Richard Kiel
Actor
About Richard Kiel
Richard Dawson Kiel was an American actor whose towering 7'1.5" stature made him one of cinema's most recognizable character actors. Born in Detroit in 1939, Kiel began his career with the cult classic 'Eegah' (1962), playing a prehistoric giant, which typecast him in roles as villains and imposing figures. His breakthrough came with his iconic portrayal of Jaws in the James Bond films 'The Spy Who Loved Me' (1977) and 'Moonraker' (1979), where his steel-toothed character became one of the franchise's most memorable villains. Beyond Bond, Kiel appeared in numerous television series including 'The Wild Wild West,' 'Barney Miller,' and 'The Incredible Hulk.' He also had memorable film roles in 'Silver Streak' (1976) and 'Happy Gilmore' (1996). In his later years, Kiel authored an autobiography about his life and career, and he made occasional appearances at film conventions. Despite being typecast by his physical presence, Kiel brought depth and often humor to his roles, creating memorable characters that transcended simple villain stereotypes.
The Craft
On Screen
Kiel specialized in physical presence and imposing screen presence, often using his height to create intimidating characters. Despite limited dialogue in many roles, he conveyed menace and occasionally comedy through body language and facial expressions. His acting approach emphasized physical comedy in later roles, particularly in 'Happy Gilmore,' where he parodied his villainous typecasting.
Milestones
- Breakthrough role in Eegah (1962)
- Iconic portrayal of Jaws in James Bond films
- Extensive television career in the 1960s-1980s
- Autobiography publication 'Making It Big in the Movies' (2002)
- Cult following among film enthusiasts
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Nominated
- Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor (1978) for The Spy Who Loved Me
Special Recognition
- Cult film icon status
- Hollywood Walk of Fame consideration (not realized)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Richard Kiel's portrayal of Jaws revolutionized the concept of henchmen in action films, creating a character so popular that he was brought back for a second Bond film despite originally being intended as a one-off villain. His character's transformation from pure villain to anti-hero in 'Moonraker' influenced how action films developed supporting antagonists. Kiel became a pop culture icon, with his Jaws character appearing in numerous parodies, references, and merchandise. His work helped establish the template for physically imposing villains who could evolve beyond simple evil.
Lasting Legacy
Richard Kiel left an indelible mark on cinema as one of the most recognizable character actors of his generation. His Jaws character remains one of the most beloved villains in James Bond history, and his performance influenced how physically imposing actors were cast in Hollywood. Beyond Bond, Kiel's work in cult films like 'Eegah' earned him a dedicated following among B-movie enthusiasts. His autobiography and convention appearances helped preserve the stories of Hollywood's character actors, ensuring their contributions to cinema history were not forgotten. Kiel demonstrated that physical typecasting could be overcome with memorable performances that transcended stereotypes.
Who They Inspired
Kiel influenced subsequent generations of tall actors in Hollywood, showing that physical presence could be a powerful tool for creating memorable characters. His success with Jaws paved the way for other character actors to receive more developed roles in action franchises. His ability to find humor in his typecasting influenced how actors approached similar limitations, turning potential career constraints into strengths. Many contemporary actors have cited Kiel's work as inspiration for playing physically imposing characters with depth and personality.
Off Screen
Richard Kiel was married twice and had four children. He faced health challenges throughout his life, including acromegaly which contributed to his height. In later years, he suffered from mobility issues due to a head injury sustained in a 1992 car accident. Kiel was known for his gentle nature off-screen, contrasting with his intimidating on-screen persona.
Education
Attended Michigan State University briefly before pursuing acting
Family
- Faye Daniels (1960-1973)
- Diane Rogers (1974-2014)
Did You Know?
- Stood 7 feet 1.5 inches tall, one of the tallest actors in Hollywood history
- Originally cast as the Incredible Hulk in the TV series but replaced by Lou Ferrigno
- The metal teeth for Jaws were so painful that he could only wear them for short periods
- His voice was dubbed in 'The Spy Who Loved Me' because producers wanted a more menacing sound
- Made a cameo as himself in the video game 'Night Trap' (1992)
- Was a licensed private pilot
- His autobiography details his struggles with acromegaly
- Appeared in over 80 films and television shows during his career
- The Jaws character was originally written to die in the first film but was kept due to popularity
- Was considered for the role of Chewbacca in Star Wars but lost to Peter Mayhew
In Their Own Words
'I'm known for a character who never says a word, but people still recognize me all over the world.' - On his Jaws character
'Being tall has been both a blessing and a curse, but it's certainly been a meal ticket.' - On his typecasting
'I never thought I'd be famous for having steel teeth and trying to kill James Bond.' - On his signature role
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Richard Kiel?
Richard Kiel was an American actor best known for his 7'1.5" height and his iconic role as Jaws in the James Bond films. He had a career spanning five decades, appearing in numerous films and television shows, often typecast as villains or imposing figures due to his stature.
What films is Richard Kiel best known for?
Kiel is most famous for playing Jaws in 'The Spy Who Loved Me' (1977) and 'Moonraker' (1979). Other notable films include 'Eegah' (1962), 'Silver Streak' (1976), and 'Happy Gilmore' (1996). He also appeared extensively in television series throughout the 1960s-1980s.
When was Richard Kiel born and when did he die?
Richard Kiel was born on September 13, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, and died on September 10, 2014, in Fresno, California, just three days before his 75th birthday.
What awards did Richard Kiel win?
While Richard Kiel didn't receive major industry awards, he was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'The Spy Who Loved Me' in 1978. His greatest recognition came from his cult following and the enduring popularity of his Jaws character.
What was Richard Kiel's acting style?
Kiel specialized in physical presence and imposing screen presence, using his height to create intimidating characters. Despite often having limited dialogue, he conveyed emotion through body language and facial expressions, later incorporating physical comedy to parody his typecasting.
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Films
1 film
