It is with great sadness that we report another loss of one of the actors who starred in the original classic, Alien. Yaphet Kotto, who played ‘Parker’ in Ridley Scott’s 1979 film has died at age 81. His passing was announced by Tessie Sinahon, his wife of 24 years, in a Facebook post.
“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 Kotto as ‘Parker’ aboard the Nostromo
After getting his start in stage acting on Broadway, Kotto had a prominent role as the main villian in the 1973 James Bond 007 film, ‘Live and Let Die,’ and would go on to star in Alien come 1979.
He expressed how important his role in Alien was to him, and how significant the film was for representation of African Americans and Women.
“It’s very moving for me, this movie means so much to me, I cannot tell you, and to the world, it’s a classic… I was now known all throughout the world. The movie opened the door up for women, never before in the history of movies had we seen a heroic woman do what Sigourney did. It was the first time an African American had been seen in a role like that… And so today we see women and African Americans in those heroic roles because of this man right here. Thank you, Ridley. God bless you.”
-TIFF Dialogues, 2003
Through the years Kotto had quite a number of film and television roles, including starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 film ‘The Running Man.’
He’ll be remembered fondly by fans for the charming friendship of his character with fellow engineer, Brett, as well as his heroic attempt to save Lambert from the Alien.
Yaphet Kotto and Harry Dean Stanton, who played Brett, were friends outside of Alien’s production as well.
“Harry and I are friends, man. OK? And our friendship goes beyond the normal… Look, just imagine two guys from Woodstock deciding to go make a movie, and now you know who Harry and I are. We come from a different scene of life. If you know what Woodstock was doing, where they were at, then you know Harry and I are together even though we’re not together. Ridley knew what we were going to do and where we were coming from.”
–SyFy Wire, 2015
Kotto reprised his role as Parker in the 2014 video game Alien: Isolation, lending his likeness and voice acting to the game. It would be his final acting role.
Yaphet Kotto as ‘Parker’ in Alien: Isolation (2014), Model by Jack Perry
Charles de Lauzirika, who produced the Alien Quadrilogy and Anthology home releases, shared on Twitter regarding Kotto’s passing:
Yaphet Kotto could make every scene crackle. He was a force of nature in many roles, and certainly as Parker in ALIEN. But I also loved the more poker-faced side of him, such as Mosely in MIDNIGHT RUN, as well. A terrific actor. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/4cngkwSpz8
— Charles de Lauzirika (@Lauzirika) March 16, 2021
His cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Yaphet is survived by his third wife, Tessie Sinahon, and his six children from previous marriages. The thoughts of the Alien vs. Predator Galaxy staff and community go out to Kotto’s family and friends. Rest in Peace, Yaphet.
Great username, thanks for the giggle in these trying times.
R.I.P. sir.
He's not convinced the company isn't gonna find a way to screw him and Brett out of their shares.
Man, the cast of Alien have basically been my family since 1979. This hurts.
RIP
Also loved how he argued with ridley to change his parts and trying to make his charachter to survive or die differently and coming with ideas all the time
Maybe off topic but in one scene where parker and brett is repairing the ship and have ripley there and Parker have the steam running as they talk and it ends with ripley going to the bridge and then Parker turns off the steam and becomes silent, being disapointed/upset and brett asking whats wrong? Then Parker turns on the steam again. What was that about? Seen some say it was him hitting on ripley and she turned it down but I dont see that but then again what was that scene about?
https://variety.com/2021/film/news/yaphet-kotto-sigourney-weaver-alien-1234932837/
RIP sir.
RIP, Yaphet.
Loved him in Homicide too.
This sadly reminds of the bit in the Alien documentary thats about the time Ridley is constantly trying to evade Yaphet on set who only wants to speak to him to convince him that he's not gonna die in a certain scene lol...
Rest in peace.
Not the time for jokes man, and he was more than just a "character"
Cool movie, and a f**king great soundtrack ! Yaphet Kotto is really good in this one.
I knew him also from running man movie where he was as superb in his acting together with arnold.
Sad day and gonna be missed, RIP Kotto/Parker, hope you get to be with Brett and work out that bonus situation and get full bonus like everyone else and go home and party up there in heaven.
Hmm so:
Kane died first
Brett
then Ash
Now Parker
so that means if we follow directors cut: run Lambert, I fear she is next :O
Certain movies greatly benefit from having actors who are very 'rewatchable' in them, and ALIEN definitely falls into that catagory with the likes of Yaphet Kotto amongst it's terrific cast.
I've never seen it, but I recently ordered a copy of the 1972 'Harlem gangsters' movie ACROSS 110th STREET, purely because I found out he was in it. While Yaphet's defining performance will always be 'Parker' for me, I will now give it a viewing tonight in his memory. Here's it's theme as a tribute to him, which some of you may recall from Quentin Tarantino's JACKIE BROWN - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOg_8hCC4u4
R.I.P. Yaphet.
Sad that we're at a point now where we're losing great people from the films.
RIP Yaphet/Parker.
I just woke up .. Running man...not recall.
R.I.P.
RIP Yaphet Kotto
Sadly the crew of the Nostromo are slipping away one by one.
Rest in Peace Yaphett.
Alien and Live and Let Die are some of my favorite films. Parker and Dr. Kananga are great and charismatic characters.
Hope you and Brett can finally get that Bonus situation up there.
Rest well dear Yaphet. You'll be missed but not forgotten.