Jaws 2 star Marc Gilpin has passed away at the age of 56 after a long battle with cancer.
The Hollywood child actor was known for his role as the younger son of Roy Scheider’s chief of police Martin Brody in the 1978 sequel to Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster.
Marc’s older sister Peri Gilpin, an actress who starred in sitcom Frasier, confirmed the news of her brother’s death, reports The Hollywood Reporter.
The actor died heartbreakingly in Dallas, Texas after a battle with glioblastoma – a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor.
Last May, a fundraiser was set up for Marc, his wife Kaki and their sons in an effort to help the family as they “faced the unimaginable” as the star continued to battle the disease.
Tragic: Jaws 2 star Marc Gilpin has passed away aged 56 after a long battle with cancer
Role: The Hollywood child actor was known for his role as the youngest son of Roy Scheider’s chief of police Martin Brody in the 1978 sequel to Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster (both pictured)
That month Marc was discovered to have two tumors in his brain, with one of the tumors said to be centrally located, meaning it could not be surgically removed due to its location.
In addition to Marc’s health struggles, the family faced financial difficulties as the former child actor lost his job, while his wife Kaki, an elementary school teacher, had to give up her job to authorize for him.
The campaign page reads, “As if this wasn’t enough for this family of four, they are also facing significant financial stress. Recently Marc lost his job along with his company paid insurance plan and is actively looking for a new job.
“Faced with this medical crisis, Marc is clearly unable to find work at the moment. His wife, Kaki, is an elementary school teacher, the most admirable profession, but unfortunately also very underpaid.
“Given the current crisis situation they are in, Kaki has had to take FMLA off work to navigate all of the doctor’s appointments, treatments and more. That’s why her salary will be reduced even more during this period.’
In a later update to the page, GoFundMe organizer Kim Parks wrote, “The tumor didn’t grow, some shrunk, and had no new satellites. Neuro-oncologist very encouraged by response to treatment.’
The page continued to receive friendly messages of support and donations even until the week of his passing.
Marc beat out hundreds of other young actors to land the role of chief son Sean Brody in Jaw 2, and the hit movie hit theaters when Marc was 11 years old.
So sad: The actor died heartbreakingly in Dallas, Texas after a battle with glioblastoma – a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor
Big break: Marc beat out hundreds of other young actors to land the role of chief’s son Sean Brody in Jaw 2, with the hit film hitting cinemas when Marc was 11 years old
Actors: He co-starred with Roy and Lorraine Gary, who returned to the franchise to play his on-screen mother (all pictured). While Mark Gruner joined as Marc’s on-screen older brother, Michael
He co-starred with Roy and Lorraine Gary, who returned to the franchise to play his on-screen mother. While Mark Gruner joined as Marc’s on-screen older brother, Michael.
A year later, Marc appeared on NBC’s CHiPs, while also appearing on ABC’s Fantasy Island with his younger sister April.
He then starred in The Legend of the Long Ranger in 1981 before later appearing in Earthbound.
Child star: Marc pictured next to Gary Dubin in a scene from Jaws 2
Away from the spotlight: Marc eventually left the acting world and became a software engineer
Famous Sibling: Marc’s sister Peri Gilpin (second from left) starred as Roz Doyle in sitcom Frasier. She reportedly confirmed his death
Other acting credits included NBC’s Silver Spoons and ABC’s China Beach, as well as the 1989 film She’s Out of Control.
Marc eventually left the acting world and became a software engineer.
He worked for a startup company and another company where he earned several software patents, his family said.
Marc is survived by his wife of 24 Kaki and sons Spencer, 18, and Presley, 16.