Richard Kiel, who played the beloved James Bond villain Jaws, died on Wednesday and tributes from his co-stars have been pouring in.
Kiel reportedly broke his leg last week and was being treated at a Fresno, California hospital. According to TMZ, which first reported the news of his death, it is not known if the leg injury is linked to his death. He was 71 years old.
The actor stood 7-foot-2 and was best known for his role as Jaws in two Roger Moore James bond movies during the 1970s. He wore a pair of uncomfortable teeth to strike fear in 007 and audiences in The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker. Moore and Kiel just appeared on BBC Radio 4 to talk about working on the two movies last week.
“I am totally distraught to learn of my dear friend Richard Kiel's passing. We were on a radio programme together just a week ago. Distraught,” Moore said in a statement to The Telegraph. “Can't take it in.”
As The Daily Mail points out, a few other co-stars have rushed to Twitter to pay tribute. Carl Weathers, who appeared in Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison and Force 10 from Navarone with Kiel, tweeted, “RIP Richard Kiel. Had the pleasure to work with you twice. #BePeace.”
Barbra Eden, the star of I Dream of Jeannie, wrote, “Many fond memories of Richard Kiel, sweet man & gentle giant. My thoughts & prayers to his family & friends.”
image via Twitter from Barbara Eden
image courtesy of INFphoto.com