When Jaws Changed Everything: Jeffrey Kramer's Life in Film and TV
Episode Description
Jeffrey Kramer shares behind-the-scenes stories from Jaws and his remarkable journey from actor to Emmy-winning producer. Discover how one chaotic summer on Martha's Vineyard led to a lifetime of storytelling, creativity, and gratitude.
Few careers capture the magic of Hollywood's golden eras quite like Jeffrey Kramer's. From playing Deputy Hendrix in Jaws—a role that became an enduring symbol of 1970s cinema—to producing cultural touchstones like Ally McBeal and The Practice, Jeffrey's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and gratitude.
In this heartfelt conversation, he reflects on his time on Martha's Vineyard, shares how Jaws changed his life, and opens up about the moment he decided to move behind the camera to create some of television's most defining dramas.
Episode Highlights
- Making of a Classic: Jeffrey recalls being on set for the first day of Jaws, filming the unforgettable "hand in the sand" scene, and realizing he was part of something truly special.
- The Spielberg Effect: Memories of a young Steven Spielberg, the chaos of a malfunctioning shark, and the genius behind crafting fear without ever showing the monster.
- Hollywood Legends & Lifelong Bonds: Reflections on working with Richard Dreyfuss, Roy Scheider, and how friendships from the Jaws set lasted a lifetime.
- Career Reinvention: Jeffrey's decision to leave acting and transition into producing groundbreaking shows like The X-Files and Ally McBeal.
- Gratitude & Growth: Lessons from a journey filled with risks, reinventions, and the gratitude that keeps his love for storytelling alive.
You're going to love my conversation with Jeffrey Kramer
Follow Jeff Dwoskin (host):
- Jeff Dwoskin on Twitter
- The Jeff Dwoskin Show podcast on Twitter
- Podcast website
- Podcast on Instagram
- Subscribe to my Youtube channel
- Yes, the show used to be called Live from Detroit: The Jeff Dwoskin Show
Ways to support the show:
- Buy me a coffee (support the show)
- Dashery/TeePublic Store: Classic Conversations merch and more!
- Love the books I talk about on the show? Here is my Amazon store to shop.