Richard Kiel

Biography

Richard Kiel was an American actor known for his towering height of 7'1" and his memorable roles as intimidating villains in film and television. He began his career in the late 1950s with minor roles, including an appearance as the alien "Kanamit" in the classic "The Twilight Zone" episode "To Serve Man" and in the cult film "Eegah" (1962). Kiel gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of the steel-toothed henchman "Jaws" in the James Bond films "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977) and "Moonraker" (1979). His character's popularity led to a brief resurgence in his career, although he later transitioned to writing and producing, including the family film "The Giant of Thunder Mountain" (1991). Kiel published his autobiography, "Making it BIG in the Movies," in 2002. He was married and had a unique physical presence that shaped his acting career.