‘Jaws’ author’s widow still visits film’s shooting location
Share and Follow

The legacy of “Jaws” lives forever for Wendy Benchley.

Wendy Benchley, who is the widow of Peter Benchley, the author of “Jaws”, and also an executive producer of the new documentary “Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story,” recently shared with The Post about the ongoing special bond she maintains with the legendary movie.

She expressed, “My husband John Jeppson and I, have been happily married for about 12 to 13 years, and we make it a tradition to spend our summers in Martha’s Vineyard every August,” Wendy recounted, referring to the Massachusetts island where most of the filming for “Jaws” took place.

“Yeah, so Martha’s Vineyard is very much dear to our hearts and part of our life,” she added. “We see all these sites all the time.”

It was Wendy’s late spouse, Peter, who penned the famous novel about a menacing great white shark, later adapted into a gripping film by renowned director Steven Spielberg. Peter passed away in 2006 at the age of 65.

Being involved in “Jaws @ 50” gave Wendy new insight into the incredible success of the 1975 film.

“Peter and I, after ‘Jaws’, went on to live our life,” she recalled. “Peter went on write more novels, we did a lot of expeditions with National Geographic, and we got into working with ocean conservation issues, and I did a lot of work with non-profits, and I have not been intimately connected to all of the fan clubs of ‘Jaws,’ and all of that happened afterwards.”

“So for me,” she continued, “there was that added fun and joy of reacquainting myself with the nuances of ‘Jaws’ and how brilliant Spielberg was with the techniques which the movie directors talked about. But also, I thought he was brilliant the way he had the local people and gave that great depth of character and all the wonderful faces that you saw and the people you got to know. I think that is one of the most powerful aspects of the film.”

Wendy added, “And that’s also what Peter did in his book. The book was about a great white shark, but it was also about the people who lived on this island who needed to make money to get through the winter and about how there are different approaches to this menace that they couldn’t control. So that is I think very much the heart and soul of what the book and the movie is about.”

The ocean conservationist advocate was “moved” by Spielberg’s retrospective comments about “Jaws” in the documentary.

“That was wonderful to listen to him talking about it and in such a personal way,” Wendy stated. “And honestly, I had not known and I don’t think anybody really knew how traumatizing it was to him to make this film and to have the shark breaking down and to have it over budget. And I’m so glad that David Brown and Richard Zanuck just stuck with him and that he was able to finish it off.”

“Jaws @ 50” premieres July 10 on National Geographic and will stream on Disney+ and Hulu.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Thomas Markle issues desperate plea to Meghan from hospital bed

Thomas Markle Urges Meghan to Reconnect in Heartfelt Message from Hospital

In a poignant appeal from his hospital bed, Thomas Markle, father of…
National Guard shooting suspect's ties to 'suicide bomb plotter'

Unveiling the Shocking Connection: National Guard Shooting Suspect Linked to Notorious Suicide Bomb Plotter

The recent arrest of an Afghan man accused of shooting two National…
Taiwan unveils $40B defense spending plan to counter China military threat over next decade

Taiwan’s $40B Defense Strategy: A Decade-Long Commitment to Counter China’s Military Ambitions

KAOHSIUNG: In a bold move underscoring Taiwan’s commitment to bolstering its defense…
Gavin Newsom bites back with bonkers photo after being roasted

Governor Gavin Newsom’s Bold Response: The Viral Photo Shaking Up Social Media!

California Governor Gavin Newsom has responded to critics who mocked his unusual…
$775 million Powerball: Winning numbers for Wednesday, Dec. 3

Discover the Winning Numbers for the December 6th Powerball Drawing!

WASHINGTON — If you purchased a Powerball ticket for Saturday’s drawing, it…
Pictured: Girlfriend, 33, 'left to die' on Austrian mountain

Tragic Tale: Woman, 33, Found Deceased on Austrian Mountain Trail

This is the first released photograph of a climber who tragically succumbed…
Idaho bar owner faces death threats after viral promo offering free beer for assisting ICE

Idaho Bar Owner Receives Death Threats Over Controversial ICE Assistance Promo

Mark Fitzpatrick, owner of an Idaho bar, has found himself at the…
Safety tips for setting up your Christmas tree at home

Essential Christmas Tree Safety Tips for a Festive and Accident-Free Holiday Season

As the festive season approaches and holiday decorations begin to adorn homes,…