Yafit Koto, Magnetic Actor with a long and varied career, aged 81

Yavit Kotto, the charismatic actor who confronted James Bond, a killer alien and elusive criminal in his long career, has passed away at the age of 81.

Koto’s death was announced by his wife Tessy Sinaon, via a Facebook post, saying she was sad and shocked after she lost her 24-year-old husband. She added that Koto died in the Philippines.

“You played a villain in some of your movies but for me you are a true hero and for many people too” Sinhoun saidDescribing Koto as her best friend. “A good man, a good father, a good husband and a decent person, it is very rare to find him.”

With his sturdy frame and majestic glow, Koto is often called out to scare and smoke, playing villains like Dr. Kananga, also known as Mr. Page, in Roger Moore’s debut as Bond in 1973. Live and let death. But his ability to create rapid dialogues with Shakespeare’s fluency, even while invoking an infectious smile, brought an intelligence and depth to his roles that the substance that Couto was sometimes working with.

Viola Davis “You have been unforgettable in every role you have played. Your existence and your talent have been undeniable.” He said in a tweet Addressed to Koto.

“He’s one of those actors who deserved more than the parts he got,” director Ava DuVernay She said. “But he took those parts and made them all great.”

Couto starred opposite Anthony Quinn in 1972 Across 110th Street, He plays a young black police officer who is paired with an older and biased partner. The movie has held out as a classic from the Blaxploitation era; He also helped secure Kotto ‘status as a movie star.

In 1978, Koto appeared alongside Richard Pryor Blue collars, Smokey James, a world-wise man, portrayed in a story about a struggle between auto factory workers, their union, and the company they work for.

Kotto appeared in Ridley Scott’s alien One year later, he played the role of chief engineer, Dennis Parker. Years later, Kotto said he was happy with the death of his character in the movie, as it prevented him from being featured in any sequels.

Born in New York City, Yaphet Kotto is the son of a father who traced his roots to the Cameroonian royal family and a mother who was a nurse and army officer, according to his biography on IMDB site. He was raised by his grandparents in the Bronx.

It might come as a surprise that Koto, an actor known for his strong intensity, credited Barbara Stanwyck as the “guru,” after the two worked together on the television series in the 1960s. The Big Canyon. Stanwyck, who played an outspoken mother (in the traditional sense) on the show, was one of several women that Couto said boosted his career.

“I did The Big Canyon With her, I took over my life. Brother, every step I’ve taken has followed me. ” Koto said to an interviewer In 2003. “And Mary Astor called me from the old people’s home, and took me ** the whole time.”

In addition to these two stars, Cotto said, actress Judy Holiday produced a stage show for Othello Koto appeared in it when he was only 19 years old.

Cotto said that Astor was constantly criticizing his work. It was Stanwyck who advised him against the use of advertising.

“Business will speak for itself,” she told him.

Couto said he turned down the role of Lando Calrissian in The empire strikes back – Director Irvine Kirschner asked Koto to take the role after they collaborated with him Raid on Entebbe. But Kotto refused because, He later said, “I wanted to go back to Earth. I was scared if I did another space movie after that [Alien] Then I will write. “

Instead, Kotto was looking for a performance movie: rather than joining in star Wars Franchise, he spent months working with Robert Redford on the prison drama Propaker.

Kotto showed more of his collection in 1988 Midnight running, Based on his comic strips to play Alonzo Moseley, an escaped FBI agent who tries to corner Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin.

And in the 1990s, Cotto loved himself to a new generation of fans with his portrayal of Lieutenant Giardello in the hit detective show. the kill: Life on the street, Located in Baltimore.