How Much Does Jaws Child Star Earn 50 Years Later?

Fifty years after its release, the film Jaws remains a cultural touchstone, particularly for its impact on public perceptions of sharks. One of its young stars, Jeffrey Voorhees, who played the ill-fated Alex Kintner, continues to profit from his brief role in the 1975 thriller directed by Steven Spielberg. Now aged 62, Voorhees has embraced his status as a cult figure, using it to generate income through appearances, memorabilia sales, and tours on Martha's Vineyard, where the film was shot.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Jeffrey Voorhees, who played Alex Kintner, capitalises on his Jaws fame even 50 years later.
• The film has grossed over $800 million (£590 million) worldwide across its sequels.
• Peter Benchley, the author of the original novel, later advocated for shark conservation.
• Spielberg faced challenging conditions during filming, which have become legendary in film history.
• Voorhees earns money each time Jaws airs, in addition to income from fan interactions.

The Enduring Legacy of Jaws

Released in 1975, Jaws was a pivotal moment in cinema, often credited with creating the summer blockbuster phenomenon. The film not only terrified audiences but also significantly influenced the portrayal of sharks in popular culture, leading to a heightened fear of these marine creatures.

The story revolves around a great white shark that terrorises the small beach town of Amity Island. It features the iconic characters of Chief Brody, marine biologist Matt Hooper, and professional shark hunter Quint, who band together to hunt down the monstrous predator. Despite its thrilling narrative, the film's success is often attributed to its suspenseful score and innovative marketing strategies.

Jeffrey Voorhees: From Child Actor to Cult Icon

Jeffrey Voorhees portrayed Alex Kintner, a young boy who meets a tragic fate at the jaws of the shark. Although his role was short-lived, it became iconic, and his character's demise is one of the film's most memorable moments. Today, Voorhees has leveraged his brief appearance into a lucrative career.

“It pays to die,” he quipped, reflecting on the fanfare that surrounds his role. He has become a sought-after figure at conventions and signing events, where he commands fees up to £10,000 per appearance. Beyond signings, he also engages with fans through personalised memorabilia and guided tours of Martha's Vineyard, where visitors can relive the film's history.

Financial Success in Film's Shadow

Voorhees has found that his association with Jaws offers financial opportunities that many child actors do not experience. He receives royalties each time the film airs, a unique benefit that adds to his income stream. Additionally, he has embraced modern technology by offering video shoutouts on platforms like Cameo, where fans can pay to receive personalised messages from him.

“I thought they’d be annoyed, but they gave me a five-star review,” he recounted, emphasising the positive feedback he receives from fans who appreciate his connection to the film.

The Impact of Jaws on Shark Conservation

While Jaws is remembered for its suspense and thrills, it also sparked a long-lasting fear of sharks. This fear has had real-world implications for shark populations, leading to increased hunting and negative perceptions of these creatures.

Peter Benchley, the author of the novel upon which the film is based, later expressed regret for the fear his work instilled in the public. He became an advocate for shark conservation, highlighting the ecological importance of sharks and the threats they face due to human activity. Benchley’s shift in perspective reflects a growing understanding of marine ecosystems and the need for conservation efforts.

The Shift in Public Perception

Benchley’s later activism underscores a broader movement towards understanding and protecting marine life. His comments about sharks being vulnerable rather than rogue predators serve as a reminder of the necessity for informed awareness. The film, while a box office success, inadvertently contributed to damaging stereotypes that continue to affect shark populations today.

Behind the Scenes: Spielberg's Challenges

The making of Jaws was not without its challenges. Director Steven Spielberg faced numerous difficulties, including mechanical failures of the shark prop and tumultuous weather conditions. These challenges, which have become part of the film’s lore, resulted in an atmosphere of tension during production.

In an interview, Spielberg described the filming process as a “living nightmare” due to the unpredictable nature of the ocean and the limitations of the special effects at the time. Despite these hardships, the film achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, and it changed the landscape of action and thriller genres.

The Financial Impact of Jaws

The financial success of Jaws has been staggering, with the franchise grossing over $800 million (£590 million) across four films. However, the sequels did not achieve the same level of acclaim as the original, with each subsequent film facing criticism for diminishing quality. Nonetheless, the franchise remains one of the most successful in film history, spawning merchandise, theme park attractions, and video games.

This financial success speaks not only to the film's popularity but also to the enduring fascination with sharks and the thrill of the hunt.

Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for Jaws and its Legacy

As Jaws celebrates its 50th anniversary, its legacy continues to evolve. The film has left an indelible mark on popular culture and has influenced how audiences perceive sharks. With the ongoing dialogue about the importance of conservation and ethical representation of marine life, Jaws serves as both a cautionary tale and a source of entertainment.

For Voorhees and others connected to the film, the anniversary marks a time not only of reflection but also of continued engagement with fans. As modern audiences grapple with the realities of marine conservation, the conversation surrounding Jaws remains relevant, reminding us of the fine line between fear and fascination.

How will the conversation around sharks and conservation continue to evolve in the coming years? #Jaws50Years #SharkConservation #FilmLegacy

FAQs

What role did Jeffrey Voorhees play in Jaws?

Jeffrey Voorhees played Alex Kintner, a young boy who is attacked by a shark while floating on a raft, resulting in one of the film's most iconic scenes.

How has Jaws impacted public perception of sharks?

The film has contributed to a widespread fear of sharks, leading to negative stereotypes and increased hunting, though awareness of the need for shark conservation has grown in recent years.

What financial opportunities has Jeffrey Voorhees found through his role in Jaws?

Voorhees has capitalised on his role by attending conventions, selling memorabilia, and receiving royalties each time Jaws airs, along with personalised video messages on platforms like Cameo.

What challenges did Spielberg face during the making of Jaws?

Spielberg encountered numerous challenges, including mechanical failures with the shark prop and difficult weather conditions, which led to a tense filming process.

How successful has the Jaws franchise been financially?

The Jaws franchise has grossed over $800 million (£590 million) worldwide, though the sequels did not achieve the same level of critical acclaim as the original film.