Yaphet Kotto

Acting

Yaphet Kotto

Born November 16, 1939 · New York City, New York, U.S.A

Died March 15, 2021 · aged 81

Yaphet Frederick Kotto (November 16, 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. His films include the science-fiction and horror film Alien (1979), and the Arnold Schwarzenegger science-fiction and action film The Running Man (1987). He portrayed the …

Known For

AlienAlien · 1979
Alien
8.21979
MovieHorrorScience Fiction
During its return to the earth, commercial spaceship Nostromo intercepts a distress signal from a distant planet. When a three-member team of the crew discovers a chamber containing thousands of eggs on the planet, a creature inside one of the eggs attacks an explorer. The entire crew is unaware of the impending nightmare set to descend upon them when the alien parasite planted inside its unfortunate host is birthed.
The Running ManThe Running Man · 1987
The Running Man
6.51987
MovieActionThriller
By 2017, the global economy has collapsed and U.S. society has become a totalitarian police state, censoring all cultural activity. The government pacifies the populace by broadcasting a number of game shows in which convicted criminals fight for their lives, including the gladiator-style The Running Man, hosted by the ruthless Damon Killian, where “runners” attempt to evade “stalkers” and certain death for a chance to be pardoned and set free.
Live and Let DieLive and Let Die · 1973
Live and Let Die
6.51973
MovieAdventureAction
James Bond must investigate a mysterious murder case of a British agent in New Orleans. Soon he finds himself up against a gangster boss named Mr. Big.
BrubakerBrubaker · 1980
Brubaker
7.11980
MovieCrimeDrama
The new warden of a small prison farm in Arkansas tries to clean it up of corruption after initially posing as an inmate.
Freddy's Dead: The Final NightmareFreddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare · 1991
Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare
5.31991
MovieHorrorThriller
Just when you thought it was safe to sleep, Freddy Krueger returns in this sixth installment of the Nightmare on Elm Street films, as psychologist Maggie Burroughs, tormented by recurring nightmares, meets a patient with the same horrific dreams. Their quest for answers leads to a certain house on Elm Street -- where the nightmares become reality.
Midnight RunMidnight Run · 1988
Midnight Run
7.21988
MovieComedyCrime
A bounty hunter pursues a former Mafia accountant who is also being chased by a rival bounty hunter, the F.B.I., and his old mob boss after jumping bail.
The Thomas Crown AffairThe Thomas Crown Affair · 1968
The Thomas Crown Affair
6.81968
MovieCrimeRomance
A debonair, adventuresome bank executive believes that he has pulled off the perfect multi-million dollar heist--until he must match wits with an insurance investigator who will do anything to get her man.
Nothing But a ManNothing But a Man · 1964
Nothing But a Man
7.41964
MovieDramaRomance
Railroad laborer Duff Anderson struggles to maintain his dignity and marriage to a preacher's daughter in the racially segregated South.

Movies

AlienAlien · 1979
Alien
8.21979
MovieHorrorScience Fiction
During its return to the earth, commercial spaceship Nostromo intercepts a distress signal from a distant planet. When a three-member team of the crew discovers a chamber containing thousands of eggs on the planet, a creature inside one of the eggs attacks an explorer. The entire crew is unaware of the impending nightmare set to descend upon them when the alien parasite planted inside its unfortunate host is birthed.
The Running ManThe Running Man · 1987
The Running Man
6.51987
MovieActionThriller
By 2017, the global economy has collapsed and U.S. society has become a totalitarian police state, censoring all cultural activity. The government pacifies the populace by broadcasting a number of game shows in which convicted criminals fight for their lives, including the gladiator-style The Running Man, hosted by the ruthless Damon Killian, where “runners” attempt to evade “stalkers” and certain death for a chance to be pardoned and set free.
Live and Let DieLive and Let Die · 1973
Live and Let Die
6.51973
MovieAdventureAction
James Bond must investigate a mysterious murder case of a British agent in New Orleans. Soon he finds himself up against a gangster boss named Mr. Big.
BrubakerBrubaker · 1980
Brubaker
7.11980
MovieCrimeDrama
The new warden of a small prison farm in Arkansas tries to clean it up of corruption after initially posing as an inmate.
Freddy's Dead: The Final NightmareFreddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare · 1991
Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare
5.31991
MovieHorrorThriller
Just when you thought it was safe to sleep, Freddy Krueger returns in this sixth installment of the Nightmare on Elm Street films, as psychologist Maggie Burroughs, tormented by recurring nightmares, meets a patient with the same horrific dreams. Their quest for answers leads to a certain house on Elm Street -- where the nightmares become reality.
Midnight RunMidnight Run · 1988
Midnight Run
7.21988
MovieComedyCrime
A bounty hunter pursues a former Mafia accountant who is also being chased by a rival bounty hunter, the F.B.I., and his old mob boss after jumping bail.
The Thomas Crown AffairThe Thomas Crown Affair · 1968
The Thomas Crown Affair
6.81968
MovieCrimeRomance
A debonair, adventuresome bank executive believes that he has pulled off the perfect multi-million dollar heist--until he must match wits with an insurance investigator who will do anything to get her man.
Nothing But a ManNothing But a Man · 1964
Nothing But a Man
7.41964
MovieDramaRomance
Railroad laborer Duff Anderson struggles to maintain his dignity and marriage to a preacher's daughter in the racially segregated South.
It's Nothing PersonalIt's Nothing Personal · 1993
It's Nothing Personal
7.01993
MovieDramaAction
An embittered ex-cop, on a quest for justice, teams up with a hard-boiled bounty hunter to go after the suspected killer of her brother in a robbery.
The RideThe Ride · 2000
The Ride
3.72000
MovieDramaTV Movie
Originally intended as a pilot for a drama series on Canadian channel Showcase, this TV movie follows the daily lives of drivers for an urban cab company.
Dead BadgeDead Badge · 1995
Dead Badge
6.81995
MovieCrimeAction
After a cop dies, his shield goes back on duty. They call it a "dead badge" - a way to honor a fallen officer. Badge #2424 used to belong to Many Torres - a cop who died of a heroin O.D. Now it belongs to Dan Sampson... and it's haunting him.
Sharks' TreasureSharks' Treasure · 1975
Sharks' Treasure
5.31975
MovieAdventure
Eccentric charter skipper Jim Carnahan and his team of hard-luck dreamers battle sharks, bandits and their own greed to recover sunken treasure
The Puppet MastersThe Puppet Masters · 1994
The Puppet Masters
5.81994
MovieHorrorScience Fiction
The Midwest USA is invaded by stingray-shaped alien slugs that ride on people's backs and control their minds in order to spread their dominion. Government agency reps Sam Givens, Andrew Nivens, and Mary Sefton must stop the aliens.
Witless ProtectionWitless Protection · 2008
Witless Protection
4.52008
MovieComedyAction
When a small-town sheriff witnesses what he believes to be an attempted kidnapping, his effort to save the beautiful damsel in distress sets him down a wild path of comic mishap.
5 Card Stud5 Card Stud · 1968
5 Card Stud
6.21968
MovieWesternMystery
After a card shark is caught cheating, he is taken out and lynched by the drunkards he was playing against. Soon afterwards, the men who were in the lynch mob start being murdered, one after another; all by hanging.
Homicide: The MovieHomicide: The Movie · 2000
Homicide: The Movie
6.92000
MovieDramaCrime
Retired police lieutenant Al Giardello is running for mayor when he is suddenly shot at a press conference. All of the detectives, past and present, clamor for an opportunity to help find the shooter.
In Self DefenseIn Self Defense · 1987
In Self Defense
6.01987
MovieTV MovieThriller
A witness is terrorized by the killer against whom she testified.
Raid on EntebbeRaid on Entebbe · 1976
Raid on Entebbe
6.01976
MovieDramaThriller
Based on a true operation by Israeli commandos. An Air France flight is hijacked by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. The airplane landed in Uganda. The terrorists released some passengers, keeping 94 Jews and 12 air crew hostage. The Israeli government would not negotiate. A rescue plan was devised, and less than 100 commandos were flown across Africa to rescue the passengers in surprisingly successful operation.
DrumDrum · 1976
Drum
5.31976
MovieHistoryAction
A mid-19th century mulatto slave is torn between his success as a pit-fighter and the injustices of white society.
Blue CollarBlue Collar · 1978
Blue Collar
7.31978
MovieDramaCrime
Fed up with mistreatment at the hands of both management and union brass, and coupled with financial hardships on each man's end, three auto assembly line workers hatch a plan to rob a safe at union headquarters.
Two If by SeaTwo If by Sea · 1996
Two If by Sea
5.01996
MovieComedyRomance
Frank O'Brien, a petty thief, and his 7-year-long girlfriend Roz want to put an end to their unsteady lifestyle and just do that last job, which involves stealing a valuable painting. Frank takes Roz to an island on the coast of New England, where he wants to sell the painting and also hopes that their sagging relationship will get a positive push back up. Not everything goes as planned.
A House Divided: Denmark Vesey's RebellionA House Divided: Denmark Vesey's Rebellion · 1982
A House Divided: Denmark Vesey's Rebellion
7.01982
MovieHistoryDrama
Story of Denmark Vesey, who was raised as a slave but bought his freedom. He organized a plot to seize the city and free the black slaves, but this failed and he and others were hanged. Set in Charleston in 1822.
Bond 1973: The Lost DocumentaryBond 1973: The Lost Documentary · 1973
Bond 1973: The Lost Documentary
6.01973
MovieDocumentary
Original 1973 short promotional documentary on the making of the 8th James Bond movie Live and Let Die (1973).
King Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry CohenKing Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry Cohen · 2018
King Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry Cohen
6.42018
MovieDocumentary
A feature-length documentary focusing on the acclaimed work and eclectic career of maverick filmmaker Larry Cohen, writer-director of "Black Caesar," "It's Alive," "God Told Me To," "Q," "The Stuff," and many more.

TV Shows

Law & OrderLaw & Order · 1990
Law & Order
7.31990
SeriesCrimeDrama
In cases ripped from the headlines, police investigate serious and often deadly crimes, weighing the evidence and questioning the suspects until someone is taken into custody. The district attorney's office then builds a case to convict the perpetrator by proving the person guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Working together, these expert teams navigate all sides of the complex criminal justice system to make New York a safer place.
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny CarsonThe Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson · 1962
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
7.51962
Series
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson is a talk show hosted by Johnny Carson under The Tonight Show franchise from 1962 to 1992. It originally aired during late-night. For its first ten years, Carson's Tonight Show was based in New York City with occasional trips to Burbank, California; in May 1972, the show moved permanently to Burbank, California. In 2002, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was ranked #12 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
Murder, She WroteMurder, She Wrote · 1984
Murder, She Wrote
7.51984
SeriesMysteryCrime
An unassuming mystery writer turned sleuth uses her professional insight to help solve real-life homicide cases.
BonanzaBonanza · 1959
Bonanza
7.51959
SeriesWestern
The High-Sierra adventures of Ben Cartwright and his sons as they run and defend their ranch while helping the surrounding community.
The A-TeamThe A-Team · 1983
The A-Team
7.51983
SeriesComedy
A fictional group of ex-United States Army Special Forces personnel work as soldiers of fortune while on the run from the Army after being branded as war criminals for a "crime they didn't commit."
MannixMannix · 1967
Mannix
6.81967
SeriesCrime
Mannix is an American television detective series that ran from 1967 through 1975 on CBS. Created by Richard Levinson and William Link and developed by executive producer Bruce Geller, the title character, Joe Mannix, is a private investigator. He is played by Mike Connors. Mannix was the last series produced by Desilu Productions.
Hawaii Five-OHawaii Five-O · 1968
Hawaii Five-O
7.21968
SeriesDrama
Hawaii Five-O is an American police procedural drama series produced by CBS Productions and Leonard Freeman. Set in Hawaii, the show originally aired for 12 seasons from 1968 to 1980, and continues in reruns. Jack Lord portrayed Detective Lieutenant Steve McGarrett, the head of a special state police task force which was based on an actual unit that existed under martial law in the 1940s. The theme music composed by Morton Stevens became especially popular. Many episodes would end with McGarrett instructing his subordinate to "Book 'em, Danno!", sometimes specifying a charge such as "murder one".
Hill Street BluesHill Street Blues · 1981
Hill Street Blues
7.61981
SeriesDramaCrime
A realistic glimpse into the daily lives of the officers and detectives at an urban police station.
Daniel BooneDaniel Boone · 1964
Daniel Boone
7.01964
SeriesWestern
Daniel Boone is an American action-adventure television series starring Fess Parker as Daniel Boone that aired from September 24, 1964 to September 10, 1970 on NBC for 165 episodes, and was made by 20th Century Fox Television. Ed Ames co-starred as Mingo, Boone's Cherokee friend, for the first four seasons of the series. Albert Salmi portrayed Boone's companion Yadkin in season one only. Dallas McKennon portrayed innkeeper Cincinnatus. Country Western singer-actor Jimmy Dean was a featured actor as Josh Clements during the 1968–1970 seasons. Actor and former NFL football player Rosey Grier made regular appearances as Gabe Cooper in the 1969 to 1970 season. The show was broadcast "in living color" beginning in fall 1965, the second season, and was shot entirely in California and Kanab, Utah.
Homicide: Life on the StreetHomicide: Life on the Street · 1993
Homicide: Life on the Street
8.11993
SeriesMysteryDrama
An American police procedural chronicling the work of a fictional version of the Baltimore Police Department's Homicide Unit.
The Big ValleyThe Big Valley · 1965
The Big Valley
6.21965
SeriesWesternDrama
The Big Valley is an American western television series which ran on ABC from September 15, 1965, to May 19, 1969. The show stars Barbara Stanwyck, as the widow of a wealthy nineteenth century California rancher. It was created by A.I. Bezzerides and Louis F. Edelman, and produced by Levy-Gardner-Laven for Four Star Television.
seaQuest DSVseaQuest DSV · 1993
seaQuest DSV
7.11993
SeriesSci-Fi & Fantasy
In the early 21st century, mankind has colonized the oceans. The United Earth Oceans Organization enlists Captain Nathan Bridger and the submarine seaQuest DSV to keep the peace and explore the last frontier on Earth.
GunsmokeGunsmoke · 1955
Gunsmoke
6.71955
SeriesWestern
Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The central character is lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, played by William Conrad on radio and James Arness on television.
American PlayhouseAmerican Playhouse · 1982
American Playhouse
6.61982
SeriesDramaComedy
American Playhouse is an anthology television series periodically broadcast by Public Broadcasting Service in the United States.
The High ChaparralThe High Chaparral · 1967
The High Chaparral
6.81967
SeriesWesternDrama
The High Chaparral is an American Western-themed television series starring Leif Erickson and Cameron Mitchell which aired on NBC from 1967 to 1971. The series, made by Xanadu Productions in association with NBC Productions, was created by David Dortort, who had previously created the hit Bonanza for the network. The theme song was also written and conducted by Bonanza scorer David Rose, who also scored the two-hour pilot.
The New Alfred Hitchcock PresentsThe New Alfred Hitchcock Presents · 1985
The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents
7.21985
SeriesDramaMystery
The New Alfred Hitchcock Presents is an American anthology series that aired on NBC from 1985 to 1986, and on the USA Network from 1987 to 1989. The series is an updated re-imagining of the classic 1955 series Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
Night GalleryNight Gallery · 1970
Night Gallery
7.81970
SeriesSci-Fi & FantasyMystery
Rod Serling narrates an anthology of fantasy, horror and sci-fi stories from a set resembling a macabre museum. A chilling work of art serves as the connective link between the stories.
The Name of the GameThe Name of the Game · 1968
The Name of the Game
7.01968
SeriesSci-Fi & Fantasy
The Name of the Game is an American television series starring Tony Franciosa, Gene Barry, and Robert Stack that ran from 1968 to 1971 on NBC, totaling 76 episodes of 90 minutes. It was a pioneering wheel series, setting the stage for The Bold Ones and the NBC Mystery Movie in the 1970s. The show had an extremely large budget for a television series.
TarzanTarzan · 1966
Tarzan
6.91966
SeriesDrama
Tarzan is a series that aired on NBC from 1966 – 1968. The series portrayed Tarzan as a well-educated character, one who, tired of civilization, had returned to the jungle where he had been raised. The show retained many of the trappings of the classic movie series, including Cheeta, while excluding other elements, such as Jane, as part of the "new look" for the fabled apeman that producer Sy Weintraub had introduced in previous motion pictures starring Gordon Scott, Jock Mahoney, and Mike Henry. CBS aired repeat episodes the program during the summer of 1969.
Father Dowling MysteriesFather Dowling Mysteries · 1989
Father Dowling Mysteries
7.41989
SeriesComedyCrime
Father Dowling is a sleuthing parish priest from Chicago who investigates baffling crimes
The Trials of Rosie O'NeillThe Trials of Rosie O'Neill · 1990
The Trials of Rosie O'Neill
5.81990
SeriesDrama
The Trials of Rosie O'Neill is an American television drama series, which aired on CBS from 1990 to 1992. The show stars Sharon Gless as Fiona Rose "Rosie" O'Neill, a lawyer working in the public defender's office for the City of Los Angeles. The show marked the return of Gless to series television after her Emmy-winning run on Cagney & Lacey. "Rosie" was produced by Cagney & Lacey producer Barney Rosenzweig, whom Gless married in 1991. Despite the show's brilliant writing and production, it did not sustain a sizable audience, and was canceled by CBS in 1992. Each episode opens with Rosie talking with her therapist, whose face was never seen on camera. Rosie had been at the receiving end of an unwanted divorce, after her attorney husband had an affair. The advertisement for the series which appeared in TV Guide the night the series debuted told the story as follows: "I'm 43 and divorced. He got our law practice, the Mercedes, and the dog. It's only fair that I should be angry. I really liked that dog." The show's cast also included Dorian Harewood, Ron Rifkin, Georgann Johnson, Lisa Rieffel, and Robert Wagner. Season 2 saw two new cast additions: Ed Asner joined the cast as the cantankerous Kovac, a retired cop hired by Rosie's law firm as one of their investigators. David Rasche was cast in a recurring dramatic role as Patrick Ginty, Rosie's ex-husband who was often referred to but never seen in the first season. Adding Asner to the regular cast squeezed out Dorian Harewood, who was billed as "Special Guest Star" in all season 2 episodes.
Doctors' HospitalDoctors' Hospital · 1975
Doctors' Hospital
7.01975
SeriesDrama
Doctors' Hospital is an American medical drama that ran on NBC during the 1975–1976 season.
Cowboy in AfricaCowboy in Africa · 1967
Cowboy in Africa
6.01967
Series
Cowboy in Africa was an American Broadcasting Company television series produced during 1967-1968 by Ivan Tors and featuring Chuck Connors as the main actor. A 1966 television pilot show featuring Hugh O'Brian as Jim Sinclair, made into a movie and released to cinemas, was named Africa - Texas Style.
HaremHarem · 1986
Harem
5.01986
SeriesDrama
A two-part minseries about a beautiful woman who, at the turn of the century, is kidnapped and sold into a Turkish harem where, as she struggles to protect her life and virtue, she becomes embroiled in the historical tensions and sensuous decadence of the times.