Richard Kiel dies in Fresno hospital aged 74

Bond villain Richard Kiel has died in hospital in Fresno, California, on September 10 at the age of 74.

Richard Kiel played steel-toothed villain Jaws in two James Bond films, The Spy Who Loved Me in 1977 and Moonraker in 1979.

A spokeswoman for Saint Agnes Medical Center confirmed Richard Kiel’s death, but did not reveal the cause.

The 7ft 2in actor also appeared in the sports comedy Happy Gilmore, starring Adam Sandler, in 1996.

Richard Kiel made his name as cable-chomping henchman Jaws opposite Roger Moore as 007.

Roger Moore said he was “totally distraught” at the death of his co-star.

“We were on a radio program together just a week ago,” said Roger Moore.

The former Bond star added: “[I] can’t take it in.”

The character of Jaws in The Spy Who Loved Me was originally intended to die at the end of the movie, but he was so popular with fans that Richard Kiel was brought back to reprise the role in Moonraker.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Richard Kiel had the hormonal condition acromegaly, which was said to have contributed to his height.

His first break came in 1959 when he played the alien Kanamit in Twilight Zone.

Richard Kiel published an autobiography in 2002, called Making It Big In The Movies.

His many other acting roles included deadly assistant Voltaire in the 1960s TV series The Wild, Wild West; playing opposite William Shatner in the 1970s TV sitcom Barbary Coast; taking on the lead character of Eli Weaver in the movie The Giant of Thunder Mountain; and spoofing his most famous role as “Famous big guy with silver teeth” in the movie version of Inspector Gadget.

In recent years, Richard Kiel also spent much of his time touring the world and appearing at conventions to meet Bond fans.