JAWS 2 cast pay touching tribute to co-star Marc Gilpin

JAWS 2 fans are in mourning after the death of Marc Gilpin who played Sean Brody, the son of Amity Island’s Chief Brody (Roy Scheider) in the 1978 shark sequel follow-up to Steven Spielberg’s JAWS.

He passed away on Saturday in Dallas after a long battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor.

Gilpin, whose death at the each of 56, was announced by his sister, Peri Gilpin, who is best known for playing Roz on Frasier. Peri was also an extra in the shark sequel, with their sister April, who died in 2017, as the girl who points out the shark tower.

Many of the JAWS 2 cast were also like family, and still remain form friends 45 years since the film was released. The Daily Jaws reached out to some of that shocked cast when we learnt of the young JAWS 2 actor’s untimely passing.

Jeffrey Kramer, who played Deputy Hendricks in both JAWS and JAWS 2 had these kind words to say about Marc. Kramer said: "I was so sorry to hear of Marc’s passing. He was a talented and kind young man. His family were around for the shoot and beloved by all. He is gone much too soon and will be well remembered by Finatics forever. RIP Marc!"

Also recalling working with the Sean Brody actor was Gigi Vorgan, who played Brooke. She said: “Marc was a sweet kid and a great little actor. He was fun to have around the set and his family was lovely. Having Marc in Jaws 2 made it a better movie.”

Meanwhile, John Dukakis, who played Polo in JAWS 2, said: “I was very sorry to read the news about Marc. Although Marc was quite a bit younger than the rest of us, he always brought a ray of light to the set.  

“His kindness and positive energy was most welcome during the grind that everyone experienced as the days on the set went on for what seemed like forever. He was always very professional and definitely old beyond his years. An enormous loss for both his family and his Jaws 2 family too.”

Ann Dusenberry (Tina Wilcox in JAWS 2) added: “Marc and his whole family were simply wonderful people. Marc’s family rallied around him as the little tike that he was, helping him stay a kid. And Marc was a great young actor. I believed him as Brody’s son, and loved our exchange by the boats in the marina. Tina had a big brother, too, and we commiserated. Blessings to Marc’s family. My heart is with theirs.”

And it wasn't just actors who have fond memories of Marc Gilpin, it is also fans of the film, directed by Jeannot Szwarc, as well.

On hearing the news, James Peakman on The Daily Jaws Facebook page, wrote: 

Sad news. I found his Sean Brody to be the best and most important portrayal of the character. He was fundamental to why I preferred JAWS 2 as a kid, as I was his age when I first saw it and relatable to him.

Neil Butchers, also writing g on Facebook added: Farewell Marc. Thanks for the childhood memories. Up there with the great Jaws legends. Jaws 2 tonight it is with a beer for your memory.

Replying to Neil was Martin Chalk, the pair seemingly capturing the mood of JAWS 2 fans worldwide. He wrote: I can still hear him saying "Larry, are we gonna make it to the island" in his then very young voice.

Very sad news  

Definitely Jaws 2 and a raised glass or 2 

Neil's simple reply was: We’re steering for it kid.

Such a moving and simple way of remembering the actor, husband and father, Marc Gilpin, who helped give JAWS 2 fans so much pleasure and memories. Marc may no longer be here, but those moments and fond memories live on.

No doubt there are numerous JAWS 2 fans revisiting the film in his memory, that scene where he picks up the bullet casings after Chief Brody has shot at the blue fish on a packed beach is certainly going to leave a lump in the throat.

Marc Gilpin leaves behind an army of adoring JAWS fans, his sister Peri and his wife Kaki Gilpin and their teenage boys Spencer and Presley. 

Our most heartfelt condolences to them all.

Words by Dean Newman

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