brings word today that former James Bond villain Richard Kiel, who played the metal-toothed “Jaws,” has passed away at the age of 74. His death was confirmed by Saint Agnes Medical Center, where he was a patient, as well as his agent, Steven Stevens. The cause of death is unclear at this time.
Despite being most well known for playing the giant henchman in the “Bond” films, Kiel had a long career in television as well including work on the original “The Twilight Zone,” “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” “Gilligan’s Island,” and “The Wild Wild West.” He was even cast as The Incredible Hulk in the 1977 series before being replaced by Lou Ferrigno, though still visible for one sequence in the show’s pilot.
Kiel was also known for playing Mr. Larson in the Adam Sandler comedy Happy Gilmore, but his work in the “Bond” franchise was what many fans knew him for most. Originally appearing in 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me, Kiel reprised the role of the silent foe two years later in Moonraker as well as in a few Bond video games including Everything or Nothing and 007 Legends.
He is survived by his wife Diane Rogers, four children, and nine grand children.
