Jaws Star Still Reaping Rewards 50 Years After Shark Attack

The Enduring Legacy of Jaws and the Actor Who Made a Fortune from His Brief Role

Fifty years have passed since the release of one of the most iconic films in cinematic history—Jaws. Despite being released in 1975, this Steven Spielberg-directed adventure thriller continues to captivate audiences and shape popular culture. While many of its characters are remembered for their roles, few have had as unique a career trajectory as Jeffrey Voorhees, who played Alex Kintner, a character whose screen time was brief but whose legacy has proven to be long-lasting.

At just 12 years old when Jaws was filmed, Voorhees was not expected to become a household name. However, his role as the young boy tragically killed by a shark while floating on a raft became one of the film’s most memorable moments. Although he didn’t have much screen time, his performance left an indelible mark on the movie—and on his own life.

Now 62, Voorhees has turned his fleeting appearance into a steady source of income. He travels extensively to meet fans, sells personalized memorabilia, and even hosts guided tours on Martha’s Vineyard, where parts of the film were shot. His involvement with Jaws has become more than just a nostalgic memory—it's a full-time profession.

“It pays to die,” Voorhees once said. “I was a 12-year-old kid who was in the movie for, like, a minute, but there are some real Jaws fanatics out there.”

Fans of the film are willing to pay handsomely for a connection to the movie. Voorhees has signed autographs for fans worldwide, earning around £10,000 per event. He also appears on special Jaws tours, where his presence can double the ticket price. In fact, he recently scheduled appearances at three Meet, Greet and Mingle Parties.

Moreover, Voorhees still earns money each time Jaws airs on television anywhere in the world. His brother, who lives in Portugal, often texts him with news that he "died" on TV, followed by a promise of another paycheck.

Voorhees has also made a name for himself through Cameo, where he creates personalized videos for fans. One particularly touching moment came when a family paid him to send a message after their loved one died while watching the film. Voorhees delivered a heartfelt message, which surprised the family with its sincerity.

“I said, ‘Hey, your father and I had a little something in common. He died watching me die. This is the dead Alex Kintner, Jeff Voorhees, here on Martha’s Vineyard—Amity Island. Just want to say—have a Jawesome funeral.’ I thought they’d be annoyed, but they gave me a five-star review.”

Over the decades, Jaws has evolved into a major franchise, with three sequels, a theme park ride, video games, and countless pieces of merchandise. Its success stems from the original 1974 novel by Peter Benchley, which inspired the film. However, Benchley later expressed regret over the impact of his work, as it contributed to widespread fear of sharks.

Benchley, who spent summers in Nantucket, later became an ocean activist and wrote books promoting shark conservation. He admitted that his understanding of sharks had changed over time.

“There is no such thing as a rogue shark which develops a taste for human flesh,” he said in a 2000 interview.

Even filmmaker Steven Spielberg has reflected on the challenges of making Jaws. He described the filming conditions as “the worst” and acknowledged that life on set was difficult. However, he also noted that the film ultimately succeeded in capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Today, Jaws remains a cultural touchstone, influencing everything from horror movies to public perceptions of marine life. For actors like Jeffrey Voorhees, it has provided an unexpected and enduring career path—one that proves that even a short role can lead to lasting fame and fortune.