Chris Rebello was a young actor who played the role of Michael Brody, the son of the police chief in the 1975 blockbuster movie Jaws. He was one of the few child actors who got to experience the thrill and terror of being chased by a giant shark on screen. But what happened to him after his brief brush with fame? How did he die at the age of 37? This article will explore the life and death of Chris Rebello, the Jaws star who left us too soon.
Early Life and Jaws
Chris Rebello was born on August 8, 1963, in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. He was a native of the island, where Jaws was filmed. He was one of the local children who were cast in the movie by director Steven Spielberg, who wanted to use authentic faces and accents for his film.
Rebello played Michael Brody, the older son of Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) and Ellen Brody (Lorraine Gary). He had a memorable scene in the movie, where he was stranded on a sailboat as the shark circled around him. He later recalled that he was not scared of the shark, but rather of the cold water, which was about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. He also said that he did not care much about the celebrities in the movie, but rather about his salary, which was $138 a day.
Rebello did not pursue an acting career after Jaws. He said that he was not interested in fame or Hollywood, and that he preferred to stay on his island. He only appeared in one other film, a short documentary called The Making of Steven Spielberg’s ‘Jaws’ in 1995.
Later Life and Death
Rebello remained on Martha’s Vineyard for most of his life. He worked as a carpenter, a landscaper, and a fisherman. He also became an assistant coach for the Martha’s Vineyard High School varsity football team. He was married and had three children, two of whom were also involved with the football team.
Rebello died on November 30, 2000, while hunting deer with some friends. He suffered a massive heart attack and collapsed in the woods. His friends tried to revive him with CPR, but it was too late. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. He was 37 years old.
Rebello’s death shocked and saddened his family, friends, and community. He was remembered as a kind, generous, and fun-loving person who loved his island and his family. His football team dedicated their game to him and won the Division 5 Super Bowl title that year.
Rebello’s death also made headlines around the world, as fans of Jaws mourned the loss of one of its stars. His role in the movie was considered iconic and influential, as he represented the innocence and vulnerability of children facing a monstrous threat.
Legacy
Chris Rebello’s legacy lives on through his family, his island, and his movie. His family continues to reside on Martha’s Vineyard and honor his memory. His island still attracts tourists and fans who want to see the locations where Jaws was filmed. His movie remains one of the most popular and successful films of all time, and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of cinema.
Chris Rebello may have left us too soon, but he will always be remembered as Michael Brody, the boy who survived Jaws.
