When Steven Spielberg’s Jaws first hit cinemas in 1975, few could have predicted that one of its youngest actors would still be earning money from it nearly half a century later. Yet Jeffrey Voorhees, who was just 12 years old when he appeared briefly as Alex Kintner, continues to receive financial rewards from a role that lasted only a few minutes on screen.
Voorhees’ character, Alex, met a grisly fate in the movie when the shark terrorizing Amity Island dragged him under the water. The scene may have been short, but it became one of the film’s most memorable moments — and unexpectedly turned into a lifelong source of income for the actor.
In interviews, Voorhees has admitted that his brief appearance in Jaws paid off in ways he never imagined. “It pays to die,” he joked in a documentary reflecting on his role. What he meant was simple: fans of the blockbuster are still fascinated by even the smallest parts of the film, and that fascination continues to create opportunities for him.
Now 62 years old, Voorhees has turned his on-screen death into a business of its own. He attends conventions, fan gatherings, and anniversary events where admirers happily pay for autographs and photos. According to him, collectors sometimes buy dozens of signed pictures at once, and organizers often fly him around the world to appear at events. At these meet-and-greet sessions, he can reportedly earn as much as £10,000 per weekend.
The legacy doesn’t stop there. Voorhees still receives payments each time Jaws airs on television. He recalled how his brother, living abroad, would occasionally send him texts saying: “Good news, you just died on TV again — expect another cheque.” Even decades after filming, the royalties continue to roll in.
Beyond appearances and royalties, Voorhees has also embraced digital platforms. He offers personalized video messages through Cameo, allowing fans to connect with him directly for a modest fee. This new channel has introduced him to an even wider audience, proving that his short-lived role has left a surprisingly lasting impact.
The enduring popularity of Jaws explains why interest in Voorhees has never fully faded. Often described as one of the most influential films ever made, Spielberg’s thriller not only terrified audiences but also reshaped Hollywood itself. The story of a seaside town under attack by a great white shark captivated millions, and its success transformed Spielberg from a young director-for-hire into one of the most powerful figures in cinema.
Reflecting on its importance, Spielberg once said that the film represented a turning point in his career. Before Jaws, many in Hollywood doubted his ability to bring ambitious ideas to life. But after its record-breaking box office run, studios began approaching him with open checkbooks, asking what other projects he wanted to pursue. The movie’s success effectively launched the modern blockbuster era, changing how studios released and marketed films forever.
For Voorhees, the cultural impact of Jaws has meant a lifetime of recognition. While he only appeared on screen for a moment, the power of the movie and its fandom has ensured that his name remains tied to its legacy. As the film celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, Voorhees was once again in the spotlight, signing autographs and meeting fans who still rewatch his famous scene.
Looking back, it’s remarkable that a fleeting childhood role continues to generate income and opportunities decades later. While most actors move on quickly from bit parts, Voorhees proves that sometimes even a small role can have a big payoff — especially when it’s part of a cultural phenomenon like Jaws.
Nearly 50 years on, the idea that getting eaten by a shark could become one of Hollywood’s most profitable career moves sounds ironic, but Voorhees’ experience shows just how enduring the movie’s influence really is.