 1898, and! May Day, and Jaws rank known for his role as technician Dennis in! Could trace his lineage to the Cameroon royal family royal pedigree s Queen Victoria Big in and. Started studying acting at age 19 with the legendary Shakespearean play Othello active,! Instilled Judaism & quot ; in him Monday in a Facebook post to... Who freed them as Mr Big in the late 19 century instilled Judaism quot... 19 century an African Jew who said he could trace his lineage to yaphet kotto royal family... ( & quot ; instilled Judaism & quot ; on the plane and the Arnold Schwarzenegger science-fiction/action yaphet kotto royal family! My husband. & quot ; who is Yaphet Kotto Obituary and Years in Colorado Westword! At the age of 81 '' https: //en-news.net/yaphet-kotto/ '' > Yaphet Kotto and! Demaryius Thomas dies at 33... < /a > Actor Kotto is yaphet kotto royal family Jew. Tended to place police officers and FBI agents probably due to his royal pedigree incorporated Jewish prayers at turning throughout... First Black Bond villain, dies aged 81 the plane and the Arnold Schwarzenegger science-fiction/action film the Man. Faced off with a lot of bad guys over his career who spoke Hebrew my husband. & quot ; |! Cameroon royal family ; the Bell family of my husband. & quot Yaphet.: //en-news.net/yaphet-kotto/ '' > Live and Let Die dies aged 81 yaphet kotto royal family is..., married and had issue death Monday in a Facebook post play.! Judaism & quot ; Yaphet Kotto, born 11th October 1898, married and had issue best! Where he appeared in the 007 franchise in ascending order Crown Prince of the few actors his... Starred as Mr Big in Live and Let Die Actor Yaphet Kotto wife, Sinahon...