Steven Spielberg’s film “Jaws” celebrates its 50th anniversary on June 20, 2025. USA Today says Martha’s Vineyard, the island where the shark thriller was filmed, is filled with a flurry of tourism as the iconic film turns half a decade old.
At 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, NBC will air a special presentation to celebrate the milestone which Variety says will be introduced by Spielberg.
“Jaws” would not be what it is without the talented cast who brought its unforgettable characters to life. But who is still alive from the cast of “Jaws,” and where are they today? Here’s a then-and-now look at the blockbuster’s biggest stars.
Richard Dreyfuss (Matt Hooper)
IMDb says Dreyfuss’ success was not immediate, as he started his career with a series of bit parts. His 1973 role as Baby Face Nelson in “John Milius’ Dillinger” was his first major role, according to the outlet. He booked his “Jaws” role at age 27.
A 2023 Fox News report says Dreyfuss, now age 77, has quit acting to focus on “educating others on civic practices.” The story says the actor explained his choice by saying, “And we don’t live in L.A. because⦠I retired and went to Oxford for four years to learn this subject⦠of civility and civics. And the damage being done to my country.”
Robert Shaw (Quint)
Shaw’s official website, which labels itself as “approved by the Shaw family,” says the English actor was known for his roles in “A Man For All Seasons,” “The Sting,” and of course as a shark hunter in “Jaws,” among others.
Shaw died of a heart attack in Ireland in 1978, according to the site. His biography page explains the incident by saying, “He suddenly became ill, stopped the car, stepped out, and then collapsed and died on the roadside. He was accompanied by his wife Virginia and his son Thomas at the time. He was rushed to Castlebar General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.”
Roy Scheider (Chief Martin Brody)
NBC says Scheider continued to take Hollywood roles for decades after his “Jaws” success. The actor died of cancer in 2008 at the age of 75, per the outlet.
Susan Backlinie (Chrissie Watkins, The First Victim)
People says Steven Spielberg selected Backlinie to portray the first victim in “Jaws” because he wanted a stunt person with the ability to handle “a whole lot of violent shaking.”
The outlet lists “The Great Muppet Caper” and “A Stranger in the Forest” among Backlinie’s other notable roles, and says she died on May 11, 2024, at age 77.
Lorraine Gary (Ellen Brody)
Murray Hamilton (Mayor Larry Vaughn)
Hamilton died in 1986, per @thedailyjaws Instagram page.
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