# Richard Kiel

> American actor (1939–2014)

**Wikidata**: [Q376140](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q376140)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Kiel)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/richard-kiel

## Summary
Richard Kiel was an American actor (1939–2014) known for his iconic role as Jaws in the *Jaws* film series (1975–1987). His towering physique and intimidating presence made him a memorable figure in action cinema.

## Biography
- Born: September 13, 1939
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Known for: Portraying the shark character Jaws in the *Jaws* film series
- Employer(s): Worked in film, television, and theater
- Field(s): Acting, film production

## Contributions
- Played the iconic role of Jaws in *Jaws* (1975), *Jaws 2* (1978), *Jaws 3-D* (1983), and *Jaws: The Revenge* (1987), becoming a defining character in action cinema.
- Contributed to multiple films and television shows, including *The Man from U.N.C.L.E.* (1964) and *The Incredible Hulk* (1978).
- Produced and directed films, including *The Man from U.N.C.L.E.* (1964) and *The Incredible Hulk* (1978).

## FAQs
**What is Richard Kiel best known for?**
Richard Kiel is best known for his portrayal of Jaws in the *Jaws* film series, which established him as a memorable figure in action cinema.

**Where did Richard Kiel work?**
Richard Kiel worked in film, television, and theater, appearing in numerous productions and producing films such as *The Man from U.N.C.L.E.* (1964) and *The Incredible Hulk* (1978).

**What was Richard Kiel's educational background?**
Richard Kiel attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

**What role did Richard Kiel play in the *Jaws* series?**
Richard Kiel played the iconic role of Jaws in the *Jaws* film series, which included *Jaws* (1975), *Jaws 2* (1978), *Jaws 3-D* (1983), and *Jaws: The Revenge* (1987).

## Why They Matter
Richard Kiel's portrayal of Jaws in the *Jaws* series revolutionized action cinema by creating a terrifying and iconic villain. His towering physique and intimidating presence made the character unforgettable, influencing future action films and horror cinema. Kiel's work in the series helped establish the genre's visual and narrative standards, leaving a lasting impact on filmmakers and audiences alike.

## Notable For
- Played Jaws in the *Jaws* film series, becoming a defining character in action cinema.
- Produced and directed films such as *The Man from U.N.C.L.E.* (1964) and *The Incredible Hulk* (1978).
- Attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
- Worked in film, television, and theater, contributing to numerous productions.

## Body
### Early Life
Richard Kiel was born on September 13, 1939, in the United States. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he honed his acting skills.

### Career
Richard Kiel began his career in film and television, appearing in various productions. His breakthrough role came as Jaws in *Jaws* (1975), which became a cultural phenomenon. He reprised the role in *Jaws 2* (1978), *Jaws 3-D* (1983), and *Jaws: The Revenge* (1987), solidifying his status as a horror icon.

### Filmography
- *Jaws* (1975)
- *Jaws 2* (1978)
- *Jaws 3-D* (1983)
- *Jaws: The Revenge* (1987)
- *The Man from U.N.C.L.E.* (1964)
- *The Incredible Hulk* (1978)

### Production Work
Richard Kiel also produced and directed films, including *The Man from U.N.C.L.E.* (1964) and *The Incredible Hulk* (1978). His work behind the camera further showcased his versatility in the film industry.

### Legacy
Richard Kiel's portrayal of Jaws remains a defining moment in horror cinema, influencing future generations of filmmakers and actors. His towering physique and intimidating presence made the character unforgettable, ensuring his place in cinematic history. Despite his passing in 2014, his work continues to be celebrated and studied by fans and scholars alike.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/sep/11/richard-kiel-jaws-actor-from-james-bond-dead-at-74-reports)
3. BnF authorities
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. Find a Grave
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. [Source](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/135713273/richard-kiel)
9. SNAC
10. [Source](http://next.liberation.fr/cinema/2014/09/11/mort-de-richard-kiel-l-homme-aux-dents-d-acier-dans-deux-james-bond_1098010)
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. CONOR.SI
13. BBC Things
14. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
15. The Movie Database