For the many millions of us who were addicted to those James Bond movies, who among us can ever forget that memorable monster, Richard Kiel – who has just died at age 74?
Mr. Kiel was 7 feet 2 inches tall.
He played the part of a metal-mouthed assassin with a heart of gold in "The Spy Who Loved Me" and "Moonraker."
In real life, he was a proud born-again Christian and a recovered alcoholic.
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He is survived by his wife, who is 5 feet 1 inch, and four children.
Kiel told one producer:
"I really didn't want to do it, as it was a monster part. If I were to play the role, I'd give him some human characteristics: perseverance, frustration, those kind of things."
One reviewer noted that this strategy was beyond anyone's imagining. His epic, bumbling confrontation with Bond on trains, on planes and in space are the few moments of hilarity in the 23-film franchise. And he was the only bad guy brought back by popular demand.
"I had convinced the producer that Jaws should have some characteristics that were human to counteract the steel teeth," Kiel said. "I guess I overdid it – because I became too likeable to kill off."
The Washington Post reported, "Born in Detroit in 1939, Kiel grew tall as the result of acromegaly, a hormonal condition that causes gigantism. At age 14, he was 6 feet 7 inches tall. …
"Jaws terrorized women and killed people by biting them, Dracula-style. But he often gave over to the ridiculous. …
"Kiel took punches from Moore that had no effect. A construction site fell on him, and he survived. He drove a boat off of a waterfall, and he survived. He ripped the hood off of a car with his bare hands. He stopped a bullet with his metal teeth. He bit through locks and wires. He bit a shark to death. …
"Kiel credited Moore with his success.
"'He's a good friend,' Kiel said. 'And he allowed my character to steal scenes and become fun.'"
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