Wendy Benchley JAWS (book) 50th Anniversary Interview

The world of JAWS features many legends that have helped tell the history of this incredible phenomenon. From those in front and behind the camera to other inspired to follow a career path ‘in sharks’. But only one person has seen the story unfold from the very beginning…. Wendy Benchley.

Wendy Wesson hailed from Montclair, New Jersey, born and raised by her parents Harrison and Dorcas Wesson. Her father, Harrison Wesson, served as a surgeon in the Philippines during WWII. Wendy graduated from Montclair High School in 1959 and embarked on a European journey with her family thereafter.

Wendy with husband and JAWS author Peter and actor Roy Scheider

Furthering her education, Wesson attended Skidmore College, where she pursued majors in philosophy and psychology. During her college years, she engaged in activism, notably participating in a Woolworth picketing event in Saratoga Springs to protest the store's segregation policy, an act that led to her arrest.

While residing in Pennington, New Jersey, Peter Benchley penned the renowned novel "Jaws," which garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success. The extensive research undertaken for "Jaws," coupled with the aftermath of its triumph and subsequent film adaptation, instilled in both Peter and Wendy Benchley a deep fascination with sharks and a strong commitment to ocean conservation. They actively engaged in conservation endeavors, journeying internationally to collaborate with researchers and partake in cage diving experiences with sharks.

Co-founders of the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards Wendy Benchley and David Helvarg

Subsequently, Wendy Benchley expanded her activism beyond marine conservation, co-founding the New Jersey Environmental Federation and delving into New Jersey politics. Her advocacy encompassed green energy initiatives and environmental reforms. Wendy's political career saw her elected to the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 1992, followed by three consecutive terms on the Princeton Borough Council from 1999 to 2008. She later redirected her focus to ocean conservation, departing from New Jersey politics to further champion this cause.

Wendy Benchley and Ross from The Daily Jaws discussing the 50th anniversary of ‘JAWS’

Wendy Benchley assumed a pivotal role as a board member of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) from 1986 to 2006, while Peter served as an EDF spokesperson. Together, they advocated for shark protection and conservation, making joint appearances to raise awareness on these crucial issues. Notably, Peter Benchley recounted a harrowing incident in 1974 during a televised cage diving expedition off the Neptune Islands in Australia, where Wendy's swift action saved his life by freeing a great white shark entangled in the rope suspending his cage.

Watch

Wendy spoke with Ross from The Daily JAWS about JAWS, the 50th anniversary of the book, Peter and her incredible conservation work.

Words by Ross Williams

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