What Movie Made Roy Scheider Famous? Jaws: A Cinematic Legacy

Roy Scheider’s first film role was in the horror movie The Curse of the Living Corpse (1964). It wasn’t until later that he began to make a name for himself as a serious actor. Klute (1971) and The French Connection (1971), both critically acclaimed, helped solidify his reputation.

While Klute was a critical and commercial success, it was The French Connection that launched Roy Scheider into superstardom. The film’s success was due in large part to its gritty realism and the performances of its two leads, Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider. Scheider’s portrayal of Detective Buddy “Popeye” Doyle, a tough and relentless cop who’s not afraid to bend the rules to get the job done, resonated with audiences and earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film’s success cemented his place as a major Hollywood star and paved the way for his iconic role as Chief Brody in Jaws (1975).