Making It Big in the Movies

by Richard Kiel

As "Jaws, " Richard Kiel took on James Bond in both "The Spy Who Loved Me" and "Moonraker." With a seven-foot-three physique and a mouth full of steel teeth, this startling villain proved to be so popular in his first appearance that the character returned for a second tilt at 007 -- becoming a hero in the process. Although he is most famous as James Bond's archenemy, Richard Kiel is also an accomplished screen actor, writer, and producer, who has worked in almost every area of the movie business. In this revealing autobiography, Kiel tells the story of his career, from his early prop and stunt work, through his roles in classic TV series like "The Man from U.N.C.L.E., " "The Wild Wild West, " and "The Twilight Zone, " to his work in films as varied as "The Nutty Professor, " "Silver Streak, " and "Pale Rider."

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2002

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

"My career would be catapulted to new levels of as producers would cast me in many exciting roles in films and commercials because of my success as 'Jaws' in the James Bond films." -- on page 12

Unfortunately, there's not really much excitement in this crudely-written and/or perfunctory acting autobio. Kiel first gained Hollywood employment in various villainous supporting roles in low-budget sci-fi flicks (the kind that later provided much fodder for Mystery Science Theater 3000) as well as numerous popular TV series (The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Wild, Wild West, and The Monkees) during the 1960's due to his unusual towering 7-ft 2-in height. His success, however, arrived in the late 1970's with his two appearances as the henchman 'Jaws' in the 007 blockbusters The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker, leading to a handful of other parts in other A-list films such as Clint Eastwood's western Pale Rider. However, Kiel does not give nearly enough behind-the-scenes time to those movies which made him famous - which is likely what most readers are here for - and the result is a lackluster book. (For example, younger generations would recognize him as the comic foil in Adam Sandler's comedy hit Happy Gilmore, but that movie barely receives a paragraph of page time.) One pleasant aspect were brief recollections of experiences working with legendary luminaries such as longtime Bond producer Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli or actor/director Eastwood, who were both depicted as gentlemen in a business which has grown increasingly sketchy in the ensuing decades.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so blessed to have this man as a personal friend. His heart is the true giant here. A candid, real peek behind the movie screen. Richard, we miss you but rejoice that you no longer walk on red carpets but rather, streets of gold.
We shall one day re-unite.