In Memory of James Bond Actor Richard "Jaws" Kiel: 10 Years After His Tragic Death

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It's been ten years since actor Richard Kiel died tragically of a what's been documented as a possible acute myocardial infarction or possible heart attack. He was best known as the beloved villain "Jaws" in the James Bond 007 feature film franchise, and he was only 74 years when he passed away. This is his story.

A Closer Look

Richard Dawson Kiel was born on September 13, 1939, in Detroit. At eight years old, he moved with his to Los Angeles, where his parents operated an appliance store.

Following high school graduation, Kiel held several odd jobs, including a nightclub bouncer, and a cemetery plot salesman. As he recalled in 1985 on Late Night With David Letterman, he also worked as a door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman.

In 1957, the 7' 2" tall Kiel began his acting career in an uncredited performance in the military drama The D.I., a military drama.

After that, he was frequently cast in roles that accented his larger-than-life height including guest spots on TV shows like The Twilight Zone, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., The Wild Wild West, and The Monkees.

Monkees star Micky Dolenz once shared his memories of working with Kiel in the episode, "I Was a Teenage Monster," referring to him as a "great character actor and gentle giant."

The Big "Jaws" Break

It wasn't until 1977 that Richard Kiel received his big break as "Jaws" in the James Bond movie, The Spy Who Loved Me, opposite Sir Roger Moore.

The Jaws part was so popular, Kiel returned to the role in 1979’s Moonraker.

Other non-Bond big-screen films followed including 1979's Force 10 From Navarone, set in World War II and starring Harrison Ford and Robert Shaw; Pale Rider (1985), a somewhat mystical western starring Clint Eastwood; and the farce, Happy Gilmore (1996), starring Adam Sandler.

In 1991, Kiel wrote and produced the acclaimed family-friendly movie, The Giant of Thunder Mountain.

Sadly, the following year, Kiel was got into a car accident that affected his balance. From there on in, the actor was less mobile, and required assistance walking.

Forever "Jaws"

In 1997, Richard Kiel's Jaws character was remagined in the video game market with the release of GoldenEye 007. In 2004, he voiced his part in James Bond 007: Everything or Northing. In all, he was involved in six games.

The Lasting Impression

Off-screen, Richard Kiel was happily married for three decades to his wife Diane, with whom he had four children.

His contributions to pop-culture, before and after James Bond, will remain cherished forever by his countless fans around the world.