"James Bond" star Richard Kiel died Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the age of 74. The 7-foot-2 actor was known for his role as the villain Jaws in the "Bond" films "The spy Who Loved Me" (1977) and "Moonraker" (1979).
According to USA Today, Kiel died at St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno, Calif. one week after he was hospitalized for breaking his leg. His rep, Steve Stevens, did not confirm the report but said the actor died from "natural causes."
"A giant man has now left the stage," said Stevens in a statement to USA Today. "Richard Kiel was a giant talent, a great family man and he was also a giant friend."
Kiel went on to play other villainous roles such as an alien in the 1962 "Twilight Zone" episode "To Serve Man," a hitman in the 1976 comedy "Silver Streak" and Voltaire in "The Wild, Wild West." He also played Adam Sandler's boss in "Happy Gilmore."
Despite his many roles as bad guys, Stevens told USA Today that Kiel loved interacting with his fans.
"His fans loved him and he loved them right back," the rep said. "He was so sensitive and so caring for this huge man who played this villain."
On Wednesday his family confirmed the death via a statement on Facebook.
"It is with heavy hears that we announce that Richard has passed away, just three days shy of his 75th birthday. Richard had an amazing joy for life and managed to live every single day to the fullest. Though most people knew of him through his screen persona, those who were close to him knew what a kind and generous soul he was," the statement said. "It's so nice to think that he can, once again, stand tall over us all."fa
