Actor Yaphet Kotto, known for roles in "Alien" and "Live and Let Die," has died at 81

Yaphet Kotto, the actor known for his role in "Alien" and as James Bond villain Mr. Big in "Live and Let Die," has died at age 81, his wife announced on Facebook. "He died last night around 10:30pm Philippine time. This is a very painful moment for me to inform you all fans, friends and family of my husband," Tessie Sinahon wrote.

It's unclear what caused Kotto's death. He was born in New York City in 1939 and, by age 16, was studying at Actors Mobile Theater Studio. He made his stage debut at age 19 in "Othello."