The Legacy of “Jaws” Lives On Through Wendy Benchley

For Wendy Benchley, the influence of “Jaws” is a constant presence in her life.

As the widow of Peter Benchley, who penned the original novel, and the executive producer of the new documentary, “Jaws @50: A Definitive Inner Story”, she often reflects on her enduring connections to the film.

“So, my wonderful husband, John Jepson, and I have been married for about 12 or 13 years, and we spend each August at Martha’s Vineyard,” Wendy shared, recalling the Massachusetts location where the movie was shot.

“Martha’s Vineyard holds a special place in our hearts,” she continued. “We often visit those iconic sites.”

Wendy’s late husband, Peter, created a bestselling novel about a great white shark that eventually transformed into a classic Steven Spielberg film. He passed away in 2006 at the age of 65.

By participating in “Jaws @50,” Wendy sheds light on the impressive success the 1975 movie enjoyed.

“Peter and I, we really crafted our lives after ‘Jaws’,” she reflected. “He wrote more books, and we embarked on many expeditions with National Geographic to address marine conservation issues. I worked with various nonprofits, though I wasn’t directly tied to the “Jaws” fan clubs.”

“For me,” she remarked thoughtfully.

“What Peter achieved in his book is so unique. Yes, it’s about the great white shark, but it’s also about the residents of the island facing their own challenges, needing to find a way to survive the winter. It captures the heart and spirit of the story, highlighting our lack of control over such threats.”

Wendy expressed her admiration for Spielberg’s personal reflections in the documentary.

“Hearing him discuss it in such an intimate manner was enlightening for me,” Wendy noted. “Honestly, I wasn’t fully aware of how challenging it was for him to make this film and the impact it had on sharks.”

“Jaws @50” premieres on July 10th on National Geographic and will be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.