Richard Kiel Dies — ‘Jaws’ From James Bond Movies Dead At 74

Richard Kiel, who became famous for portraying the James Bond villain, Jaws … died Wednesday afternoon at the age of 74 … TMZ has learned.

Kiel starred in dozens of Movies over the span of 50 years … though his Jaws character became his most iconic role after debuting in 1977’s "The Spy Who Loved Me" alongside Roger Moore. He returned in "Moonraker" two years later.

The 7-foot-2 Kiel also co-starred with Adam Sandler in the golf classic "Happy Gilmore."

Kiel had broken his leg last week and was in a hospital in Fresno, CA. A family member tells us he passed away this afternoon in the hospital — and it’s unclear if his death was connected to the leg injury.