Diane Rogers is one of the people who gained popularity through marriage to a famous person. She had one of the longest-lasting marriages with the actor, Richard Kiels which lasted till his death in 2014. Her husband, Kiels rose to fame playing impressive roles that showcased his over 7ft 2 inches height as Jaws in the Bond movies, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker.
Unlike Kiels, Roger’s career never reached the limelight, yet, she remained a strong force that supported him while also having their four children. Here are all the fascinating details about her that you never knew.
The Early Life and Background of Diane Rogers
Details about her early life and her parent’s identity remain elusive. Yet, we gathered that she spent a great part of her life in Georgia. Drawing from this, it is likely that she was born and bred there. Moving on, Diane grew up alongside two sisters, Jeanette and Cathy.
Focusing on her educational pursuits, she may have attended local schools in the area. Some sources link her to attending Charlton County High School between 1968-69. Nonetheless, it is said that she later graduated from Southeast Bulloch High School in 1973. Notably, this information remains unverified by Diane.
How She Met and Married Richard Kiel
According to various reports, Diane met Richard in Georgia while filming The Longest Yard. It would be recalled the film was released in 1974, one year after he and his first wife parted ways. They started dating shortly after before deciding to take their relationship to the next level.
In the same year, The Spy Who Loved Me actor walked down the aisle with Rogers. Though they managed to keep their relationship private, their height difference always made them stand out.
Standing on a height of 7ft 2 inches, Richard towered over the 5ft 1in Diane by over two feet. Apparently, his outstanding height was caused by a growth hormone that led to gigantism. While speaking about his role in Moonwalker opposite the smallish Blanche Ravalec as his love interest, he revealed that opposites attract. According to the actor, the director wanted to pick a taller woman to fit with his own height.
Moving on, Rogers and her husband looked beyond their enormous height difference and had a lasting marriage. Per her reasons for getting attracted to him, it is because they see eye to eye on so many other things.
Her Husband was Previously Married
Prior to Diane’s marriage to Richard, he was married to a woman named Faye Daniels. The pair tied the knot in 1960 and remained together for the next 13 years. While you may wonder how they met, this remains unclear. On her part, Richard’s first wife
Diane Rogers had Four Children With Her Husband
During Diane’s marriage to Richard, they welcomed four children; three sons, Christopher Kiel, Bennett Kiel, Richard George Kiel, and a daughter named Jennifer Kiel.
Her oldest son, Richard George Kiel made an appearance in The Spy Who Loved Me. While such a role may indicate an interest in following in his father’s footsteps, this remains his only credited role per IMDB. Moreso, he now works as an assistant clinical professor of medicine at UCSF.
Her only daughter, Jennifer also took an entertainment path as a dance and aerial artist. Notably, she performed in the theatre production, Break the Taboo in 2018. Aside from this, Jennifer is married and has two children.
Unlike their siblings, Bennett and Christopher keep low profiles making it hard to know what they are up to.
Her Marriage to Richard Lasted For Four Decades
Diane’s career is not known but over the years, she gave Richard all the support that made him a major act on screen. In her few public appearances, she was pictured alongside her husband on red carpets or together with their children.
Considering how celebrity marriages are prone to crashing, their union is one of the few long-lasting ones. She remained with Kiel through his rise and many challenges.
Notably, the actor is known to have suffered from alcoholism but overcame it after becoming a born-again Christian. Also, another challenge that she stood by him was when he had an accident in 1992 that affected his balance.
Having enjoyed many years as a couple, sadly, their marital life was cut short by Kiel’s death on September 10, 2014, at the age of 74.
How Rich Is Richard Kiel’s Wife
Diane has not revealed her net worth nor has she indicated what she does for a living. Yet, it is generally reported that her husband, Richard had a net worth of $500 thousand which he made from his career of many years in the entertainment industry.
See Also: Lauren Shulkind Is Tony Dow’s Wife: Everything We Know About Her
Where is Diane Rogers Now?
She is alive and currently living in Fresno, California. Since her husband’s death, Diane has remained active by showing up at family events alongside her children and grandchildren. In 2018, her son, Christopher got married to Oleysa Kiel.
