Richard Kiel is an actor with an estimated net worth of $20 million.
Quick Facts
| Net Worth | $20 million |
| Birthdate | September 13, 1939 |
| Age | 79 |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Gender | Male |
| Profession | Actor |
| Nationality | American |
Overview
Richard Kiel was an American actor best known for his role as the imposing villain Jaws in two James Bond films, “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977) and “Moonraker” (1979). He was a towering figure at 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 meters) tall, a fact that was frequently incorporated into his roles in movies and television. Kiel was also a gifted musician, composer, and singer, as well as a talented artist. His career spanned several decades, and he appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions.
Early Life
Richard Kiel was born in Detroit, Michigan, on September 13, 1939. He was the son of a furniture maker and a homemaker. Kiel grew up in a large family with eight siblings. Due to his height, Kiel had a challenging time in school, as he stood out significantly from his peers. He was a natural athlete, but his size hindered his participation in some sports. After graduating from high school, Kiel went on to study at the University of Southern California, where he majored in art. He continued to pursue his musical talents by studying music at the university as well.
Career
Richard Kiel’s career took off in the late 1960s and early 1970s, starting with roles in television shows like “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” (1964-1968) and “The Wild Wild West” (1965-1969). His towering height and distinctive physical presence made him a popular choice for roles as villains and menacing figures. His breakthrough role came in 1977 when he was cast as Jaws in the James Bond film, “The Spy Who Loved Me.” He reprised this role in the 1979 sequel, “Moonraker,” cementing his status as a pop culture icon.
Career Highlights
| 1977 | “The Spy Who Loved Me” – Jaws |
| 1979 | “Moonraker” – Jaws |
| 1985 | “Silverado” |
| 1994 | “The Simpsons” – The voice of Mr. Burns |
| 2002 | “The Santa Clause 2” – Santa’s “Big Elf” |
Personal Life
Richard Kiel was married three times and had four children. He was known for his kind and gentle personality, often surprising people with his wit and humor despite his intimidating appearance. Kiel was a devout Christian and a strong advocate for the disabled. He was also a dedicated musician, composer, and singer, and he used his platform to promote music education. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
Net Worth Details
Richard Kiel’s net worth was estimated to be $20 million at the time of his death. He earned his wealth through his successful acting career in film, television, and stage. He also made money from his musical endeavors, including composing and performing.
Conclusion
Richard Kiel left a lasting legacy on the entertainment industry. He was a talented and versatile actor, musician, and artist who touched the lives of many with his captivating personality and performances. He will be remembered for his iconic role as Jaws in the James Bond films and for his contributions to numerous other films, television shows, and stage productions. Kiel’s enduring popularity as Jaws and his contributions to the world of entertainment have solidified his place in pop culture history.
