Who Is Richard Kiel? Age, Biography and Wiki
Richard Kiel, born on September 13, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, was an American actor and author best known for his towering presence and memorable roles in popular films and television shows. With a career spanning several decades, Kiel became a cultural icon, most notably for his portrayal of the iconic villain "Jaws" in the James Bond films "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977) and "Moonraker" (1979). Sadly, Kiel passed away on September 10, 2014, leaving behind an impressive legacy that continues to impact the entertainment industry.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 13, 1939 |
| Age | 74 Years |
| Birth Place | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 10 September, 2014 |
| Died Place | Fresno, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Richard Kiel's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Richard Kiel was renowned for his extraordinary height, standing at an impressive 7 feet 1.5 inches (2.17 meters). His large stature contributed to his roles as a menacing figure in numerous films. Kiel's weight varied throughout his life, with reports indicating he weighed approximately 350 pounds (159 kg) during his prime.
His extraordinary height was a result of gigantism, a condition caused by an excess of human growth hormone. When he was nine years old, his family moved to Los Angeles County, California, where Kiel graduated from Baldwin Park High School.
Current Relationship Status
As Richard Kiel passed away in 2014, he is remembered as a devoted husband and father, with his legacy living on through his children.
Kiel's first marriage was to Faye Daniels in 1960. They divorced in 1973. One year later he married Diane Rogers; their marriage lasted for 40 years, until his death. They had four children and nine grandchildren. Despite being 2 ft taller than his second wife, she described their mutual attraction as "We see eye to eye on so many things."
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2014, Richard Kiel's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. His wealth was primarily generated through his extensive acting career, including numerous film roles, television appearances, and public appearances. Though he often played supporting roles, Kiel became a household name due to his distinctive look and talent, which allowed him to command higher fees for acting gigs and endorsements.
Business Ventures
Kiel was known to dabble in endorsements and had various business dealings related to his personal brand and image. Additionally, he demonstrated a unique interest in alternative healing practices, which he explored later in his life.
Social Network
While active on social media during his lifetime, Richard Kiel had a significant following due to his film roles and engaging personality. He often connected with fans and shared insights into his life and career on platforms like Twitter and Instagram. His official pages remain active to honor his contributions to the film industry and keep his memory alive among fans.
Although earlier roles had offered him little dialogue, his role in Happy Gilmore (1996) was quite the opposite. As Mr. Larson, Happy Gilmore's former employer, Kiel exchanges several one-liners with both Adam Sandler's Happy and Christopher McDonald's Shooter McGavin.
Kiel took a quieter profile after Happy Gilmore's release, but left semi-retirement to record a role for Tangled (2010). In the acclaimed animated Disney film, he portrayed Vlad, a surprisingly softhearted thug who collects ceramic unicorns.
Education
Kiel attended an unnamed high school where he first became interested in acting and drama. He later participated in bodybuilding and studied at various institutions, enhancing his skills both physically and as a performer. The visibility he gained through his towering height prompted many to recognize his potential in Hollywood.
Before becoming an actor, Kiel worked in several jobs, including as a door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesman, a nightclub bouncer, and as a cemetery plot salesman. From 1963 to 1965, Kiel worked as a night-school mathematics instructor at the William B. Ogden Radio Operational School in Burbank, California.
