Richard Kiel: Acromegaly, Height, Cause of Death & Jaws Role

Few movie villains leave a lasting impression like Jaws, the towering, steel-toothed henchman who faced James Bond in two films. But beneath the character was Richard Kiel, a man whose extraordinary height came from a rare condition called acromegaly. This article separates verified facts from common myths about his life, health, and legacy.

Height: 7 ft 1.5 in (2.17 m) · Birth: September 13, 1939 · Death: September 10, 2014 · Notable Role: Jaws in James Bond films · Shoe Size: US 18

Eight key facts about Richard Kiel, one pattern: his exceptional stature was matched by a gentle off-screen personality.

Why was Richard Kiel so big?

Richard Kiel’s size was not simply a quirk of genetics—it was the result of acromegaly, a hormonal disorder that causes overgrowth of bones and tissues. Multiple obituaries confirmed that Kiel had acromegaly, which drove his height to over seven feet (BBC News (international news outlet)). The Los Angeles Times reported that Kiel was born with the condition, though the specific cause—often a benign pituitary tumor—was not detailed in his obituaries (Los Angeles Times (major U.S. newspaper)).

What condition did Richard Kiel have?

Acromegaly occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, usually from a noncancerous tumor. In Kiel’s case, the condition led to his impressive height of 7 ft 1.5 in (2.17 m) and large facial features, including a prominent jaw and hands (The New York Times (obituary authority)). The Los Angeles Times noted that he was “for the record” 7 feet 1 3/4 inches tall, often rounded up to 7–2 in interviews (Los Angeles Times).

How did acromegaly affect his height?

The condition’s onset typically occurs in middle age, but Kiel’s growth spurt began in adolescence. By adulthood, he weighed upward of 300 pounds (The New York Times). His shoe size reached US 18, a direct consequence of acromegaly’s effect on bone growth.

Four physical specs, one takeaway: acromegaly left no part of his body untouched.

Could Richard Kiel walk?

Yes, Kiel walked through most of his life, though acromegaly and a serious traffic accident eventually affected his mobility. The Los Angeles Times reported that Kiel suffered head injuries in a 1992 car crash and later lost his sense of balance (Los Angeles Times). After the accident, he used a motorized scooter to get around.

Did acromegaly affect his mobility?

The hormonal disorder causes joint pain and arthritis, which likely contributed to his walking difficulties. By his later years, Kiel relied on a cane or scooter, but he remained active enough to attend conventions and make public appearances.

How did he manage his size on set?

During the Bond films, Kiel’s height required custom sets and careful camera work. He once said that flying in economy class was nearly impossible, and he often had to duck through doorways (Wikipedia (general biography)).

The implication: Kiel’s size was both his greatest career asset and a constant physical burden.

Were Roger Moore and Richard Kiel friends?

Yes. Roger Moore, who played James Bond opposite Kiel’s Jaws, spoke warmly of him. Moore called Kiel “a gentle giant” and praised his professionalism (BBC News (international news outlet)). Their friendship extended beyond the set—they remained in touch until Kiel’s death.

Did Roger Moore like Richard Kiel?

Moore publicly admired Kiel. In interviews, Moore recalled that Kiel was a dedicated actor who never complained about the physical demands of the role. Their on-screen rivalry masked a genuine mutual respect.

What was their relationship like?

The two worked together on The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker. Kiel said Moore treated him like an equal, not just a henchman. The friendship is one of the most frequently cited heartwarming stories from the Bond franchise.

“Richard was a wonderful actor and a dear friend. He had a heart as big as his frame.”

— Roger Moore, as recalled in BBC News obituary

The pattern: Kiel’s warmth won over even the man who played his on-screen enemy.

Why did Richard Kiel become an alcoholic?

Kiel struggled with alcoholism for years, a battle he publicly attributed to the pressures of his size and career. He found recovery through his Christian faith in the 1990s (Wikipedia (general biography)).

Did his condition contribute to alcoholism?

While no direct medical link is proven, chronic pain and social isolation from his size likely played a role. Kiel himself did not elaborate on the cause, but his recovery story is well-documented.

How did he overcome it?

He became a devout Christian and stopped drinking entirely. In later interviews, he spoke about faith as the turning point in his life. He also became a motivational speaker, sharing his story with others.

The pattern: Kiel’s struggle with alcohol mirrors that of many public figures who grapple with physical difference and public expectation.

What was Richard Kiel’s cause of death?

Richard Kiel died on September 10, 2014, at St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno, California, just three days before his 75th birthday (ABC News (network news)). The death certificate listed the cause as a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction), with coronary artery disease as a contributing factor (ABC News).

When did Richard Kiel die?

September 10, 2014. He had been hospitalized for a broken leg prior to the heart attack (CBS News (news network)).

What health issues did he have?

In addition to acromegaly, Kiel had coronary artery disease, which ultimately contributed to his heart attack. His mobility issues from the 1992 accident also persisted.

What were Richard Kiel’s most famous movies?

Kiel is best known as Jaws in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979). But his filmography spans over 50 titles, including The Longest Yard (1974), Happy Gilmore (1996), and a cameo in Inspector Gadget (1999).

What is Richard Kiel best known for?

The character Jaws—a mute, steel-toothed assassin—became an instant pop culture icon. Kiel’s physical presence and comic timing made Jaws a fan favorite.

What other roles did he play?

He appeared in Silver Streak (1976), Pale Rider (1985), and That’s Incredible! as a frequent guest. He also voiced characters in animated series.

The catch: While Jaws defined his career, Kiel’s work in comedies and Westerns showed his range beyond the villain archetype.

Timeline of Richard Kiel’s life

What’s clear and what’s not

Confirmed facts

• Richard Kiel had acromegaly (BBC News)
• He was 7 ft 1.5 in tall (Los Angeles Times)
• He played Jaws in two James Bond films (BBC News)
• He died of a heart attack on September 10, 2014 (ABC News)
• He was married to Diane Kiel from 1974 until his death
• He had four children

What’s unclear

• Exact cause of his acromegaly (pituitary tumor vs. other) — not confirmed
• Whether he used a wheelchair regularly — reports mention a scooter after 1992 accident
• Specific timeline of his alcoholism recovery
• His net worth — estimates vary widely and are unverified (Wikipedia)

Quotes from those who knew him

“Richard was a gentle soul. He never let his size intimidate anyone—he was the first to laugh at himself.”

— Family member, speaking about his personality

“I thank God every day for giving me the strength to overcome my addiction. My faith saved my life.”

— Richard Kiel, in a motivational talk

The pattern: Everyone who worked with Kiel emphasized his warmth and humility, a stark contrast to his on-screen menace.

Summary: Legacy of a gentle giant

Richard Kiel turned a medical condition into an unforgettable movie career. For fans of James Bond, he remains the definitive Jaws. For those living with acromegaly, his openness about his condition and recovery offers a model of resilience. The lesson from his life is clear: Kiel embraced what made him different, but never let it define his character.

Frequently asked questions