Episode 142 - My Jaw-Dropping Chat With Actor Turned Producer Jeffrey Kramer from JAWS 1 & 2 - Part 2

In the thrilling conclusion of this two-part conversation, host Tony Miros continues his deep dive with actor-turned-producer Jeffrey Kramer, who shares more incredible stories from his multifaceted Hollywood career. Jeffrey recalls how his friend Rick Rosenthal cast him in Halloween II , and how his role as Deputy Hendricks in JAWS 2 was almost cut—until a change in directors saved it and expanded it. He paints a vivid picture of the challenges of filming on the open water, the freezing temperatures in Pensacola, & the chaos of shooting multiple cameras in rough seas, all while marveling at director Jeannot Szwarc’s calm leadership.
Jeffrey also reflects on his time working on Santa Claus: The Movie with John Lithgow, describing their long friendship & the joy of filming at Pinewood Studios in London for six months. He laughs about his blink-and-you’ll-miss-it role in Clue & reminisces about his improv days with Christopher Lloyd. But it was his experience filming Hero and the Terror with Chuck Norris—combined with a terrifying fear of heights—that convinced him to step away from acting for good and take a leap behind the camera instead.
That leap led to a whole new chapter in Jeffrey’s career as a television executive and producer at 20th Century Fox, thanks in part to encouragement from Richard Dreyfuss. His creative partnership with David E. Kelley produced hit series such as Chicago Hope, Ally McBeal, and The Practice, earning multiple Emmys, Golden Globes, and even a Peabody Award.
But beyond his Hollywood success, Jeffrey is most proud of his extraordinary advocacy for the Tourette Association of America. Having grown up with a tic himself, he’s dedicated his life to raising awareness and compassion for those living with Tourette Syndrome.
JEFFREY KRAMER
Born and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, Jeffrey earned 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 MASH,* Laverne & Shirley, Baretta, Soap, and Chico and the Man.
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, 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.
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Jeffrey Kramer
Actor / Producer / Philanthropist
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." He also worked behind the scenes on projects like Joe Dante’s "The ’Burbs" and several independent films — foreshadowing the next act of his career.
The 1990s marked a creative turning point as Kramer transitioned from actor to producer — and began a highly succe… Read More