Episode 141 — My Jaw-Dropping Chat with Jeffrey Kramer from JAWS & JAWS 2 - Part 1

In this jaw-dropping first half of a two-part conversation, host Tony Miros sits down with actor-turned-producer Jeffrey Kramer, the unforgettable Deputy Hendricks from Steven Spielberg’s legendary classic JAWS and its sequel JAWS 2. Nearly fifty years later, Jeffrey still can’t believe how a little movie about a big shark became a cultural phenomenon that changed Hollywood forever.

Jeffrey takes listeners on a fascinating journey from his early life in Teaneck, New Jersey, and Martha’s Vineyard—where his grandparents once sold land—to his theater days in New York City and college years at Ithaca. He shares how a small newspaper blurb about a film shooting on the Vineyard led to an unexpected audition with a young Steven Spielberg—and just ten days later, the role that would define his early career.

From the chaos of filming on the open ocean to the infamous “shark that didn’t work,” Jeffrey reveals how production challenges pushed the cast and crew to focus on character, tension, and storytelling. He opens up about his friendships with Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider, Spielberg’s brilliance behind the camera, and the tight-knit community of locals who brought Amity Island to life.

Full of humor, heart, and rare behind-the-scenes stories, Jeffrey reflects on the enduring legacy of JAWS—from the film’s groundbreaking wide release to the long lines that wrapped around theaters and the generations of fans who still approach him today. As he celebrates the film’s 50th anniversary, Jeffrey looks back with gratitude, awe, and a few stories that even the biggest JAWS fans have never heard before.

JEFFREY KRAMER

Born and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, Jeffrey Kramer graduated from Teaneck High School in 1963 before earning an acting scholarship to Ithaca College. His natural charisma and sharp comedic instincts soon drew him to Hollywood, where he made his television debut in 1975 on Barney Miller in the episode “Snow Job.”

That same year, Kramer made movie history as Deputy Lenny Hendricks in Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. His portrayal of the earnest, slightly frazzled deputy made him an instant fan favorite, and he returned to Amity Island to reprise the role in Jaws 2 three years later. Throughout the late 1970s, Kramer became a familiar face on television, appearing in hits like M*A*S*H, Laverne & Shirley, Baretta, Soap, and Chico and the Man. He even co-starred with Jack Elam in his own cult favorite series, Struck by Lightning.

During the 1980s, Kramer continued building an eclectic résumé with appearances in Hollywood Boulevard, You Light Up My Life, Halloween II, Heartbeeps, Clue, and Santa Claus: The Movie, along with memorable guest spots on The Incredible Hulk and Happy Days. 

The 1990s marked a creative turning point as Kramer transitioned from actor to producer — and began a highly successful partnership with acclaimed writer-producer David E. Kelley. Together, they helped shape some of the most defining television dramas and comedies of the decade, including Chicago Hope, The Practice, and Ally McBeal.  Over his producing career, he’s received six Emmy nominations and multiple Golden Globe honors alongside his creative partners.

Now retired from Hollywood, Jeffrey has dedicated his energy to a new passion: his meaningful work with the Tourette Association of America. His ongoing advocacy has helped transform public understanding of the condition, continuing a lifelong legacy of empathy, creativity, and impact — both on and off the screen. 

Tourette Association of America  - https://tourette.org/ 

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