Bond Villain Jaws (Richard Kiel) Dies at 74

One of the most recognizable Bond villains has passed away. Richard Kiel was 74.

At 7'2" Richard Kiel made quite the impression as Bond enemy Jaws, with metal teeth and a penchant for attacking Roger Moore in atypically comedic fashion. Audiences loved him so much, in fact, that he reprised his role, appearing in both "The Spy Who Loved Me" and "Moonraker."

"I had convinced the producer that Jaws should have some characteristics that were human to counteract the steel teeth," Kiel had said of his character. "I guess I overdid it - I became too likeable to kill off."

Kiel credited Moore with his success, and the two remained friends.

"He allowed my character to steal the scenes and become fun."

Kiel died on Wednesday at St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno. His cause of death has not been released.

Born in Detroit in 1939, Kiel was abnormally large as a result of acromegaly, a hormonal condition that causes gigantism. His size and acting ability made him a hot commodity in the film and television world, but Kiel also wrote and produced.

His family released this statement via Facebook:

"Richard had an amazing joy for life and managed to live every single day to the fullest. Though most people knew of him through his screen persona, those who were close to him knew what a kind and generous soul he was. His family was the most important thing in his life and we are happy that his last days were spend surrounded by family and close friends. Though his passing was somewhat unexpected, his health had been declining in recent years. It is nice to think that he can, once again, stand tall over all of us."