Jaws Moonraker – Survival, Actor, and Redemption Explained
For decades, audiences have wondered about the fate of one of James Bond’s most memorable foes. Did the steel-toothed giant known as Jaws meet his end in a space station explosion, or did he find a different kind of finale? The answer reveals one of the most surprising character arcs in the entire 007 franchise.
Jaws, the towering, near-indestructible henchman with a mouth full of metal, first appeared in 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me. He returned two years later for Moonraker, a film that took Bond into outer space. Unlike most Bond villains, who typically meet a grisly demise, Jaws not only survived but underwent a remarkable transformation.
Portrayed by the late Richard Kiel, the character became a cultural phenomenon. His journey from a terrifying assassin to a comedic, almost sympathetic figure is a key reason why fans still ask about “Jaws Moonraker” decades later. This article separates fact from fiction, exploring the character’s survival, his actor, and his unlikely redemption.
Does Jaws Die in Moonraker? Survival, Redemption and the Happy Ending
- Movie: Moonraker (1979)
- Actor: Richard Kiel
- Role: Henchman / Anti-Hero
- Outcome: Survives / Redeemed
The most direct answer is no: Jaws does not die in Moonraker. In the film’s climax, as the villain Hugo Drax’s space station begins to self-destruct, Jaws—along with his new girlfriend Dolly—helps Bond and Dr. Holly Goodhead escape. He is last seen floating safely in space alongside his love interest, having definitively switched sides.
Key Insights into the Jaws Character
- Jaws is one of the few Bond villains to survive and experience a full redemption arc.
- Richard Kiel’s portrayal made Jaws a cultural icon despite the character having very limited dialogue.
- The character’s steel teeth became a signature prop and a defining element of 1970s pop culture.
- His survival was not always guaranteed; test audience reactions in his first film saved his life.
- The redemption through love is a rare character shift in the Bond franchise, moving from pure menace to vulnerability.
- Jaws’ initial role was as a freelance assassin and strongman, a characterization supported by fan resources.
- The character’s popularity ensured his legacy, making him a fixture in discussions of the greatest Bond henchmen.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name (Character) | Jaws (Alias) |
| Actor Real Name | Richard Kiel |
| First Appearance | The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) |
| Last Appearance | Moonraker (1979) |
| Status in Moonraker | Alive (Defects to Bond) |
| Signature Weapon | Steel Teeth |
| Actor Death | September 10, 2014 |
The decision to let Jaws live came after test audiences responded overwhelmingly positively to the character in The Spy Who Loved Me. According to reports, Jaws was originally meant to be killed by a shark, but his popularity forced a rewrite. This survival set the stage for his more complex role in Moonraker.
Who Played Jaws in Moonraker? The Legacy of Richard Kiel
The man behind the metal teeth was Richard Dawson Kiel. Born on September 13, 1939, Kiel was an American actor whose imposing physical stature—he stood at approximately 7 feet 1.5 inches (2.17 m)—made him a natural fit for larger-than-life roles. This height is a consistent detail in his biographies and is a primary reason he was cast as Jaws.
The Actor’s Career Beyond Jaws
While Kiel will forever be associated with the Bond villain, his career spanned television and film for decades. He appeared in Happy Gilmore as Mr. Larson, the angry groundskeeper, and had roles in classic television series like The Twilight Zone. His unique look and deadpan delivery made him a sought-after character actor.
What Happened to Richard Kiel?
Richard Kiel died on September 10, 2014, just three days before his 75th birthday. Multiple sources confirm that he passed away in a hospital. The cause of death was not a mystery, but the loss was felt deeply by the James Bond community and film fans worldwide. His obituary in the Irish Independent noted his role as an “infamous bond villain.”
Kiel’s height was a critical factor in his casting. At 7 feet 1.5 inches, he was a giant among actors. This physical attribute was not just a novelty; it was central to the character of Jaws, making him seem invincible and utterly terrifying in close combat scenes.
Who Was Jaws’ Girlfriend in Moonraker? The Story of Dolly
One of the most discussed aspects of Jaws’ appearance in Moonraker is his relationship with a young woman named Dolly. The character represents the key to Jaws’ redemption. She is a short, pigtailed woman who immediately shows affection for the giant henchman, seeing past his monstrous appearance and metal teeth.
This subplot, described by critics as “redemption through love,” shifts Jaws away from pure villainy. By the film’s end, he chooses to protect Dolly and help Bond rather than remain loyal to Drax. The relationship gives Jaws a human vulnerability rarely seen in Bond antagonists. The Guardian described this as a rare and surprisingly effective character arc for a Bond villain.
What Are Jaws’ Teeth Made Of? The Iconic Steel Gimmick
Jaws’ most defining feature is, of course, his teeth. According to an interview with Richard Kiel on IGN, the teeth were not CGI but practical props made by a dental technician near Pinewood Studios. They were designed like a boxer’s mouthpiece and fitted to Kiel’s mouth, but they were made of chromium steel, giving them a realistic, gleaming menace.
The Fate of the Original Teeth
Kiel later stated that he did not keep the original teeth; they were reportedly held by the Bond producers. It is believed that only one real set was ever made, making the prop a significant piece of cinematic history. The teeth were so central to the character that Kiel’s obituary in the Irish Independent explicitly mentions them as his most memorable trait.
A common rumor suggests Jaws was killed off in the space battle at the end of Moonraker. This is false. The film specifically shows Jaws, Dolly, and Bond escaping the exploding station. The character was never meant to die in the sequel, and the script was written to give him a happy ending, solidifying his unique status as a redeemed villain.
Timeline of Jaws in the James Bond Franchise
Understanding the character’s arc requires looking at the key moments of his brief but impactful story. The following timeline highlights the essential events in the life of Jaws and his actor.
- 1977: Jaws debuts in The Spy Who Loved Me. He is a silent, brutal killer working for the villain Stromberg.
- 1977 (Climax): Jaws survives a shark attack in the underwater lair, a scene rewritten due to test audience popularity.
- 1979: Jaws returns in Moonraker, now working for the megalomaniac Hugo Drax. His character is given a more comedic edge.
- 1979 (Climax): Jaws switches sides, helping Bond defeat Drax. He survives the destruction of the space station with Dolly.
- September 10, 2014: Richard Kiel passes away at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy as one of cinema’s most iconic henchmen.
What We Know and What Remains Unclear About Jaws
While most facts about Jaws are well-established, some details have been confused over the years. The following comparison clarifies what is confirmed versus what is ambiguous.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Yes, Jaws survives Moonraker. The film’s final act clearly shows him escaping the explosion with Dolly. | A persistent rumor claims Jaws dies in the explosion. This is definitively false, as confirmed by the film’s ending. |
| Yes, his teeth are made of stainless steel/chromium steel. This is confirmed by the actor and production notes. | Whether Jaws was always meant to survive the sequel. The script was written to include a redemption arc, implying his survival was always planned for the second film. |
| Richard Kiel’s height is recorded at 7 feet 1.5 inches (217 cm). | The specific, exact cause of his hospitalization in 2014 is not widely publicized, though his passing at age 74 is confirmed. |
Why Jaws Still Matters: The Context of His Survival
Jaws evolved from a pure killing machine into a sympathetic character. This shift is a rare occurrence in the Bond franchise, where villains and henchmen typically meet unambiguous ends. The decision to let Jaws live was not just a plot point; it was a creative choice that solidified the character’s legacy. It allowed audiences to see a different side of a monstrosity, one that could be swayed by love and kindness. As noted by several sources, this redemption through love is what makes him stand out from other iconic enemies like Oddjob or Nick Nack.
His legacy continues in discussions about villain redemption in popular culture. While there is no current plan to revive the live-action character, Jaws remains a fan-favorite for debates about the best Bond henchmen and is frequently referenced in the franchise’s video games and spin-off media.
What Do the Sources Say About Jaws and Richard Kiel?
The credibility of information about Jaws comes from a variety of sources, from official film databases to obituaries written by respected critics. The following quotes capture the essence of the character and his actor.
“His name is Jaws. He’s a professional assassin. It’s his trademark.”
— Dr. Holly Goodhead, Moonraker (via NPR)
“Jaws is one of the Bond series’ most famous henchmen because he combined physical menace, deadpan presence, and a visual signature that was instantly recognizable.”
— The Guardian Film Blog
These perspectives, combined with detailed profiles on MI6-HQ and Wikipedia, paint a complete picture of a character who was both a terrifying villain and a surprisingly endearing figure.
Summary: A Legacy of Steel and Heart
Jaws is more than just a hulking Bond villain with metal teeth. His journey from a near-invincible enforcer in The Spy Who Loved Me to a redeemed hero in Moonraker represents a unique narrative arc in the 007 franchise. Portrayed by the gentle giant Richard Kiel, the character’s survival—both in his first film and in the space battle of the second—cemented his place in cinema history. For more on the actors who have defined the Bond universe, read about Timothy Dalton – James Bond, Movies, Wife and Net Worth 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jaws a villain in Moonraker?
Yes, initially. He works as a henchman for the main villain, Hugo Drax, but later helps Bond escape.
How tall was the actor who played Jaws?
Richard Kiel was 7 feet 1.5 inches tall (217 cm), a height that was crucial to his casting.
Did Jaws have any dialogue in Moonraker?
Very little. The character communicates mostly through grunts and physical reactions, making his comedic moments in Moonraker more impactful.
Why did Jaws help James Bond?
He helps Bond primarily to protect his girlfriend, Dolly, from Hugo Drax’s plan to destroy the space station.
What movie was Richard Kiel in besides James Bond?
He is well known for playing Mr. Larson in the Adam Sandler comedy Happy Gilmore.
More related posts
Jon Bon Jovi – Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Children and Tour 2024
Gregg Wallace – Biography, Net Worth, and Controversy
Power Rangers – Complete Guide to Series, Movies and Where to Watch
Hero Fiennes-Tiffin – Age, Height, Movies, and Family
Lufthansa Airlines – Complete Guide to Booking, Business Class & Reviews
Napoleon Dynamite – Complete Guide to the 2004 Cult Classic
Vinícius Júnior – Full Profile Stats Age Family and Contract
