History of Yaphet Kotto in Timeline

Yaphet Kotto was a prominent American actor recognized for his roles in both film and television. He starred in iconic movies such as the science-fiction horror film *Alien*, the James Bond film *Live and Let Die* where he played Dr. Kananga, the action thriller *Across 110th Street*, *The Running Man*, and the action comedy *Midnight Run*. Kotto also starred as Lieutenant Al Giardello in the NBC television series *Homicide: Life on the Street* from 1993 to 1999, marking a significant role in his television career.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

November 15, 1939: Yaphet Kotto's Birth

On November 15, 1939, Yaphet Frederick Kotto was born. He would become an American actor known for film and television roles.

Others born on this day/year

1959: Marriage to Rita Ingrid Dittman

In 1959, Yaphet Kotto married Rita Ingrid Dittman.

1963: Film Debut in 4 for Texas

In 1963, at the age of 23, Yaphet Kotto made his film debut in an uncredited role in 4 for Texas.

1964: Performance in Nothing but a Man

In 1964, Yaphet Kotto performed in Michael Roemer's Nothing but a Man.

1967: Release of "Have You Ever Seen the Blues" / "Have You Dug His Scene"

In 1967, Yaphet Kotto released a single, "Have You Ever Seen the Blues" / "Have You Dug His Scene" on Chisa Records.

1967: A Man Called Abraham - Death Valley Days

In 1967, Yaphet Kotto was cast in the episode "A Man Called Abraham" on Death Valley Days.

1968: Role in The Thomas Crown Affair and Hawaii Five-O

In 1968, Yaphet Kotto played a supporting role in the caper film The Thomas Crown Affair and played John Auston in the Hawaii Five-O episode "King of the Hill".

1972: Role in Across 110th Street

In 1972, Yaphet Kotto appeared in the neo-noir action thriller Across 110th Street, marking another role in his acting career.

1973: Mr. Big in Live and Let Die, Across 110th Street and Truck Turner

In 1973, Yaphet Kotto played Mr. Big in Live and Let Die, as well as roles in Across 110th Street and Truck Turner.

1973: Role in Live and Let Die

In 1973, Yaphet Kotto portrayed Dr. Kananga, the main villain in the James Bond film Live and Let Die.

1975: Role in Report to the Commissioner

In 1975, Yaphet Kotto played police officer Richard "Crunch" Blackstone in the film Report to the Commissioner.

1976: Divorce from Rita Ingrid Dittman

In 1976, Yaphet Kotto divorced his first wife, Rita Ingrid Dittman.

1977: Portrayal of Idi Amin in Raid on Entebbe

In 1977, Yaphet Kotto portrayed Idi Amin in the television film Raid on Entebbe.

1978: Role in Blue Collar

In 1978, Yaphet Kotto starred as an auto worker in the film Blue Collar.

1979: Role in Alien

In 1979, Yaphet Kotto played Parker in the movie Alien.

1980: Supporting Role in Brubaker

In 1980, Yaphet Kotto had a supporting role in the prison drama Brubaker.

1983: Guest-Starring Role in The A-Team

In 1983, Yaphet Kotto guest-starred as mobster Charlie "East Side Charlie" Struthers in The A-Team episode "The Out-of-Towners".

1987: Appearance in The Running Man

In 1987, Yaphet Kotto appeared in the futuristic sci-fi movie The Running Man.

1988: Role in Midnight Run

In 1988, Yaphet Kotto portrayed Alonzo Moseley, an FBI agent, in the action-comedy Midnight Run.

1989: Divorce from Toni Pettyjohn

In 1989, Yaphet Kotto divorced his second wife, Toni Pettyjohn.

1993: Homicide: Life on the Street Debut

In 1993, Yaphet Kotto began starring in the NBC television series Homicide: Life on the Street as Lieutenant Al Giardello.

1998: Marriage to Tessie Sinahon

In 1998, Yaphet Kotto married his third wife, Tessie Sinahon.

1999: End of Homicide: Life on the Street

In 1999, Yaphet Kotto finished his role as Lieutenant Al Giardello on the NBC television series Homicide: Life on the Street.

2000: Residence in Marmora, Ontario

In 2000, Yaphet Kotto was living in Marmora, Ontario, Canada.

2008: Final Film Role in Witless Protection

In 2008, Yaphet Kotto had one final film role in Witless Protection.

2014: Voice Acting in Alien: Isolation

In 2014, Yaphet Kotto voiced Parker for the video game Alien: Isolation, reprising his role from the 1979 movie Alien.

2016: Supported Donald Trump

In 2016, Yaphet Kotto supported Donald Trump in the presidential elections.

2020: Supported Donald Trump again

In 2020, Yaphet Kotto again supported Donald Trump in the presidential elections.

March 15, 2021: Yaphet Kotto's Death

On March 15, 2021, Yaphet Kotto passed away. He was a notable American actor in film and television.

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