Der Stahlbeisser ist leider verstorben......

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Actor Richard 'Jaws' Kiel dies at 74

Richard Kiel, who played Jaws in the film Moonraker, died at 74.

Actor Richard Kiel, best known for playing metal-mouthed James Bond villain Jaws, has died at a hospital in Fresno, California. He was 74.

Kiel died yesterday at Saint Agnes Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Kelley Sánchez said. She did not reveal any further details on the cause of his death, citing patient confidentiality.

Standing 7 feet 2 inches (2.2 meters) tall, Kiel's imposing height made him one of the most recognizable villains in the James Bond film franchise, playing Jaws in 1977's "The Spy Who Loved Me" and 1979's "Moonraker" opposite Roger Moore's Bond.

"He was a very loyal friend and client for over 35 years, a terrific husband and father, and was not only a giant actor but a giant man," said Steve Stevens, Kiel's agent.

Stevens said Kiel had taken a step back from acting after he was involved in a truck accident several years ago and was faced with walking difficulties. He remained active on the autograph circuit for avid Bond fans.

Kiel's television credits include roles in 1964's "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," 1965's "The Wild Wild West" and 1975's "Barbary Coast." The Detroit native more recently appeared in 1996's "Happy Gilmore" opposite Adam Sandler, and voiced the villain Vlad in 2010's animated princess tale "Tangled."