Jaws Moonraker – Actor, Death, Girlfriend & Iconic Scene

Jaws, the towering henchman with stainless steel teeth, remains one of the most unforgettable characters in the James Bond franchise. His appearance in Moonraker (1979) marked a surprising turn: the silent assassin who seemed invincible ended up helping 007 and finding love. This guide covers everything about Jaws in Moonraker – the actor behind the role, his fate, his girlfriend Dolly, and the iconic scenes that cemented his legacy.

Who Played Jaws in Moonraker?

Jaws was portrayed by Richard Kiel, an American actor who stood 7 feet 1.5 inches (2.18 m) tall. Kiel was already known for playing giants and intimidating figures, but Jaws made him a global icon. The character was originally slated to be killed off in The Spy Who Loved Me – eaten by a shark – but test audiences responded so enthusiastically that the filmmakers brought him back for Moonraker. Kiel’s physical presence and quiet menace turned Jaws into a fan favorite.

• Jaws is the only henchman to survive a Bond film and switch sides.
• The character’s popularity inspired a comedic turn in Moonraker.
• Richard Kiel’s height (7 ft 1.5 in) was a key factor in his casting.
• Jaws’ girlfriend Dolly (played by Blanche Ravalec) is often misremembered – she had braces, not steel teeth.
• The original steel teeth worn by Kiel are on display at the Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.
• Jaws speaks only one line across both films: “Well, here’s to us.”
• Director Albert R. Broccoli added the steel teeth to the film version of the character.

Does Jaws Die in Moonraker?

No, Jaws does not die in Moonraker. Despite surviving several near-fatal incidents – a fall of several thousand feet into a circus tent, a runaway cable car crash, and a plunge over Iguazu Falls – he emerges unscathed. The character’s apparent invincibility became a running joke. By the end of the film, Jaws has switched allegiance and is last seen sharing a boat with his girlfriend Dolly, toasting their future.

The misconception that Jaws dies may stem from the dramatic cable car sequence, where he appears to fall to his death. In reality, he crashes through a building and walks away. He is the only Bond henchman to survive a film and return as an ally in a subsequent one.

Why Does Jaws Help James Bond in Moonraker?

Jaws’ change of heart is motivated by love. After meeting Dolly, a young French woman with braces, he begins to reconsider his loyalty to the villain Hugo Drax. When Drax threatens Dolly, Jaws turns against his employer and aids Bond. The film presents this redemption arc as both surprising and earned, a rare moment of warmth in the Bond universe.

Is Jaws a Villain in Moonraker?

Initially, yes. Jaws serves as the primary enforcer for Hugo Drax, tasked with eliminating Bond. But as the story progresses, his loyalties shift. By the film’s climax, he actively works against Drax, making him more of an anti-hero than a straightforward villain. His transformation remains one of the most memorable character arcs in the series.

Who Was Jaws’ Girlfriend in Moonraker?

Jaws’ love interest in Moonraker is Dolly, played by French actress Blanche Ravalec. Dolly is never heard speaking on screen, and her silence has led to much fan speculation. Some viewers mistakenly remember her having steel teeth like Jaws, but in fact she wears braces – a detail that has fueled a long-standing piece of movie trivia.

Their meeting on a cable car is the film’s most famous scene. Jaws, initially menacing, becomes smitten when Dolly smiles at him. This moment triggers his eventual defection. The relationship is presented as genuine, and the two are last seen together, happily adrift on a boat after Drax’s defeat.

What Is the Jaws Moonraker Scene?

The most iconic scene takes place on a Rio de Janeiro cable car. Jaws, pursuing Bond, finds himself trapped with Dolly. Instead of fighting, they share a romantic moment. Later, Jaws disables his own parachute, plummets thousands of feet, and survives by landing in a circus tent. The sequence combines slapstick comedy with genuine suspense, and it remains a fan favorite.

What Are Jaws’ Teeth Made Of?

Jaws’ teeth are made of stainless steel. They are his signature weapon, capable of biting through metal cables, steel bars, and even a shark cage. The teeth were originally an addition by director Albert R. Broccoli, who wanted a visually striking feature for the character.

In the film, Jaws rarely uses firearms; he relies on his physical strength and his metal teeth to intimidate and dispatch his targets. The prop teeth worn by Richard Kiel are now part of the collection at the Spy Museum in Washington, D.C.

What Does Jaws Look Like in Moonraker?

Jaws is a giant of a man – over 7 feet tall – with a muscular build and a completely bald head. He wears dark, nondescript clothing, often a suit or casual jacket. His most prominent feature is a wide grin that reveals his metal teeth. He moves with deliberate, unhurried steps, rarely showing emotion except when interacting with Dolly. His near-constant silence adds to his intimidating presence.

Timeline of Jaws in the James Bond Franchise

1. 1977 – The Spy Who Loved Me: Jaws debuts as a silent assassin with steel teeth, working for Karl Stromberg.
2. 1979 – Moonraker: Returns as a henchman for Hugo Drax. Later helps Bond after falling in love with Dolly.
3. 1997 – Video game GoldenEye 007: Jaws appears as a non-playable character.
4. 2002 – Video game Everything or Nothing: Jaws is featured as a henchman (non-canon).
5. 2012 – 007 Legends: Jaws appears in a level based on Moonraker.
6. 2013 – Skyfall easter egg (prosthetic teeth reference).
7. September 10, 2014 – Richard Kiel passes away at age 74. Jaws remains an iconic Bond character.

What We Know for Certain – and What Remains Unclear

The Deeper Meaning: Jaws’ Role and Cultural Impact

Jaws is more than just a brute. His character arc in Moonraker reflects the film’s shift toward a lighter, more comedic tone – a move that divided critics but delighted audiences. Director Lewis Gilbert and writer Christopher Wood intentionally gave Jaws a redemption arc, making him one of the few Bond villains to switch sides out of love. The character’s popularity led to a larger role in Moonraker than originally planned, and he remains a benchmark for memorable henchmen in cinema.

Richard Kiel’s portrayal – a blend of physicality and subtle humor – ensured that Jaws would outlast the series’ usual one-off villains. Decades later, fans still recall the image of the giant man with the metal grin.

Sources and Quotes About Jaws

“Jaws is a professional assassin, so named because of his weapon of choice: a set of stainless steel teeth.”
— James Bond Wiki – Jaws (Richard Kiel)

“Jaws is the towering, silent assassin portrayed by Richard Kiel in The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker.”
— YouTube – The BEST of Jaws | James Bond 007

“He appears in the films The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Moonraker (1979), played by Richard Kiel.”
— Wikipedia – Jaws (James Bond)

Additional context can be found in Richard Kiel’s NPR obituary and his IMDb page.

Summary: Jaws in Moonraker

Jaws remains the most iconic henchman in James Bond history. Played by the towering Richard Kiel, he appeared in two films – The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker – undergoing a rare redemption arc motivated by love for Dolly. He survives every attempt on his life, speaks only one line, and ultimately helps Bond defeat Hugo Drax. His stainless steel teeth, his silent menace, and his surprising romantic side make him a character that audiences still talk about today. For a deeper look at another unforgettable fictional figure, read our Sirius Black – Complete Guide, Family Tree & Death or explore the world of Francesca Bridgerton – Character Guide, Actors & Love Story.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jaws in Moonraker