Blonde character actress with a distinctive presence on television and the occasional feature film, known for her quiet authority and comforting demeanor. Before making her mark on the big screen, she appeared in several made-for-TV movies, including The City (1971) and The Marcus-Nelson Murders (1973). Her film debut came in 1975 with a starring role in Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, where she portrayed Ellen Brody, the wife of police chief Martin Brody, played by Roy Scheider. She reprised the role in the less successful sequel Jaws 2, and later reunited with Spielberg for 1941 (1979), once again playing the role of a strong, determined mother figure.
In a departure from her usual roles, she delivered a memorable and somewhat unexpected performance as the sharp-tongued daughter of George Burns in Just You and Me, Kid (1979). After taking a break from acting during the 1980s, Gary returned to the franchise that made her famous, stepping back into the role of Ellen Brody—this time without Scheider—for Jaws: The Revenge (1987).
Offscreen, Gary has enjoyed a long and stable personal life, having been married to Sidney Sheinberg, the former president of MCA, for more than three decades. The couple has two sons, Jon and Bill Sheinberg, both of whom have followed in their parents’ footsteps in the film industry.
When it comes to Lorraine Gary’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story (2025) as her standout performance—this documentary special stands tall as her highest-rated project to date. It’s no surprise that Lorraine Gary continues to be celebrated for her connection to the iconic franchise, especially with this retrospective that dives deep into the legacy of Jaws. On the other end of the spectrum, however, is Jaws: The Revenge (1987), which tends to receive far less praise and is widely regarded as her lowest-rated film. While opinions may vary, one thing remains clear: Lorraine Gary has left a lasting mark on cinematic history, and her body of work—from the acclaimed to the campy—keeps audiences talking. Whether you’re revisiting her most beloved moments or exploring the lesser-known corners of her career, Lorraine Gary’s influence is undeniable.