Net Worth Ranker
What Was Richard Kiel’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on September 10, 2014, Richard Kiel’s net worth was estimated to be $500,000. This figure reflects his earnings from a long career in film and television, spanning several decades. While detailed breakdowns of his income sources are not publicly available, it’s understood that his net worth primarily comprised earnings from acting roles, supplemented by other ventures such as writing his autobiography.
Kiel’s career started in the late 1950s, with his first credited role in “The Rifleman” in 1958. He secured numerous television roles throughout the 1960s, appearing in shows like “The Twilight Zone,” “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” and “Gilligan’s Island.” His early film work included uncredited roles in “The D.I.” and “Run of the Hunted,” and a role in “The Phantom Planet” in 1961. These roles, while contributing to his income, were likely not highly remunerative, especially in the initial stages of his career. During 1963, Kiel had roles in films such as “House of the Damned”, “The Nutty Professor”, “Lassie’s Great Adventure”, and “30 Minutes at Gunsight.” By the mid-1960s, he earned enough from acting to quit his job as a mathematics instructor.
Kiel’s most significant breakthrough came with his role as Jaws in the James Bond films “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977) and “Moonraker” (1979). This role significantly elevated his profile and presumably his earnings, though the exact figures he earned from these films are not publicly disclosed. In the 1970s, Kiel also appeared in television series such as “Emergency!,” “Starsky & Hutch,” and played the main role in “Barbary Coast” between 1975 and 1976. These roles, along with his film appearances in “The Longest Yard,” “Silver Streak,” and “Force 10 from Navarone,” would have provided a steady income stream.
In the 1980s, Kiel continued to work in both television and film. He appeared as a panelist on “Match Game PM” and had roles in “The Fall Guy,” “Simon & Simon,” and “Superboy.” His film appearances during this time included “So Fine,” “Cannonball Run II,” and “Pale Rider.” While the specific compensation for these roles is not available, it’s likely that his earnings were consistent with his established status as a working actor. By this time, Richard Kiel’s net worth would have started to take shape, and likely grown steadily.
The 1990s saw fewer acting roles for Kiel, but he did appear in “The Giant of Thunder Mountain,” “Inspector Gadget,” and “Happy Gilmore.” His role in “Happy Gilmore,” where he had substantial dialogue with Adam Sandler, was particularly popular and likely provided a notable boost to his earnings for that period. After “Happy Gilmore,” Kiel semi-retired from acting, taking on fewer roles. He had a brief appearance in an episode of “Bloodhounds Inc.” in 2000 and provided a voice role for “Tangled” in 2010. These later roles likely contributed less significantly to his overall net worth compared to his earlier, more prominent roles.
Richard Kiel’s Early Life and Career
Richard Kiel was born on September 13, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan. His height, which eventually reached 7 feet 3 inches, was a result of gigantism. At the age of nine, his family relocated to Los Angeles County, where he attended and graduated from Baldwin Park High School. Before pursuing acting, Kiel held various jobs, including selling vacuum cleaners door-to-door, working as a nightclub bouncer, and selling cemetery plots. From 1963 to 1965, he also worked as a mathematics instructor in the evenings at the William B. Ogden Radio Operational School in Burbank, California. While details of his early life earnings are not available, these experiences provided him with financial stability before his acting career fully took off.
Kiel’s acting career began in the late 1950s. His early roles, such as the minor part in “The Rifleman,” were stepping stones in his career. He appeared in an episode of “Klondike” in 1960, and throughout the 1960s, he consistently secured television roles, allowing him to transition to acting full-time. His appearances in popular shows like “The Phantom,” “Thriller,” “The Twilight Zone,” “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” “I Dream of Jeannie,” “Honey West,” “My Mother the Car,” “The Wild Wild West,” “Gilligan’s Island,” “The Monkees,” “I Spy,” “It Takes a Thief,” and “Daniel Boone” helped him establish himself in the industry. While the specific salaries for these roles are not publicly known, they collectively contributed to his growing income and net worth.
During the 1960s, Kiel also began to break into film. His initial film roles, in “The D.I.” and “Run of the Hunted,” were uncredited. He also appeared in “The Phantom Planet” in 1961. In 1962, he had a role in “Eegah.” In 1963, he appeared in “House of the Damned,” “The Nutty Professor,” “Lassie’s Great Adventure,” and “30 Minutes at Gunsight.” In 1964, Kiel appeared in “Roustabout” and “The Nasty Rabbit.” Kiel appeared in three films in 1965 – “Two on a Guillotine,” “The Human Duplicators,” and “Brainstorm.” In 1966, he appeared in “The Las Vegas Hillbillys” followed by a role in “A Man Called Dagger” in 1967. In 1968, Richard landed roles in “Now You See It, Now You Don’t” and appeared in “Skidoo.” These early film roles, combined with his television work, provided a foundation for his future success and contributed to his Richard Kiel’s net worth.
Later Career, Personal Life, and Additional Ventures Contributing to Richard Kiel’s Net Worth
Richard Kiel’s role as Jaws in the James Bond films “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977) and “Moonraker” (1979) marked a significant turning point in his career. The character’s popularity brought him international recognition and likely led to higher-paying roles in subsequent projects. Although the precise financial details of his Bond contracts remain private, the visibility and acclaim from these films undoubtedly enhanced his earning potential.
Beyond acting, Kiel explored other avenues to supplement his income. In 2002, he published his autobiography, “Making It Big in the Movies.” While the exact sales figures and royalties from the book are not publicly available, it likely provided an additional source of revenue. Additionally, Kiel made appearances at various conventions and events, where he likely received fees for autographs and photo opportunities. Details of these earnings are not known, but they would have contributed to his overall Richard Kiel’s net worth.
In 1992, Richard Kiel was involved in a car accident that resulted in a severe head injury. This injury affected his balance and required him to use a cane for support, and later a scooter or wheelchair, for mobility. While the specific details of any insurance settlements or compensation related to the accident are not publicly disclosed, they could have had an impact on his financial situation.
Kiel’s personal life also played a role in his financial decisions. He was married twice, first to Faye Daniels in 1960 (divorced in 1973) and then to Diane Rogers in 1974. His marriage to Diane lasted for 40 years until his death. During their marriage, they had four children. These family responsibilities would have influenced his spending habits and financial planning. Though Kiel was known for his height and imposing presence, there are no public records indicating extravagant purchases like luxury cars, private planes, or lavish real estate holdings. This suggests that he managed his finances responsibly throughout his career. Richard Kiel’s net worth was a reflection of his hard work and dedication to his craft.
Richard Kiel’s final years were marked by health challenges. He passed away on September 10, 2014, at St. Agnes Medical Center in Fresno, California, due to heart disease, just three days before his 75th birthday. His estate, which included his assets and belongings, was likely passed on to his wife and children. The details of his will and the distribution of his assets are not publicly available.
While Richard Kiel’s net worth of $500,000 might seem modest compared to some other actors, it’s important to consider the context of his career. He worked steadily for many years, taking on a variety of roles in television and film. His most memorable role as Jaws in the James Bond films secured his legacy as an iconic screen villain. Considering the nature of the roles he often played and the era in which he worked, Richard Kiel’s net worth reflects a successful and enduring career in the entertainment industry. His journey, from his early jobs to his memorable performances, is a testament to his dedication and hard work, ultimately contributing to Richard Kiel’s net worth.
