How Jaws actor Jeffrey Kramer inspired fan to pursue their dreams

When I was a kid, my mother taped both Jaws movies from the TV and separated them with Scooby Doo cartoons. I’d watch this VHS cassette, rewind it and watch it again. As I watched on repeat, I’d start making up my own stories within the ones on the screen. I’d look at the lesser-known characters in the movies and make my own worlds for them. (My readers now have my mum to thank in part for the creation of ‘Hendricks’ the graphic novel series!) 

Hendricks should have become the hero in a Jaws sequel in my opinion, it was the logical progression. Sadly, it didn’t come to pass but Rhys Wootton and I will continue his legacy in comic book form.

So, why Hendricks? Deputy Hendricks is the character I was drawn to. I tend to root for the little guy, the everyman and Hendricks is overlooked - he wasn’t even trusted to do the printing. I found him to have an open and honest quality in a town where many characters seem to have something dark below the surface. To me he was someone you could trust and rely on to do the right thing. It is clear from his actions across both movies that he is not only one of the good guys but he was played by one of the very best: Jeffrey Kramer.

I reached out to Mr Kramer when we released our first issue of Hendricks. Without his cinematic portrayal the comic book would not exist and so I wanted to share it with him. I didn’t really think I’d get a reply but I did, and this is what makes Jeffrey Kramer so special. He could have just put it in a drawer to be forgotten, but he took time to get in touch and speak with me. My proudest achievement so far in my comic writing career is knowing that Hendricks himself approves of our comic book. He told me he was honoured by it, but the honour is all mine.

Eventually we met in person. It was surreal awaiting his arrival with The Daily Jaws team, but from the moment he walked in wearing his Jaws cap it was as if we’d met a hundred times. In his company you instantly feel at ease. Not surprisingly, he is a great storyteller and we enjoyed hearing him recount some of his experiences working on Jaws and Jaws 2. Jeffrey is also incredibly supportive and has an infectious enthusiasm which makes you feel as though anything is possible. 

This Friday, on the 15th of July 2022 it will be his Birthday! If you’re reading this - Happy Birthday Sir! (find him on Instagram via @jeffreykramerofficial to send your own Birthday wishes) You mean a great deal to the entire Jaws community and we will all be drinking to your leg! 

Words by Matt Stapleton

If you would like to write for The Daily Jaws, please visit our ‘work with us’ page

For all the latest Jaws, shark and shark movie news, follow The Daily Jaws on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

If you’d like to get your hands on Hendricks issue 1 then click the link and use the promo code HAPPYBIRTHDAYHENDRICKS to get 20%