Yaphet Kotto

Yaphet Frederick Kotto (1939–2021) was an American actor known for his work in film and television. He gained recognition for his role as Lieutenant Al Giardello in the NBC series Homicide: Life on the Street (1993–1999). Kotto's notable film appearances include the science-fiction horror film Alien (1979), the action film The Running Man (1987), the James Bond film Live and Let Die (1973) as the main villain Dr. Kananga, and the action comedy Midnight Run (1988) alongside Robert De Niro. Born in New York City, Kotto had a diverse ancestry, with his mother of Panamanian and West Indian descent and his father from Cameroon. He made significant contributions to the entertainment industry throughout his career.