'Jaws 2' Actor Marc Gilpin Dies at Age 56

"Jaws 2" actor Marc Gilpin has passed away at the age of 54 after battling glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. His sister, Peri Gilpin, paid tribute to him and his wife on Instagram.

In a heartbreaking announcement, Per Gilpin, known for her role in "Frasier," confirmed the death of her brother, Marc, who was best known for his portrayal of Sean Brody in the 1978 shark-infested sequel. Marc passed away on July 29 at his home in Dallas, Texas, after battling glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. Peri took to Instagram to pay tribute to her brother and his wife, Kaki Gilpin, expressing admiration for their unwavering support and care during Marc's illness.

Peri described how Kaki and their boys surrounded Marc with love, hugs, and round-the-clock support, highlighting Kaki's incredible qualities as a wife, mother, first-grade teacher, sister, and sister-in-law. She expressed her admiration for Kaki's undaunted role as a caregiver, emphasizing the strength, dignity, and invaluable humor they displayed throughout Marc's illness. Peri concluded her heartfelt tribute by acknowledging Kaki's unwavering love for Marc, recognizing the profound bond they shared.

Despite his relatively short stint in Hollywood, Marc made an impact with his appearances in various projects. Alongside his role in "Jaws 2," he also appeared in films such as "The Legend of the Lone Ranger" and "Earthbound" in 1981. He had guest roles on popular TV shows like "Fantasy Island" and "CHiPs" and starred in the movie "Surviving" in 1985, alongside renowned actors Ellen Burstyn, River Phoenix, and Molly Ringwald. This breakout role opened doors for Marc, leading to his signing with a talent manager and paving the way for Peri's own career in the entertainment industry.

Marc eventually retired from acting in the late 1980s and pursued a career in software engineering. However, in 2022, his family revealed his cancer diagnosis, launching a GoFundMe page to assist with his medical expenses. The page detailed the discovery of two tumors in Marc's brain and his ongoing treatment. The family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they had received and shared their determination to continue the battle against the disease. Kaki, in particular, highlighted Marc's strength and her pride in their sons, Spencer and Presley, for their resilience in the face of adversity.

The loss of Marc Gilpin is a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of cancer and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. His contributions to the entertainment industry, though brief, left a lasting impression. Through the words of Peri Gilpin and Kaki Gilpin, we catch a glimpse of the love, resilience, and unwavering support that defined Marc's life and his battle against glioblastoma. May his memory live on, and may his family find solace in the cherished moments they shared.