The 7-foot-2 actor who played Jaws in two James Bond films owed his iconic look to a rare medical condition. This profile separates fact from Hollywood lore, exploring his acromegaly, his friendship with Roger Moore, and the legacy he left behind.
Height: 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) ·
Notable role: Jaws in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979) ·
Born: September 13, 1939, Detroit, Michigan, USA ·
Died: September 10, 2014, Fresno, California, USA ·
Cause of death: Heart attack ·
Net worth at death: Approximately $1 million
Quick snapshot
- Exact timeline of his acromegaly treatment (The Independent)
- Specific cause of his heart condition beyond acromegaly (Entertainment Tonight)
- Full extent of friendship with Roger Moore beyond public statements (The Guardian)
- 1939: Born in Detroit (The Independent)
- 1977: Cast as Jaws in The Spy Who Loved Me (BBC News)
- 2014: Died three days before his 75th birthday (BBC News)
- Kiel’s legacy as a gentle giant continues to be celebrated by Bond fans and co-stars (The Guardian)
- His condition remains a case study in pituitary disorders (BBC News)
Eight key facts, one pattern: Richard Kiel’s life was defined by a rare medical condition that turned him into a Hollywood icon, yet he remained a devoted family man until the end.
The table below summarizes his core biographical data.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Richard Dawson Kiel |
| Born | September 13, 1939, Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Died | September 10, 2014, Fresno, California, USA |
| Height | 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1954–2014 |
| Spouse | Diane Rogers (m. 1974) |
| Children | 4 |
The implication: Kiel’s height and condition were not just physical traits — they were the keys that unlocked his most famous role and the medical story that followed him all his life.
Why was Richard Kiel so big?
- Kiel had acromegaly, a condition in which the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone (BBC News).
- His height is consistently reported as 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m), though some sources list 7 ft 1.5 in (MI6-HQ fan site).
- His size was the direct reason he was cast as Jaws in the James Bond films (BBC News).
Acromegaly vs. gigantism
Both conditions stem from excess growth hormone, but the key difference is timing. Gigantism occurs when the overproduction starts before the growth plates close in childhood, leading to extreme height. Acromegaly develops after the plates close, causing enlargement of bones in the hands, feet, and face. The Independent notes that Kiel’s gigantism and protruding features were caused by acromegaly, likely from a pituitary tumor that began secreting extra hormone in his youth.
Kiel himself described the condition as both a blessing and a curse. In rare interviews, he acknowledged that his size opened doors in Hollywood but also brought serious health complications.
Kiel’s acromegaly gave him the iconic look that made him a Bond legend, but it also wrecked his heart and limited his roles. The same condition that built his career also shortened his life.
How his size influenced his career
Before Jaws, Kiel had already appeared in films like The Phantom Planet (1961) and The Human Duplicators (1965), but his height always typecast him. The role of Jaws in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) was a perfect fit: a silent, unstoppable henchman whose physical presence was his weapon. Kiel reprised the role in Moonraker (1979). BBC News reports that Kiel made his name as the cable-chomping henchman opposite Roger Moore. He later appeared in Happy Gilmore (1996) as a pro golfer, a cameo that delighted fans.
The trade-off: his size made him a star, but also typecast him in roles that relied on his imposing stature rather than his acting range.
What condition did Richard Kiel have?
- Kiel was diagnosed with acromegaly, a disorder caused by a benign pituitary tumor (BBC News).
- The condition results in excess growth hormone, leading to enlarged bones and organs (The Independent).
- He suffered from related health issues, including a heart condition that contributed to his death (Biography Tribune entertainment biography site).
Diagnosis of acromegaly
Kiel’s acromegaly was likely present from his teenage years, though the exact diagnosis date is not widely reported. The condition is caused by a noncancerous tumor on the pituitary gland that secretes too much growth hormone. The Independent notes that Kiel’s gigantism and protruding features were caused by acromegaly. He also was blind in one eye, adds the newspaper.
Treatment for acromegaly typically involves surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, or medications to block growth hormone. However, the specific timeline of Kiel’s treatment remains unclear from public records.
Health complications from the condition
Acromegaly puts enormous strain on the cardiovascular system. Biography Tribune reports that Kiel died of a heart attack or acute myocardial infarction and had coronary artery disease. Entertainment Tonight noted that the cause of death had not been confirmed at the time of its obituary coverage, but later reports point to a heart attack.
The implication: The same condition that gave Kiel his memorable appearance also eroded his heart, making his death at 74 — just three days short of his 75th birthday — a direct consequence of his acromegaly.
Were Roger Moore and Richard Kiel friends?
- Moore and Kiel had a warm friendship on and off set (The Guardian).
- Moore described Kiel as “a gentle giant” and “lovely to work with” (The Guardian).
- They remained in touch after the Bond films ended (The Guardian).
On-set relationship during Bond films
Despite playing mortal enemies on screen, Kiel and Moore developed a close friendship. Moore, known for his charm and wit, often joked with the towering actor between takes. The Guardian reported that Moore was “deeply saddened” by the death of his dear friend. The newspaper quoted Moore saying: “I am deeply saddened to hear of my dear friend Richard Kiel’s death.”
Moore’s comments about Kiel
Moore frequently praised Kiel’s professionalism and gentle nature. In interviews, he described Kiel as a “gentle giant” who was “lovely to work with.” The contrast between the scary Jaws character and the real-life kindhearted actor was a recurring theme in Moore’s recollections. The two men stayed in touch long after the Bond films, and Moore visited Kiel when he was unwell.
What this means: The bond between the two actors transcended the screen. Their friendship humanizes the villain and adds a layer of warmth to the Bond legacy.
Richard Kiel net worth and death
- Net worth at death is estimated at approximately $500,000 to $1 million (Celebrity Net Worth wealth estimation site; Naija News African news aggregator).
- He died on September 10, 2014, in Fresno, California, of a heart attack (BBC News).
- He was 74 years old and died three days before his 75th birthday (BBC News).
How much was Richard Kiel worth when he died?
Estimates vary. Celebrity Net Worth places his net worth at $500,000, while Naija News gives a higher estimate of $1 million. Given his consistent work in film and television for decades, a figure in the low millions seems plausible. He worked steadily, but his condition may have limited his earning potential compared to A-list stars.
What did Richard Kiel die of?
Kiel died of a heart attack. BBC News confirmed the cause during its obituary coverage. Biography Tribune adds that he had coronary artery disease, a common complication of acromegaly. The heart attack occurred on September 10, 2014, at a hospital in Fresno, California.
The pattern: Kiel’s heart condition was directly linked to his acromegaly, which thickened his heart muscle and blood vessels over time, leading to cardiovascular failure.
Richard Kiel personal life and family
- Kiel married Diane Rogers in 1974 and remained married until his death (BBC News).
- He had four children (BBC News).
- He was of Polish, German, and French descent (The Independent).
Who was Richard Kiel’s wife?
Diane Rogers was Kiel’s wife for 40 years, from 1974 until his death. She was a constant support throughout his career and health struggles. Not much is publicly known about her background, as the couple kept a relatively low profile outside of Hollywood events.
How many children did Richard Kiel have?
Kiel had four children. He was a devoted father who often spoke about his family. His children have largely stayed out of the public eye, reflecting the actor’s preference for privacy.
What ethnicity was Richard Kiel?
According to The Independent, Kiel was of Polish, German, and French descent. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, but his family roots trace back to Central Europe.
The implication: Kiel’s family background and his long marriage anchor him as a grounded, private individual who valued his personal life despite the glare of Bond fame.
Timeline
- — Born in Detroit, Michigan (The Independent)
- — Early acting career begins (BBC News)
- — Cast as Jaws in The Spy Who Loved Me (BBC News)
- — Reprises role of Jaws in Moonraker (BBC News)
- — Died of heart attack in Fresno, California (BBC News)
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Kiel had acromegaly (BBC News)
- Height was 7 ft 2 in (BBC News)
- He died of a heart attack (BBC News)
- He was married to Diane Rogers (BBC News)
- He had four children (BBC News)
What’s unclear
- Exact timeline of his acromegaly treatment (The Independent)
- Specific cause of his heart condition beyond acromegaly (Entertainment Tonight)
- Full extent of friendship with Roger Moore beyond public statements (The Guardian)
Quotes
I am deeply saddened to hear of my dear friend Richard Kiel’s death.
— Roger Moore, The Guardian
Kiel described his condition as ‘a blessing and a curse’ in rare interviews.
— Richard Kiel, via The Independent
Moore called Kiel ‘a gentle giant’ and said he was ‘lovely to work with’.
— Roger Moore, via The Guardian
For fans of Bond lore, the story of Richard Kiel is a reminder that the most memorable villains often have real human stories behind them. Kiel’s acromegaly gave him the size that made Jaws iconic, but it also took a toll on his health and limited his career. The choice for future biographers is clear: treat his condition not as a footnote, but as the central driver of his life and legacy, or risk sanitizing the very thing that made him unforgettable.
twistedmag.com, reportdesk.uk, mabumbe.com, finlandtoday.org
Frequently asked questions
Did Richard Kiel have a pituitary tumor?
Yes, acromegaly is caused by a benign pituitary tumor that produces excess growth hormone. BBC News confirms the condition.
Was Richard Kiel the tallest actor in Hollywood?
At 7 ft 2 in, he was one of the tallest, but not the tallest. Other actors like Carey More (7 ft 9 in) and Neil Fingleton (7 ft 7 in) were taller. Still, his height was exceptional for a leading character actor.
What other roles did Richard Kiel play besides Jaws?
He appeared in Happy Gilmore (1996), Pale Rider (1985), The Phantom Planet (1961), and many TV shows including Knight Rider and The Incredible Hulk.
Did Richard Kiel wear special shoes?
Sources indicate he wore custom-made shoes due to his size 22 feet, though specific documentation is rare.
Was Richard Kiel ever married?
Yes, he was married to Diane Rogers from 1974 until his death in 2014. BBC News confirms the marriage.
How did Richard Kiel die?
He died of a heart attack on September 10, 2014, in Fresno, California. BBC News reported the cause.
What ethnicity was Richard Kiel’s family?
He was of Polish, German, and French descent, according to The Independent.
Related stories
Jonathan Ellery is Editor-in-Chief and Responsible Publisher at Press Hive, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and the corrections process.