Yaphet Kotto dead: James Bond villain and Alien star passes away aged 81

Actor Yaphet Kotto has died.

Actor Yaphet Kotto has died at the age of 81. The villain of James Bond film Live and Let Die and celebrated sci-fi flick Alien, had passed away according to a statement shared to his official Facebook page,

Yaphet was best known for his roles as technician Dennis Parker in Alien and as an adversary to Roger Moore's James Bond.

He was a hugely popular actor throughout the 80s and 90s, starring in NBC's Homicide: Life on the Street, The Running Man, Blue Collar and Midnight Run.

A statement posted by Yaphet's wife read: "I'm saddened and still in shocked of the passing of my husband Yaphet of 24 years.

Roger Moore, Yaphet Kotto, Julius W Harris and actress Jane Seymour, on the set of Live And Let Die.

"He died last night around 10:30pm Philippine time."

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The statement continued: "This is a very painfall [sic] 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."

The statement adds, "You still have plan to release your book and build a religious organisation based on Yogananda's Teachings.

"You played a villain on some of your movies but for me you're a real hero and to a lot of people also.

Yaphet Kotto will be much missed.

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"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!"

His film debut came in 1963, when aged 23 he had an uncredited role in 4 For Texas.

This led to a supporting role in the 1968 version of The Thomas Crown Affair and an episode of Hawaii Five-0.

Yaphet landing the villain role in James Bond movie Live and Let Die elevated him to a new level and made him famous across the globe.