Richard Kiel: Height, Acromegaly, and Bond Villain Legacy

You know the grin. The metal teeth, the silent menace, the towering frame that somehow made James Bond look like an underdog. Few movie villains have left as lasting an impression as Jaws, and the man inside the costume, Richard Kiel, lived a life as outsized as his character. This article explores the medical condition that gave him his remarkable height, the deep friendship he shared with Roger Moore, and the real numbers behind his life and death.

Height: 7 ft 1.5 in (2.17 m) ·
Born: September 13, 1939 ·
Died: September 10, 2014 ·
Known for: Jaws in James Bond films ·
Net worth at death: Reported as $500,000 ·
Spouse: Diane Kiel (m. 1974–2014)

Why was Richard Kiel so big?

Few questions follow Richard Kiel more persistently. His height was not just a physical trait — it shaped his entire career and became the foundation of his most famous role. Kiel stood 7 feet 1.5 inches tall, a figure that put him in the company of the world’s tallest actors. But the cause behind that stature is rooted in endocrinology, not genetics alone.

What condition did Richard Kiel have?

• Kiel was diagnosed with acromegaly, a hormonal disorder caused by excess growth hormone (Wikipedia).
• The condition is typically triggered by a benign pituitary tumor that continues to produce growth hormone after puberty (Birth.Movies.Death).
• Acromegaly leads to abnormal bone growth, especially in the hands, feet, and face — traits that made Kiel’s screen presence so memorable (LTC News).

Kiel’s condition was not treated until later in life. By then, the physical changes were permanent. The trade-off: his appearance, often unsettling on screen, was the direct product of a real medical condition — not makeup or prosthetics.

How tall was Richard Kiel?

Two authoritative sources give slightly different numbers. IMDb lists his height at 7 feet 2 inches (IMDb), while Wikipedia — citing multiple secondary biographies — records 7 feet 1.5 inches (2.17 m) (Wikipedia). The half-inch difference may stem from measurement methods or small variations over his lifetime. Regardless, Kiel towered above nearly every actor he shared a scene with, including 6-foot-1 Roger Moore.

That stature became his calling card. Casting directors didn’t need to look for a gentle giant — they needed a giant, period. Kiel’s height was the essential ingredient for Jaws, a character that communicated entirely through physicality.

Were Roger Moore and Richard Kiel friends?

The on-screen rivalry between James Bond and Jaws was pure fiction. Off-screen, Moore and Kiel formed a bond that lasted decades. Moore spoke warmly about Kiel in interviews, and the friendship extended beyond the film set.

Did Roger Moore like Richard Kiel?

• Moore described Kiel as “a gentle giant” and said they remained friends long after filming (MovieFanFare).
• Moore attended Kiel’s funeral in 2014, a public gesture of their closeness.

What was their friendship like?

The two actors shared meals, attended events together, and stayed in touch over the years. Kiel once recalled that Moore would make him laugh constantly on set, helping him relax between takes of intimidating scenes. The bond was genuine enough that when Kiel died, Moore issued a heartfelt statement calling him “a wonderful man.” (MovieFanFare)

“Richard was a giant in every sense of the word — a gentle, kind, and lovely man.”

— Roger Moore, as quoted in multiple obituaries

Why this matters: In an industry built on transient relationships, the Moore-Kiel friendship stands out because it crossed the boundary between professional and personal. For fans, it humanized both men — the suave Bond and the mute villain.

What was Richard Kiel’s net worth when he died?

Financial disclosures for actors from Kiel’s era are not always precise, but estimates place his net worth at around $500,000 at the time of his death (Mabumbe). That figure reflects a long career with moderate pay, not blockbuster-level earnings.

What was Richard Kiel’s cause of death?

• Kiel died on September 10, 2014, in Fresno, California (IMDb).
• Cause of death: a heart attack (IMDb).
• He had been hospitalized after breaking his leg, and complications followed (Birth.Movies.Death).

How did Richard Kiel die?

Kiel’s death came just three days before his 75th birthday. The heart attack was sudden, though his health had declined after the leg fracture. His family released a statement thanking fans for their support (Birth.Movies.Death).

Did Richard Kiel ever marry?

Yes, and his marriage was one of the most stable relationships in his life. He married Diane (née Rogers) in 1974, and they remained together until his death in 2014.

Who was Richard Kiel’s wife?

• Diane Kiel was his second wife; he had been previously married to Faye Daniels from 1960 to 1973 (Mabumbe).
• He married Diane on November 2, 1974, and they had four children together.

Did Richard Kiel have children?

Yes, four. The names of his children are not widely publicized, which Kiel and his family kept private — a choice that allowed them a degree of normalcy outside the spotlight.

The pattern: Kiel’s personal life was stable, especially compared to the turbulence that often accompanies Hollywood careers. His 40-year marriage is a testament to a man who valued family over fame.

What actor looks 30 but is 60?

This odd question occasionally surfaces around Richard Kiel because his youthful appearance in the Bond films — despite being in his late 30s when he played Jaws — often surprised viewers. Kiel was 38 when The Spy Who Loved Me premiered in 1977, and his skin and features looked younger than his years.

Is Richard Kiel known for looking younger?

Not as a defining trait, but it’s noted in passing by fans. Kiel’s height drew so much attention that his age rarely came up. That said, the question may arise from his role as Jaws, where his character’s silent, almost ageless presence made him feel timeless.

What is the Jaws character?

Jaws is a mute henchman with steel teeth, introduced in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and returning in Moonraker (1979). Created by Ian Fleming’s literary team, the character became one of Bond’s most recognizable adversaries, and Kiel’s physicality — his sheer size and menacing demeanor — made the role iconic (IMDb).

“I never thought of myself as a villain. I was just a big guy doing a job.”

— Richard Kiel, on his role as Jaws

Timeline

Confirmed facts vs. Unclear claims

Given the low research confidence on some points, it’s worth separating what is solid from what remains uncertain.

Confirmed facts

• Height of 7 ft 1.5 in (2.17 m) (Wikipedia)
• Acromegaly diagnosis (Wikipedia)
• Married Diane Kiel from 1974 to his death (Mabumbe)
• Death date and cause: heart attack on September 10, 2014 (IMDb)
• Role as Jaws in two Bond films (IMDb)

Unclear claims

• Exact net worth — estimates range from $500,000 to $1 million
• Full details of friendship with Roger Moore (only public statements exist)

What this means: The core facts of Kiel’s life are well-documented. The uncertainties revolve around financial data and private relationship nuances, which is typical for actors of his era.

“He was a kind-hearted man who never let his size define his character.”

— Family statement, 2014

Richard Kiel’s physical specs and career data

The numbers below highlight the physical and professional metrics that defined Kiel’s unique career.

The numbers tell a story: Kiel was an outlier in every dimension. Yet his career spanned genres — westerns, comedies, action — proving that his talent went beyond his size.

Frequently Asked Questions