Yaphet Kotto, who starred in James Bond’s Live and Let Die has died, aged 81, his wife has confirmed.
She penned: “I’m saddened and still in shocked of the passing of my husband Yaphet of 24 years. He died last night around 10:30pm Philippine time.
“This is a very painful moment for me to inform you all fans, friends and family of my husband.
“We still have a lot of plans honey that we discussed you have a lot of interviews waiting and you have movie offers like G.I. Joe and the movie of Tom Cruise and others. You still have plan to release your book and build a religious organization based on Yogananda’s Teachings.
Yaphet’s wife confirmed his death at the age of 81
“You played a villain on some of your movies but for me you’re a real hero and to a lot of people also. A good man, a good father, a good husband and a decent human being, very rare to find.
“One of the best actor in Hollywood a Legend. Rest in Peace Honey, I’m gonna miss you everyday, my bestfriend, my rock. I love you and you will always be in my heart. Till we meet again!”
Yaphet is best known for playing the main villain Dr. Kananga/Mr. Big in James Bond film Live and Let Die
Yaphet began his career in the theatre, making his professional acting debut at the age of 19 in Othello.
He got his breakthrough when he was cast as the main villain in the James Bond film Live and Let Die, playing Dr. Kananga / Mr. Big, a corrupt Caribbean Prime Minister who doubles as a drug lord.
He went on to star in cult-classic Alien and opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987’s The Running Man, before starring alongside Robert De Niro in the comedy thriller Midnight Run as FBI Agent Alonzo Mosley.
Fans have flooded social media with messages of condolences for the late star’s loved ones.
One fan said: “RIP to a singular screen presence and one of the best to ever do it. Yaphet Kotto Forever”.
Yaphet is survived by his six children
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Another wrote: “Just learned the great Yaphet Kotto has passed away at 81. A superb actor and a socially conscious, respected man. He gave so many indelible performances particularly in BLUE COLLAR, a film that made a gigantic impression on me. R.I.P. Yaphet; you are and will be so missed.”
“RIP to the great Yaphet Kotto. So many great roles. I’m not sure he ever had a false moment. He will of course live on forever as a crew member of the Nostromo in ALIEN… but he will always foremost be Agent Alonso Mosley to me. Thanks for all the incredible work,” said a third.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
