Introduction
Lorraine Gary was an American actress and philanthropist, best known for her role as Ellen Brody in the Jaws film franchise. She was born on August 16, 1937, in New York City and passed away on June 30, 2020, at the age of 83. In this blog post, we will delve into her personal life, net worth, and career in movies.
Personal Life
Early Life and Family
Lorraine Gary was born to Betty and George Kuchera, both of whom were Jewish immigrants from Russia. She grew up in Forest Hills, Queens, and attended the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan. In 1956, she married Sidney Sheinberg, who later became the president of MCA/Universal Studios. They had two sons together, Jon and Bill, and were married for 57 years until Sheinberg’s death in 2019.
Philanthropy
Throughout her life, Lorraine Gary was involved in various philanthropic endeavors. She was a founding member of the Children’s Action Network, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in foster care, and served on the board of directors for the Starlight Children’s Foundation. She was also a member of the board of trustees for the University of Southern California and was involved in fundraising efforts for the school’s film school.
Net Worth
Career in Movies
Lorraine Gary began her career in the entertainment industry as a secretary at Universal Studios. She later became a talent agent and helped launch the careers of actors such as Steven Spielberg and Richard Dreyfuss. In 1974, she was cast as Ellen Brody in the film Jaws, which went on to become a blockbuster hit. She reprised her role in Jaws 2 and Jaws: The Revenge, and also appeared in other films such as Car Wash and 1941.
Net Worth
As of 2021, Lorraine Gary’s net worth was estimated to be $20 million. Much of her wealth came from her successful career in movies, as well as her involvement in various philanthropic endeavors.
Career in Movies
Jaws
Lorraine Gary’s most famous role was that of Ellen Brody in the Jaws film franchise. In the first film, she played the wife of police chief Martin Brody, who is tasked with protecting the town of Amity Island from a man-eating great white shark. Her performance in the film was widely praised, and she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Other Films
Aside from the Jaws franchise, Lorraine Gary appeared in several other films throughout her career. She had a supporting role in the 1976 film Car Wash, which was a critical and commercial success. She also appeared in the 1979 film 1941, which was directed by Steven Spielberg and starred John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.
Conclusion
Lorraine Gary was a talented actress and philanthropist who made a significant impact on the entertainment industry and the world at large. Her memorable performances in the Jaws franchise and other films will continue to be celebrated for years to come, and her philanthropic efforts will continue to improve the lives of children and families in need.
FAQ
Who is Lorraine Gary?
Lorraine Gary is an American retired actress best known for her role as Ellen Brody in the Jaws film franchise.
What is Lorraine Gary’s personal life like?
Lorraine Gary was married to Hollywood executive Sidney Sheinberg from 1956 until his death in 2019. They had two children together, William and Jon.
What is Lorraine Gary’s net worth?
Lorraine Gary’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million.
What are some of Lorraine Gary’s most notable movies?
Aside from her role in the Jaws franchise, Lorraine Gary also appeared in films such as Car Wash, 1941, and The Big Fix.
When did Lorraine Gary retire from acting?
Lorraine Gary retired from acting in 1987 after her role in Jaws: The Revenge.
