Philippe Naughton
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to The Sunday Times

The actor Roy Scheider, a two-time Oscar nominee best known for his portrayal of a small-town police chief in the 1970s blockbuster Jaws, has died. He was 75.
Scheider died yesterday of complications from multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood cells, at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, where he had been treated over the past two years.
A classically trained actor recognised for his angular facial features and boxer’s nose, the New Jersey-born Scheider often played harried lawmen or average guys caught up in extraordinary circumstances.
A talented child athlete who excelled at baseball and boxing - his broken nose virtually became his trademark – Scheider's first film role came in the 1963 horror film Curse of the Living Corpse.
He earned his first Oscar nomination for his supporting role as Gene Hackman’s partner in the 1971 film The French Connection and made a notable appearance that same year in Klute.
Eight years later, he was nominated as Best Actor for playing the womanizing, pill-popping Joe Gideon, alter ego of the famed choreographer Bob Fosse, in the semi-autobiographical All That Jazz, which Fosse co-wrote and directed.
But Scheider will perhaps best be remembered for his starring role in Jaws, the 1975 Steven Spielberg thriller based on Peter Benchley's bestseller. The original summer blockbuster, it was also the highest-grossing film to that date.
In it, he played Martin Brody, the intrepid police chief of a New England seaside resort who goes on a hunt (alongside a shark scientist and a grizzled old fisherman) for a Great White Shark that is terrorising his community – although not before doing battle with the town mayor who wants to keep the beaches open.
The film's most memorable line - said to have been improvised by Scheider himself - was: "You’re gonna need a bigger boat."
Scheider also made notable appearances in Marathon Man – as the shady CIA operative who is Dustin Hoffman’s older brother – and in Still of the Night opposite Meryl Streep.

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I can still remember what he said in Jaw's
"We are going to need a bigger boat"
He was great in DSV TV show to.
James Crowley, Manchester,NH, USA
Thank you roy for all the mermories r.i.p chief
alan palmer, canterbury, England
R.I.P Roy, you were a great actor, and a hell of a guy.
Vince, Warrington, Pennsylvania
I thought the line "I'm Brody, I'm Brody" was brillent, simple lines....but deliverd perfectly. Wonderful movie, wonderful man.
Steve, Huntington, NY
Ouch! What sad news.
A brilliant actor, one of the greats.
Thanks for your many memorable performances Roy.
R.I.P
Scheider Fan
Y Davies, Buckinghamshire, England
We won't forget you, Roy.
Boris Pickar, Hranice , CZ
What upsets me,that none of the mass media in US mentioned his death,that is double sad..
Sam, new york, ny
It's impossible to forget about 2010,such was the plot,the casting and awsome imagery,but it became absolutely impossible to read the book again without associating the image of the main character and Roy...
Rest in peace,Dr. Floyd.May you say now...
"My God,it's full of stars!"
Ahrod Brennan
Ahrod Brennan, Dublin, Ãire
I developed a huge crush on Roy when I saw him in JAWS back in the summer of 1975. I was 12 years-old. I followed his career and movies for 32 years. Yes, he did get old, but back when he was younger he was so sexy and handsome (and I loved him in those turtlenecks too). There will never be another Roy Scheider. This has been a sad day. May God bless you Roy.
Smith, Baltimore, MD
I was in tears when I heard about Roy Scheider this morning. What a talented actor. He was my favorite. I would watch anything he was in. There was just something about him - made you feel like he was someone you knew, like your cousin or your neighbor down the street. Thank you Roy, for spending your life giving us true enjoyment. Rest in peace dear friend. You have left a big hole in this world.
Nancy Streeter, Melbourne, FL
'Still of The Night, Jaws, Cohen And Tate, All That Jazz, 52 Pick Up, The French Connection, and Marathon Man.'
Great movies starring a great actor.
One of the best actors of his generation.
Michael Rigby, Blackburn, England
One of my favorite movies and "lines"!! LJ
LJ, Grapevine, TX
I know of Roy Scheider from his role on the TV show "seaQuest DSV". I loved that show. That's 3 actors that have died that were on that show. Jonathan Brandis was first, at age 27 or 28. Then Royce D. Applegate, and now Roy. I am very saddened by this news. My mom just got a new puppy for Christmas and named him Brody. It will be sad to think about it for awhile.
Julie, Richmond, IN
Certainly my favorite Roy Scheider role was in the surreal horror film "Naked Lunch," when Roy unzips and steps out of a full-body woman costume, much to the shocked amazement of moviegoers. Mr. Scheider had a phenomenal range of acting skills and a tremendous sense of humor, which went largely unrecognized in his mainstream movies. God bless you, Roy, and give 'em hell in Heaven. :)
Charles Miller, Kings Mountain, North Carolina, USA
R.I.P Chief! your a legend! you starred in my all time best film JAWS!classic!
Ben_jp_rider Falmouth England
ben_jp_rider, falmouth, england
Thank you Roy for teaching me what it means to be JAFO...You will be missed!
Sid, East Coast, NC
The world is a poorer place in his absence. I knew him briefly and not very well, but he was a warm, caring man who was devoted to his family and committed to life.
He kicked ass!
Lynn, cumberland, RI
I strongly believe that Roy Scheider was the reason Jaws was as successful as it was. He was the anchor(forgive me) of that story and if you didn't believe him the movie would've been over before it began. His subtlety and artistry will be hugely missed.
Ricardo, Dublin, Ireland
"That's some bad hat Harry!" Rest in peace Roy.
J, Boston, MA
I will never forget the day I met you at Joe Allen's - You thought you knew me and you were so polite to ask "Was I doing anything" - In other words was I in a show!
I love you in those turtleneck sweaters!
We will miss you.
Sandee
New York, New York
Sandee, Miami, Florida
I loved him as Captain Nathan Bridger on the TV series, "SeaQuest DSV". He was also in the movie "2010". A wonderful actor, able to be both serious and funny.
Bonnie, Framingham, MA
He deserves an honorary oscar.
Joe, Toms River, NJ
Sorcerer is a great movie and Roy is excellent, this is an overlooked William Friedken masterpiece. Besides Jaws, I think my favorite Roy Scheieder role was in another little known film called "The Seven-ups". Roy is great in this role.
Greg, New Haven, CT
Two other great films of Scheider's: The Seven Up's (2nd or 3rd best car chase in film history), and Blue Thunder!
He was an awesome actor and it's sad to see him pass! Thanks for some great memories Roy!
David , WOBURN, MA
I was saddened to hear this legendary actor has passed away. Stay cool Roy. You will be sadly missed. Melanie, Aldershot, England.
melanie, aldershot, united kingdom
Schieder fans must see "52 Pickup." I've been a big fan since I was a kid and saw "Jaws" at the drive-in theater.
John, Yucaipa, CA
Let's not forget his unique performance as CIA instigator Russell in the Russia House. RIP.
shay, boston, usa/ma
SORCERER by far the very best of the best from Roy. Do not miss this picture
fab
michael fabian, boardman, ohio
Rest in Peace, Roy.
Ed, Woodbury, Connecticut