Richard Kiel was a towering presence in Hollywood, standing at an impressive 7 feet 2 inches tall.
This American actor made his mark on both the big and small screens, appearing in numerous TV shows throughout his career.
Kiel’s memorable performances in various television series showcased his versatility as an actor, despite often being typecast due to his imposing stature.
From his early roles in shows like Klondike to his later appearances in popular series, Kiel’s TV work spanned several decades.
His unique physical attributes and acting skills allowed him to portray a wide range of characters, from gentle giants to menacing villains.
Kiel’s appearances in TV shows like Kolchak: The Night Stalker and The Wild Wild West left lasting impressions on viewers.
While many remember Kiel for his iconic role as Jaws in the James Bond films, his television work deserves equal recognition.
His contributions to the small screen helped pave the way for actors with distinctive physical characteristics, challenging industry norms and expanding the diversity of roles available to them.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
“The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” was a popular spy fiction TV series that aired from 1964 to 1968. It followed the adventures of secret agents working for the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement (U.N.C.L.E.).
The show starred Robert Vaughn as Napoleon Solo and David McCallum as Illya Kuryakin. These two agents fought against the evil organization THRUSH in each episode.
Richard Kiel, known for his imposing height, made guest appearances on the show. He played different characters in multiple episodes, adding to the series’ diverse cast of villains and allies.
One notable episode featuring Kiel was “The Vulcan Affair” in the first season. This episode introduced viewers to the world of U.N.C.L.E. and its main characters.
The series mixed action, humor, and Cold War espionage themes. It became a cultural phenomenon during its run, inspiring spin-offs, movies, and merchandise.
“The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” helped shape the spy genre on television. Its influence can be seen in later shows and films that feature secret agents and international intrigue.
The Wild Wild West
Richard Kiel appeared in the TV show The Wild Wild West. This series ran on CBS from 1965 to 1969. It mixed elements of Western, spy, and science fiction genres.
Kiel played the character of Voltaire in several episodes. Voltaire was a strong and imposing henchman who often posed a physical threat to the main characters.
The show featured two Secret Service agents working for President Ulysses S. Grant. They tackled various threats in the post-Civil War era of the American Old West.
Dr. Miguelito Loveless was a recurring villain in the series. He was a brilliant but evil scientist who often clashed with the main characters.
The Wild Wild West gained popularity for its blend of Western settings with futuristic gadgets and spy storylines. It stood out from other Westerns of its time due to this unique combination of genres.
Richard Kiel’s portrayal of Voltaire added to the show’s memorable cast of characters. His imposing height and strength made him a formidable opponent for the heroes.
The series later inspired two TV movies in 1979 and 1980, as well as a theatrical film in 1999.
The Addams Family
Richard Kiel is not typically associated with The Addams Family franchise. He did not appear in any of the main Addams Family TV shows or movies.
The Addams Family has been adapted into various TV shows and films over the years. These include the original 1960s live-action series, animated series, and more recent live-action movies.
In 2019, an animated Addams Family movie was released. This was followed by a sequel in 2021 called The Addams Family 2.
The animated films feature voice acting from stars like Oscar Isaac and Charlize Theron. They bring the kooky family’s adventures to a new generation of viewers.
While Richard Kiel did not participate in The Addams Family, he was known for other iconic roles. He played Jaws in James Bond films and Mr. Larson in Happy Gilmore.
The Brady Bunch
“The Brady Bunch” was a popular TV show that aired from 1969 to 1974. It followed the lives of a large blended family with six children.
The show became a cultural icon and has remained popular for decades. It featured many guest stars over its five-season run.
Richard Kiel, known for his impressive height, did not appear in “The Brady Bunch”. However, the show did have other notable guest appearances.
One episode titled “Quarterback Sneak” featured a rival school’s quarterback who suddenly took an interest in Marcia Brady. This episode showcased the typical family drama and lighthearted conflicts that made the show famous.
“The Brady Bunch” often dealt with everyday family issues and sibling rivalries. It presented these topics in a wholesome, family-friendly manner.
The show’s enduring popularity led to several spin-offs and movies in later years. Its influence on American pop culture continues to this day.
Get Smart
Get Smart was a popular TV comedy series that aired from 1965 to 1970. The show followed the adventures of Maxwell Smart, a clumsy but well-meaning spy.
Richard Kiel made a few guest appearances on Get Smart during its run. He played different characters in his episodes.
The show’s main stars were Don Adams as Maxwell Smart and Barbara Feldon as Agent 99. They worked for a secret government agency called CONTROL.
Get Smart poked fun at spy movie tropes. It used silly gadgets and ridiculous situations for laughs.
The series was created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry. It mixed slapstick comedy with spy genre parodies.
Get Smart aired for 5 seasons. It had a total of 138 episodes. The first episode aired on September 18, 1965.
The show won several Emmy Awards during its run. It remained popular in reruns for many years after it ended.
While Richard Kiel wasn’t a main cast member, his appearances added to the show’s humor. His towering height (7’2″) made him stand out in his guest roles.
The Twilight Zone
Richard Kiel appeared in a famous episode of The Twilight Zone called “To Serve Man”. This episode aired in 1962 during the show’s third season.
In “To Serve Man,” Kiel played a Kanamit alien. The Kanamits were a race of tall, seemingly friendly extraterrestrials who came to Earth.
The plot revolves around the Kanamits’ mysterious book titled “To Serve Man.” At first, humans believe it’s a guide to helping mankind.
Kiel’s imposing height of 7 feet 2 inches made him perfect for the role of the giant alien. His presence added to the episode’s eerie atmosphere.
The episode is known for its shocking twist ending. It’s considered one of the most memorable in The Twilight Zone’s history.
Despite having no speaking lines, Kiel’s performance as the Kanamit left a lasting impression on viewers. His appearance helped cement the episode’s place in pop culture.
This role was one of Kiel’s early TV appearances. It showcased his ability to create a powerful on-screen presence without dialogue.
Happy Gilmore
Richard Kiel played a memorable role in the 1996 comedy film “Happy Gilmore”. He portrayed Mr. Larson, Happy’s former boss at a construction site.
Mr. Larson is a tall, intimidating figure with a nail stuck in his head. Despite his scary appearance, he becomes an unlikely friend and supporter of Happy.
In one famous scene, Mr. Larson helps Happy improve his golf game. He teaches Happy to channel his anger into his swing, leading to more powerful shots.
Kiel’s performance as Mr. Larson added humor and heart to the movie. His imposing size contrasted with his gentle demeanor, creating a unique character.
The film showcases Kiel’s comedic talents. It’s a departure from his more serious roles, like the villain Jaws in James Bond films.
“Happy Gilmore” remains a popular comedy, partly due to memorable characters like Mr. Larson. Kiel’s performance helped make the movie a cult classic.
The Incredible Hulk
Richard Kiel briefly played the Hulk in the 1977 TV movie “The Incredible Hulk.” He appeared in the pilot episode as the green monster.
Kiel was initially cast as the Hulk due to his impressive 7’2″ height. However, the producers had concerns about his build.
They felt Kiel wasn’t muscular enough for the role. As a result, he was replaced by Lou Ferrigno.
Ferrigno, a professional bodybuilder, took over the role of the Hulk for the rest of the series. He played the character from 1977 to 1982.
The show starred Bill Bixby as Dr. David Banner, the scientist who transforms into the Hulk. Jack Colvin played Jack McGee, a reporter investigating the Hulk.
The Incredible Hulk TV series became popular and ran for five seasons. It helped bring the Marvel comic book character to mainstream audiences.
Despite being replaced, Kiel’s brief appearance as the Hulk remains an interesting piece of TV history. It shows how casting decisions can significantly impact a show’s development.
Mister Ed
Richard Kiel appeared in the popular TV show Mister Ed. This comedy series ran from 1961 to 1966 and featured a talking horse as the main character.
Kiel guest-starred in two episodes of Mister Ed. He played different roles in each appearance, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
In one episode, Kiel portrayed Mr. Larson, a character similar to his later role in the movie Happy Gilmore. His imposing height of 7’2″ made him stand out on screen.
Mister Ed aired first in syndication and then on CBS. The show produced 143 episodes over its six-season run.
The series followed the adventures of Wilbur Post and his talking horse, Ed. Only Wilbur could hear Ed speak, leading to humorous situations and misunderstandings.
Kiel’s appearances on Mister Ed were part of his early acting career. He later became famous for his role as Jaws in James Bond films.
