Joe Lo Truglio: JAWS 50th anniversary interview

Listen to Joe’s interview on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

As we mark 50 years since Jaws hit theatres, The Daily Jaws Podcast welcomes actor, writer, director and lifelong fan Joe Lo Truglio—a performer best known for his scene-stealing roles in Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Superbad, Role Models, The State, and Wet Hot American Summer.

Joe is a rare talent with one foot in indie cult comedy and the other in mainstream success. He also wrote and directed the 2022 psychological thriller Outpost and has been a fixture in American film and TV for over two decades. But before all of that, like many of us, he was just a kid who wanted to know: How did they do that?

In this episode, Joe sits down with The Daily Jaws founder Ross Williams for a deep dive into how Jaws first captured his imagination—and why it’s the reason he became a filmmaker. Joe recounts his earliest memories of the movie, watching Jaws 2 before the original, and how Spielberg’s practical magic and layered storytelling inspired him to pick up a Super 8 camera and start shooting.

Together they explore Jaws as a masterclass in tension, character work, and structural storytelling—from its depiction of bureaucracy and political denial, to the stark contrast between land and sea, chaos and control. Joe brings a unique actor’s perspective on the performances of Scheider, Shaw, and Dreyfuss—and the perfect triangle of styles that defines one of cinema’s greatest trios. He also discusses the shark’s metaphorical power, Jaws’ influence on his stage and screen work, and his most prized possession: a real piece of the Orca salvaged from Martha’s Vineyard.

And just when he thinks it’s safe to sit down for a podcast, a surprise guest crashes the interview to lay down the law.

This episode is filled with passion, humour, and serious shark geekery—including an enthusiastic defence of Michael Brody’s “coffee ice cream” order, a re-evaluation of Ellen Brody’s parenting, and some surprisingly emotional insights into what Jaws means after five decades of friendship.

Brought to you by our friends at Stern Pinball, creators of the official Jaws pinball machine.

In proud support of: Minorities In Shark Sciences (MISS) & Tourette Association of America

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