Actor Roy Scheider died Sunday afternoon at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Hospital in Little Rock. He had been treated there for multiple myeloma over the last several years at the university’s Myeloma Institute for Research.
The New York Times has reported that his wife, Brenda Seimer, released a statement explaining that Scheider died of complications from a staph infection. He was 75 years old.
Although famous for such film roles as the police chief in Jaws (more formally known as Police Chief Martin “You’re gonna need a bigger boat” Brody) and the Fosse character Joe Gideon from All That Jazz, Roy Scheider started out as an accomplished stage actor.
During his time studying history and preparing for a career in law at Franklin & Marshall College, Scheider starred in such plays as Shakespeare’s Richard III. In 1961, he won the role of Mercutio for the New York Shakespeare Festival’s production of Romeo and Juliet.
Scheider began acting in movies in 1964, earning his first on-screen credit for his work in Del Tenney’s The Curse of the Living Corpse. Throughout his career, he continued to work on both the stage and screen. One of his most memorable performances came late in his career when in 1991 he starred as Dr. Benway in David Cronenberg’s adaptation of the William S. Burroughs novel Naked Lunch.
Scheider also took his talents to the small screen, appearing on shows like Third Watch and even serving as the host for an episode of Saturday Night Live in 1985. Last year, he made an achingly emotionally-charged guest appearance as death row inmate Mark Brady (an homage to Martin Brody, perhaps?) on NBC’s Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
Scheider made wonderful contributions to the acting community and the art itself throughout his life. At the time of his death, he was working on a project to open a film studio in Florence, Italy. He is survived by his wife, brother Glenn and three children.
To read more on Mr. Scheider’s life, read the full article here.
Image: Cinereporter
