Richard Kiel
Personal details
  • Born:
    • Birthday: 1939-09-13
    • Born Place: Detroit, Michigan, USA
  • Deathday:

    2014-09-10

  • Also Known As:

    李察基路, Richard Dawson Kiel

Richard Kiel

Richard Kiel (1939–2014) was an American actor renowned for his towering presence and distinctive roles in film and television. Standing at 7 feet 2 inches, Kiel's imposing stature made him a memorable figure in the entertainment industry. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Kiel's early life was marked by acromegaly, a condition leading to excessive growth. Before embarking on his acting career, he held various jobs, including nightclub bouncer and cemetery plot salesman. His acting debut came in the early 1960s, and he quickly became known for playing villains and henchmen, often cast for his formidable size and presence. Kiel's most iconic role was that of "Jaws," the steel-toothed antagonist in two James Bond films: The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979). Despite his character's menacing appearance, Jaws became a fan-favorite due to his unexpected charm and resilience. Beyond the Bond series, Kiel appeared in numerous films, including Silver Streak (1976), The Longest Yard (1974), and Pale Rider (1985). He also voiced the character Vlad in Disney's animated film Tangled (2010). In his later years, Kiel faced health challenges, including a severe head injury from a car accident in 1992, which affected his balance and led him to use a motorized scooter. Despite these challenges, he remained active in the entertainment community, attending fan events and conventions. Kiel passed away on September 10, 2014, just three days shy of his 75th birthday, at St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno, California, due to heart disease.

Person History