Roy Scheider

Roy Scheider was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Jaws, The French Connection, and All That Jazz. Born on November 10, 1932, in Orange, New Jersey, he became a significant figure in American cinema.

Personal and Family Life

Roy Scheider was born to Anna Crosson and Roy Bernhard Scheider. He had a passion for sports during his youth, participating in baseball and boxing. He later shifted his focus to acting, studying drama at Rutgers University and Franklin and Marshall College. Scheider was married twice, first to Cynthia Scheider and later to Brenda Siemer Scheider, with whom he had two children.

Career Highlights

Scheider’s breakout role came in the early 1970s, earning critical acclaim for his performance as Buddy Russo in The French Connection, which also garnered him an Academy Award nomination. He became a household name for his role as Police Chief Martin Brody in the iconic film Jaws, directed by Steven Spielberg. His versatility was showcased in various genres, from action and thrillers to musicals, with significant roles in films like All That Jazz and Marathon Man.

Death and Legacy

Roy Scheider passed away on February 10, 2008, in Little Rock, Arkansas, due to multiple myeloma. He left behind a legacy as a talented actor and is remembered for his impactful performances in cinema. His contributions continue to influence aspiring actors and filmmakers today.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Klute 1971-06-23 Frank Ligourin
Jaws 1975-06-20 Police Chief Martin Brody
Jaws 2 1978-06-16 Police Chief Martin Brody
The French Connection 1971-10-09 Buddy Russo
All That Jazz 1979-12-16 Joe Gideon
Marathon Man 1976-10-08 Doc
2010 1984-12-06 Dr. Heywood Floyd
Blue Thunder 1983-02-05 Murphy
SeaQuest DSV 1993-09-12 Captain Nathan Bridger
Cohen and Tate 1989-01-27 Cohen
The Russia House 1990-12-21 Russell