Richard Kiel was a legendary actor known for his towering height of 7’2″. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1939. Before becoming an actor, he worked as a night club bouncer and a cemetery plot salesman.
Kiel’s early roles were in shows like “The Twilight Zone” and the cult classic “Eegah.” His big break came in 1977 with “The Spy Who Loved Me” as the iconic James Bond villain “Jaws.” He reprised the role in “Moonraker” in 1979, making him a beloved villain in the 007 franchise.
Kiel’s career was filled with memorable roles. He played everything from intimidating henchmen to giants and bayou swamp monsters. His ability to bring these characters to life won him a loyal fan base. He is remembered as one of the most iconic actors of his time.
Richard Kiel: From Bouncer to Beloved Bond Villain
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Richard Kiel, the famous actor, had a unique journey before becoming a star. He was born on September 13, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan. He was an impressive 7 feet 1.5 inches tall.
Before acting, he worked as a night club bouncer and a cemetery plot salesman. He wanted to be a lawyer but changed his mind after his father passed away when he was 19. His aunt encouraged him to act.
He started with roles in TV shows like The Twilight Zone and the film Eegah. In Eegah, he played a caveman.
Breakthrough Role as “Jaws” in The Spy Who Loved Me
In 1977, Kiel landed the role of “Jaws” in The Spy Who Loved Me. His performance made Jaws a fan favorite. He played the character again in Moonraker in 1979.
| Film | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| The Spy Who Loved Me | 1977 | Jaws |
| Moonraker | 1979 | Jaws |
Kiel’s role as Jaws made him a beloved Bond villain. It helped him succeed in the entertainment world.
The Making of an Iconic Bond Villain
Richard Kiel’s role as Jaws in The Spy Who Loved Me made Jaws unforgettable. Kiel made Jaws relatable by showing his perseverance and frustration. This made audiences root for him, much like they do for Wile E. Coyote.
Jaws’ Unique Appeal and Lasting Impact
Jaws’ survival and change in Moonraker made him even more appealing. Kiel’s portrayal of Jaws as both a threat and a sympathetic figure won fans over. This made Jaws one of the most iconic Bond villains.
Working with Roger Moore and the Bond Franchise
Kiel got along well with Roger Moore, who played Bond. Moore was supportive and a team player, unlike some Kiel had worked with before. Their collaboration showed Jaws’ lasting appeal in the Bond franchise.
| Characteristic | Jaws | Oddjob | Pepper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physique | Towering, with metal teeth | Compact, physically imposing | Slender, agile |
| Signature Weapon | Deadly metal teeth | Deadly steel-rimmed hat | Martial arts skills |
| Allegiance | Switches sides in Moonraker | Loyal henchman to Goldfinger | Loyal henchman to Kamal Khan |
Beyond Bond: Richard Kiel’s Diverse Roles
Richard Kiel is famous for his role as Jaws in the James Bond movies. But he played many other characters too. Before becoming Jaws, he was in small roles, including a memorable part in the classic Twilight Zone episode “To Serve Man. After Bond, he kept playing different characters, using his tall stature and unique look.
In the 1990 film The Giant of Thunder Mountain, Kiel showed he could do more than just villainy. He starred, co-wrote, and produced the movie. This showed he could win over audiences in a fun, family-friendly movie.
| Film | Year | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Spy Who Loved Me | 1977 | Jaws |
| Moonraker | 1979 | Jaws |
| The Giant of Thunder Mountain | 1990 | Co-writer, Producer, and Star |
| Tangled | 2010 | Cameo Appearance |
Richard Kiel took on many roles, showing his talent and adaptability. His work beyond Bond shows his drive to try new things and grow as an artist. He left a lasting impact on the entertainment world.
Richard Kiel: The Gentle Giant with a Towering Presence
Richard Kiel was a giant, standing at 7 feet and 1-and-a-half inches tall. Yet, he was known for his kind heart and warm spirit. He loved meeting his fans and made everyone feel special.
Kiel’s ability to laugh at himself and not take himself too seriously was his charm. This made him a beloved performer for many years.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Fulfillment
Kiel had to face many challenges, including a serious car accident in 1992. This accident made it hard for him to balance and move. But he never gave up and found joy in acting.
He became famous for his role as Jaws in the James Bond movies. His size and gentle nature made him unforgettable in films.
Richard Kiel never let obstacles stop him. He entertained people for over forty years, in more than sixty TV shows and twenty movies. His connection with fans made him a respected icon in Hollywood.
