Actor Richard Kiel, best known for playing metal-mouthed James Bond villain Jaws, died at a hospital in Fresno, California, the US. He was 74.

Kiel died at Saint Agnes Medical Centre, the hospital’s spokeswoman Kelley Sanchez said. She did not reveal any further details on the cause of his death, citing patient confidentiality.

Standing 2.2 metres tall, Kiel’s imposing height made him one of the most recognisable villains in the James Bond film franchise.

He played Jaws in 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me and 1979’s Moonraker opposite Roger Moore.

“He was a very loyal friend and client for over 35 years, a terrific husband and father, and was not only a giant actor but a giant man,” said Steve Stevens, Kiel’s agent.

He said Kiel had taken a step back from acting after he was involved in a truck accident several years ago and was faced with walking difficulties.

He remained active on the autograph circuit for avid Bond fans.

The actor’s television credits include roles in 1964’s The Man from U.N.C.L.E., 1965’s The Wild Wild West and 1975’s Barbary Coast.

The Detroit native more recently appeared in the 1996’s film Happy Gilmore opposite Adam Sandler, and voiced the villain Vlad in 2010’s animated princess tale Tangled.