The great character actor - Yaphet Kotto

[nativeNY63]

Usually played the heavy or enforcer!
Always intelligent!
Could handle any trouble come his way!
Was everywhere in late 60's -70's!
One contemporary, legendary Bill Duke!

Discuss.

[sansradio]

Yes, Mr. Kotto was always a charming, magnetic, powerful force in any project in which he appeared. Six words: that death scene in Truck Turner. Holla if you hear me!

*Side note: This thread would probably be better suited for the Clubhouse, since it doesn't involve soul music.*

[mr_june]

He was great in Alien.

[sansradio]

Isn't he literally descended from Cameroonian royalty? He was also raised Jewish. Fascinating guy.

[Jerry Oz]

I recall an episode of a weekly documentary series that wanted to make a point about racism. They made it by having Yaphet Kotto dressed in a business suit in downtown New York City trying to hail a taxi. Time after time, the taxi drivers drove 100 feet past him to pick up a white guy who was dressed in very casual clothes, all the time unaware that the guy that they passed on was a world famous and classically trained actor and the guy the picked up was a paroled murderer. That had nothing to do with his career, which was truly remarkable, but it said something about him that he cared enough to participate in the experiment.

[RanRan79]

I recall an episode of a weekly documentary series that wanted to make a point about racism. They made it by having Yaphet Kotto dressed in a business suit in downtown New York City trying to hail a taxi. Time after time, the taxi drivers drove 100 feet past him to pick up a white guy who was dressed in very casual clothes, all the time unaware that the guy that they passed on was a world famous and classically trained actor and the guy the picked up was a paroled murderer. That had nothing to do with his career, which was truly remarkable, but it said something about him that he cared enough to participate in the experiment.

That's a powerful experiment!!

[sansradio]

^That is deeper than deep.

Also, two more words...Blue Collar. A woefully unsung masterpiece with Oscar-worthy performances from its leads: Kotto, Harvey Keitel, and, in arguably his dramatic finest hour, Richard Pryor.

[Jerry Oz]

Blue Collar was good. I think it shook some people when they saw Richard Pryor in a serious role. And yes, like many of Yaphet Kotto's roles, he stood out with a strong performance.

[ralpht]

Didn't he play Idi Amin in a TV special?

[Jerry Oz]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7vvDjr2v9s

[ralpht]

Thank you, Jerry.