Date of Birth: September 13, 1939
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: September 10, 2014
Biography
Richard Dawson Kiel was an American actor, voice actor, and author, best known for his role as the menacing yet memorable villain “Jaws” in the James Bond films “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977) and “Moonraker” (1979). Born in Detroit, Michigan, Kiel’s towering height of 7 feet 1.5 inches (217 cm) due to acromegaly contributed to his distinctive screen presence. Prior to his acting career, Kiel worked in various jobs, including a nightclub bouncer and a cemetery plot salesman. Kiel’s breakthrough came when he was cast as the steel-toothed Jaws, a role that made him an iconic figure in pop culture. Beyond James Bond, he appeared in several other films and TV shows, including “The Longest Yard” (1974), “Silver Streak” (1976), and the TV series “The Wild Wild West” (1965-1969). Kiel also provided the voice for Vlad in Disney’s animated film “Tangled” (2010). Despite his fearsome screen persona, Kiel was known to be a kind and gentle individual off-screen. He co-authored an autobiography titled “Making It Big in the Movies,” where he shared insights into his life and career. Kiel passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a unique contribution to the entertainment industry.
5 Interesting Facts about Richard Kiel
1. Richard Kiel’s character Jaws was so popular that the producers brought him back for a second James Bond film, “Moonraker.”
2. He turned down the role of the Hulk in the 1970s TV series because he felt the role required more than just physical presence.
3. Kiel suffered a severe head injury in 1992, which affected his balance and mobility, leading him to use a cane or scooter in his later years.
4. He co-wrote and starred in the 1991 family film “The Giant of Thunder Mountain.”
5. Kiel was a devout Christian and often spoke about his faith publicly.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Richard Kiel
1. “To be a good villain, you have to understand what motivates your character.”
2. “I found that the best way to connect with an audience is to be genuine and true to yourself.”
3. “Playing Jaws was a great experience, and I’m grateful for the fans who still remember the character fondly.”
4. “Acting is about bringing a part of yourself to the role, no matter how different the character is from you.”
5. “Faith and family have always been the cornerstones of my life.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Richard Kiel’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Richard Kiel had four children: Richard Jr., Chris, Jennifer, and Bennett.
Relevant Links
1. [Richard Kiel IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001423/
2. [Richard Kiel Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Kiel
3. [Richard Kiel Interview on Playing Jaws](https://www.007.com/jaws-actor-richard-kiel-interview/
5. [Richard Kiel’s Role in “Tangled”](https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/movies/Tangled/Vlad/
