Towering actor and voice artist famous for playing iconic villains, including James Bond's nemesis Jaws. His deep voice and imposing presence made him a memorable screen presence.
Richard Kiel, the American actor, is perhaps best known for his iconic portrayal of Jaws in the 1977 and 1979 James Bond films, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker, respectively. Standing at an impressive 7 feet 2 inches tall, Kiel's towering presence and menacing demeanor made him a staple of cinematic villainy.
Kiel's extraordinary height was a result of gigantism, a condition caused by an excess of human growth hormone. Born on September 13, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, Kiel's family moved to Los Angeles County, California, when he was just nine years old. He graduated from Baldwin Park High School and went on to work in several unconventional jobs, including as a door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman, a nightclub bouncer, and even a cemetery plot salesman.
Kiel's acting career spanned several decades, with notable roles in films like The Longest Yard (1974), Silver Streak (1976), Force 10 from Navarone (1978), Cannonball Run II (1984), Pale Rider (1985), and Tangled (2010). He also made numerous television appearances, including iconic roles in The Twilight Zone, I Dream of Jeannie, and The Wild Wild West.
Due to his towering height, Kiel was often typecast as a villain, but he brought a sense of elegance and sophistication to his roles, making him a fan favorite.
Kiel was also a skilled mathematician and taught night school mathematics at the William B. Ogden Radio Operational School in Burbank, California, from 1963 to 1965. He was also a skilled writer and co-authored several books, including an autobiography titled Making It Big in Movies.
Despite his tough on-screen persona, Kiel was known to be a gentle giant, and his kind-hearted nature earned him a special place in the hearts of his fans.
Richard Kiel's passing on September 10, 2014, left a void in the world of cinema, but his legacy lives on through his iconic performances and the memories he created for generations of film enthusiasts.
In a career spanning over five decades, Kiel proved that even the tallest of individuals can leave a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.
These are just a few of the many iconic films and television shows that have cemented Richard Kiel's place in the annals of cinematic history.
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