Richard Kiel: Actor Best Known as James Bond’s Jaws

Early life and physical characteristics

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Kiel’s unusually large stature was the result of acromegaly, a hormonal condition that contributed to his standing as an imposing figure on screen. His size shaped both the kinds of parts he was offered and his on-screen persona: formidable, often silent, and visually memorable. Over the years he softened that image by taking lighter and comedic roles that played off his reputation.

Career highlights

Kiel’s breakthrough came in the 1960s and 1970s with television appearances and then the international exposure that Bond provided. Beyond Jaws, he performed as memorable supporting characters across genres and mediums, including television work in series episodes and later voice and video game roles that tapped into his unmistakable voice. He also appeared in films and stage productions that demonstrated a broader range than the hulking types he was often cast to play.

• James Bond films: The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker
• Television guest roles, including westerns and adventure series; see episode credits via biographical sources
• Later movie and voice work, and occasional video game appearances—see filmography references at career listings

Legacy and notable facts

Kiel’s career is an example of how a distinctive physical trait can be turned into a long-lasting screen identity without preventing variety in roles. He moved from menacing henchman to sympathetic or comedic parts as his career progressed, and he remained a popular figure at fan conventions and retrospectives. He died in 2014, just days before his 75th birthday, leaving a legacy tied especially to the Bond series and to portrayals of larger-than-life character actors.

Further reading

For more on his life, performances and complete credits see compiled resources and obituaries compiled by major film reference sites: detailed filmography and curated biographies at biographical pages or industry listings at career databases.