Richard Kiel

Biography

Richard Dawson Kiel (born September 13, 1939 – died September 10, 2014) was an American actor renowned for his cinematic roles. He gained widespread recognition for portraying the character Jaws, a formidable adversary with steel teeth, in the iconic James Bond films The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979). Additionally, he played Mr. Larson in the comedy Happy Gilmore. Kiel's impressive filmography includes other significant works such as The Longest Yard (1974), Silver Streak (1976), Force 10 from Navarone (1978), Cannonball Run II (1984), Pale Rider (1985), and Tangled (2010). Towering at 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 m) and wearing size 19 4E shoes, he often depicted either menacing villains or gentle giants in his roles. In his personal life, Kiel was married to Diane Rogers from 1974 until his passing in 2014. Together, they raised four children and welcomed nine grandchildren into their family. Richard Kiel's distinctive stature and memorable performances have left a lasting mark in the film industry, making him a beloved figure among fans of classic cinema.