Roy Scheider

Roy Richard Scheider (1932 - 2008) was an acclaimed American actor known for his versatile acting style. Referred by AllMovie as "one of the most unique and distinguished of all Hollywood actors", Scheider attained fame with both his leading and supporting roles in notable films from 1970s to mid-1980s. His illustrious career earned him nominations for two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA. Some of Scheider's best-known roles included Frank Ligourin in Klute (1971), Brody in Jaws (1975) and its 1978 sequel, Buddy in The Seven-Ups (1973), Doc Levy in Marathon Man (1976), and Dr. Heywood Floyd in the 2001: A Space Odyssey sequel. His later works included Naked Lunch (1991), Romeo Is Bleeding (1993), The Myth of Fingerprints (1997) and The Rainmaker (1997) Among others. Scheider also had a successful television career, notably portraying Captain Nathan Bridger on NBC's seaQuest DSV from 1993–1996.

Born in Orange, New Jersey, Scheider was an athlete in his early years, participating in organized baseball and boxing competitions. He later turned his interests to drama, studying at Rutgers University and Franklin and Marshall College. Between 1946 and 1949, Scheider boxed as an amateur in New Jersey. He also served three years in the United States Air Force. Scheider's acting career initiated with a role in The Curse of the Living Corpse (1964). Over his career, he worked in many notable films and television series, his work gaining him wide acclamation and numerous nominations and awards. Despite a varied career, Scheider is particularly remembered for his work in Jaws, a Hollywood blockbuster. Scheider maintained a steady film and television career until his death in 2008, leaving behind a rich legacy and two upcoming films.