23 Fascinating Facts About Richard Kiel

Richard Kiel was born on September 13, 1939.

Richard Kiel, the legendary actor known for his role as Jaws in the James Bond films, was born on September 13, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan. His towering height of 7 feet 2 inches made him instantly recognizable.

He started his career as a nightclub bouncer.

Before making it big in Hollywood, Kiel worked as a bouncer at a popular nightclub in Los Angeles. Little did he know that this job would open the door to his future in the entertainment industry.

Richard Kiel portrayed the iconic villain Jaws in the James Bond franchise.

Perhaps his most famous role, Kiel played the henchman Jaws in the James Bond films “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977) and “Moonraker” (1979). With his metal teeth and intimidating presence, Jaws became one of the most memorable Bond villains of all time.

He appeared in over 40 films throughout his career.

Richard Kiel’s acting credits go beyond his portrayal of Jaws. He appeared in numerous films, including “Happy Gilmore” (1996), “Force 10 from Navarone” (1978), and “Pale Rider” (1985), showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Richard Kiel also had a successful television career.

Not limiting himself to the big screen, Kiel made several guest appearances on popular TV shows such as “The Twilight Zone,” “The Wild Wild West,” and “The A-Team.” His imposing stature and distinctive voice made him a sought-after character actor.

He was an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.

Being born with acromegaly, a condition that caused his extraordinary height, Kiel became an advocate for people with disabilities. He used his platform to raise awareness and promote inclusivity.

Richard Kiel made a cameo appearance in the film “Tangled.”

In a nod to his iconic role as Jaws, Kiel made a cameo appearance as the character Vlad in Disney’s animated film “Tangled” (2010). It was a delightful surprise for both his fans and new generations of moviegoers alike.

He wrote an autobiography titled “Making It Big in the Movies.”

Sharing his experiences and the challenges he faced in the film industry, Kiel penned his autobiography, “Making It Big in the Movies.” In the book, he provided insights into his life and career that delighted his fans.

Richard Kiel was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry, Kiel received his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in It was a well-deserved accolade for his remarkable career.

He was known for his kindness and humility.

Despite his imposing figure, Richard Kiel was known for his kind-hearted nature and down-to-earth personality. He always took the time to interact with his fans and was grateful for their support throughout the years.

Richard Kiel passed away on September 10, 2014.

The world mourned the loss of this beloved actor when Richard Kiel passed away on September 10, 2014, in Fresno, California. His legacy lives on through his memorable performances and the impact he made on the entertainment industry.

He appeared in several commercials.

Besides his work in films and television, Richard Kiel also made appearances in commercials. His commanding presence and unique voice made him a sought-after spokesperson in the advertising world.

Richard Kiel’s iconic smile was his trademark.

With his distinctive metal teeth as Jaws, Richard Kiel’s smile became an iconic symbol of his character. It added to the villain’s menace and contributed to the lasting impact of his role in the James Bond franchise.

He was a talented voice actor.

Alongside his on-screen performances, Kiel lent his voice to various animated projects. He provided his deep, resonating voice to characters in shows like “Inspector Gadget” and “The Fairly OddParents,” showcasing his versatility as a performer.

Richard Kiel was a loving family man.

Behind the scenes, Kiel’s greatest joy came from his family. He was a devoted husband and father, always cherishing the time spent with his loved ones away from the spotlight.

He enjoyed interacting with his fans at conventions.

Richard Kiel was a regular presence at conventions and fan expos, where he delighted in meeting his fans and sharing stories from his career. He appreciated the loyalty and support of his fanbase and made sure to reciprocate it.

Richard Kiel had a successful career as a voice-over artist.

In addition to his on-screen and voice acting roles, Kiel also found success as a voice-over artist. His deep, distinctive voice was featured in commercials, video games, and animated projects, adding his unique touch to each performance.

He was involved in charity work.

Kiel used his platform to make a positive impact on the world by supporting charitable causes. He devoted his time and resources to organizations focused on helping children and those in need.

Richard Kiel’s role as Jaws almost didn’t happen.

Initially, Kiel’s character Jaws was only intended for a single appearance in “The Spy Who Loved Me.” However, due to his popularity and the strong reception to the character, Jaws returned in “Moonraker” and became an integral part of the Bond franchise.

He appeared in a music video with the band Duran Duran.

Kiel made a cameo appearance in Duran Duran’s music video for their hit song “All You Need Is Now” (2010), sharing the screen with the iconic band and adding his unique presence to the visual storytelling.

Richard Kiel was a celebrated motivational speaker.

Inspired by his life experiences and the challenges he overcame, Kiel became a renowned motivational speaker. His speeches emphasized the importance of perseverance, kindness, and embracing one’s uniqueness.

He had a love for car racing.

Off-screen, Kiel had a passion for car racing. He enjoyed the adrenaline rush and the thrill of being behind the wheel, showcasing his adventurous spirit and love for speed.

Richard Kiel’s legacy lives on through his iconic roles.

The legacy of Richard Kiel continues to live on through his iconic roles and the impact he made during his career. His larger-than-life presence and memorable performances have solidified his place in cinematic history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Richard Kiel was a fascinating individual who left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. From his iconic role as Jaws in the James Bond franchise to his towering height of 7 feet 2 inches, Kiel’s presence was truly unforgettable. Throughout his career, he showcased his versatility as an actor, transitioned into voice acting, and even dabbled in writing.But perhaps what made Richard Kiel truly remarkable was his genuine personality and the way he connected with his fans. Despite his intimidating stature, he was known for being down-to-earth and approachable. He embraced his unique physical attributes and used them to bring memorable characters to life.Richard Kiel’s legacy will continue to live on, not only through his notable filmography but also through the impact he had on those who had the privilege of knowing him personally or experiencing his performances. His work will always be celebrated, and his influence will forever be felt in the world of entertainment.

FAQs

1. How tall was Richard Kiel?

Richard Kiel stood at an impressive height of 7 feet 2 inches, making him one of the tallest actors in Hollywood.

2. What was Richard Kiel’s most famous role?

Richard Kiel is best known for his role as Jaws, the iconic henchman, in the James Bond films “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977) and “Moonraker” (1979).

3. Did Richard Kiel only act in movies?

No, Richard Kiel also ventured into voice acting, lending his distinctive voice to various animated characters in films and television shows.

4. Did Richard Kiel write any books?

Yes, Richard Kiel authored the book “Making It BIG In the Movies” where he shared his experiences and insights into the entertainment industry.

5. Was Richard Kiel approachable despite his intimidating appearance?

Yes, despite his towering height and imposing presence, Richard Kiel was known for being friendly, approachable, and always willing to interact with his fans.