The Jaw-Dropping Secrets Behind the Man Who Played Jaws: Why Richard Kiel Almost Became The Hulk!

Richard Kiel, the towering 7-foot-2 actor known for his unforgettable role as the steel-toothed villain Jaws in the James Bond films, has a story that goes beyond his iconic portrayal. While most fans know Kiel from his menacing presence alongside Roger Moore in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979), few realize that Kiel almost took on a different legendary role — The Incredible Hulk.

In 1977, when casting began for the Hulk TV series, Kiel was considered the perfect candidate due to his immense size. Alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, he was a front-runner for the role. However, Schwarzenegger was deemed too short for the part, and Kiel’s height made him an ideal choice. The producers hired him to film two Hulk movies as pilots for the TV series.

Although Kiel was set to play the green-skinned hero, his time as the Hulk was brief. Despite his stature, the producers decided that they wanted someone with a more muscular build to portray the Hulk. Lou Ferrigno, a professional bodybuilder, ultimately replaced Kiel. Kiel’s struggle with the green makeup and a challenging prosthetic contact lens, which irritated his eyes, also made the role difficult for him. Nevertheless, Kiel wasn’t bitter about being replaced, even recalling in later interviews that he was relieved to step away from the part.

Despite missing out on the Hulk, Richard Kiel’s career flourished. Beyond his Bond villain fame, Kiel made memorable appearances in The Twilight Zone, Gilligan’s Island, and later in comedies like Happy Gilmore (1996), where he charmed audiences as the gentle giant Mr. Larson. His versatility in both villainous and comedic roles solidified his reputation as more than just a physical presence.

Kiel’s personal life was equally fascinating. He was married twice, and despite his imposing size, his second wife Diane, who was just over five feet tall, humorously said they “saw eye to eye on many things.” The couple had four children and remained married for 40 years until his passing.

Kiel’s acting career was filled with diverse roles, but Jaws remains his most iconic. While he only appeared in two Bond films, the character became beloved by fans, and his steel teeth became one of the franchise’s most memorable props. Kiel himself contributed to Jaws’ appeal, suggesting that the character have more depth than just a brute force with killer teeth. This human touch — combined with his eventual on-screen romance in Moonraker — made Jaws a fan favorite.

Though Kiel passed away in 2014, his legacy in film and television remains monumental. From his near miss with the Hulk to his role as one of Bond’s greatest villains, Kiel’s career was as towering as the man himself.

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Richard Kiel, Jaws From James Bond

1. He Almost Played The Hulk
   Richard Kiel, known for his massive stature, was initially cast as the Hulk in the 1977 The Incredible Hulk TV series. However, after a few days of filming, producers decided that Kiel didn’t have the muscular build they were looking for and replaced him with Lou Ferrigno. Kiel wasn’t too upset about being let go, as the green makeup and uncomfortable contact lenses made the role a challenge..
2. He Suffered From Acrophobia
   Despite his intimidating size and his action-packed roles, Kiel had a fear of heights. This condition, called acrophobia, made filming some of his scenes in The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker challenging. For the more dangerous stunts, a body double was used in his place to perform the high-altitude scene.
3. He Created the Depth Behind Jaws
   While Kiel’s role as Jaws in the James Bond films may be remembered for his steel teeth and intimidating presence, it was actually his idea to add depth to the character. Kiel suggested that Jaws not only be a brute but also have human emotions like frustration and perseverance, which made the character more relatable and popular with audiences.
4. Jaws’ Teeth Were Extremely Uncomfortable
   Kiel’s signature look as Jaws involved wearing metal dentures. However, these teeth weren’t made of steel but acrylic. Despite this, they were still incredibly uncomfortable. Kiel could only wear them for short periods because they caused a gagging reflex, which added to the character’s stoic demeanor.
5. He Turned Down the Role of Chewbacca
   Before landing the role of Jaws, Kiel was offered the part of Chewbacca in Star Wars. However, he turned it down, concerned about being typecast as a monster and disliking the idea of wearing a hot, uncomfortable suit for extended periods. This decision allowed Peter Mayhew to take on the legendary role.
6. He Played a Key Role in a Famous Twilight Zone Episode
   Before he became famous as Jaws, Kiel appeared in one of the most iconic episodes of The Twilight Zone. In the episode titled “To Serve Man,” he played an alien with a massive head, serving as the face of one of the series’ most memorable twist endings.
7. He Was Blind in One Eye
   Richard Kiel was blind in one eye from birth, which created challenges for him on set. For example, in the Hulk TV series pilot, the contact lenses he had to wear were particularly bothersome, causing vision problems that added to his discomfort during filming.

Though Richard Kiel passed away in 2014, his roles in film and TV left an indelible mark, from his iconic portrayal of Jaws to his brief but memorable role in The Twilight Zone. His versatility as both a fearsome villain and a comedic actor showcased his unique talents and unforgettable presence on screen.