Jeffrey Voorhees shot to prominence with his brief but indelible turn as shark chow Alex Kintner in the 1975 smash hit Jaws. He’s turned that fleeting minute of fame into an outsized monetary benefit. As luck would have it, Voorhees at only 12 years of age faced one of the most horrifying on-screen deaths imaginable. Now, at 62, he lasers up with the rewards of his early acting career, including residuals almost five decades later.
Thanks to the continued popularity of Jaws, Voorhees has been able to earn royalties from the film to this day. This income is as much a reflection of the film’s iconic status in cinematic history and its continued relevance. Fans are pursuing the legacy of the film with unmatched energy. Voorhees is unique in the Jaws universe, regularly attending conventions and fetching fees of £10,000 per appearance.
Between appearances at conventions, Voorhees has embraced the new digital age, selling autographed merchandise online. He offers personalized videos through the platform Cameo, connecting with fans who wish to receive custom messages from the actor.
Today, Voorhees still lives on Martha’s Vineyard, the idyllic setting where Jaws was filmed. His deep roots to the community only add to his relevance with the film and its supporters. At a recent convention, one convention goer threw him off guard with … an inflatable yellow raft. Just like the handgun that eventually became the symbol of his character’s tragic demise.
“These eye-watering sums are a symptom of how out of control fan culture has become.”
This financial success enjoyed by Voorhees serves to show how one key position can pay vast dividends in the long run. As a Gen Z-born child actor turned A-list celebrity, the tale of his rise allows us to appreciate the historic implications of his individuality. It equally reflects a broader trend in nostalgic fan engagement.
“You’re gonna need a bigger bank account.”