Peter Benchley, the author who plunged millions into ocean-induced terror with his novel “Jaws,” passed away at his Princeton, N.J. home on Saturday at the age of 65. While his name became synonymous with great white sharks and seaside horror, Benchley himself dedicated a significant portion of his life to advocating for shark conservation. So, how did this complex figure, known for both thrilling fiction and passionate environmentalism, die?
Wendy Benchley, his wife of 41 years, revealed that the cause of death was idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This progressive lung disease, characterized by the scarring of lung tissue, ultimately claimed the life of the author. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and irreversible condition, making breathing increasingly difficult as the lungs lose their ability to function properly.
Benchley’s 1974 novel, “Jaws,” and the subsequent blockbuster movie directed by Steven Spielberg, indelibly changed the perception of ocean swimming. The narrative of a menacing great white shark turning a seaside town into its hunting ground tapped into primal fears, transforming a simple dip in the ocean into a potential encounter with fatal danger. The book and film became cultural phenomena, etching the image of ominous dorsal fins and bloody waters into the collective consciousness.
Despite the immense success and cultural impact of “Jaws,” Benchley often expressed a nuanced perspective on the fear it generated. “Spielberg certainly made the most superb movie; Peter was very pleased,” Wendy Benchley stated to the Associated Press. However, she further emphasized Peter’s consistent message: “But Peter kept telling people the book was fiction, it was a novel, and that he no more took responsibility for the fear of sharks than Mario Puzo took responsibility for the Mafia.” This quote highlights Benchley’s awareness of the fictional nature of his creation and his discomfort with the widespread fear of sharks it inadvertently fueled.
Born into a family of writers – grandson of humorist Robert Benchley and son of author Nathaniel Benchley – Peter Benchley’s literary path seemed almost predetermined. Born in New York City in 1940, he received a prestigious education, attending Philips Exeter Academy and graduating from Harvard University in 1961. His early career involved journalism, with stints at the Washington Post and Newsweek, followed by a period as a speechwriter for President Lyndon B. Johnson, where he was tasked with crafting speeches during the challenging era of the Vietnam War.
Benchley’s fascination with sharks predated “Jaws,” stemming from childhood summers spent on Nantucket Island. This interest intensified in the mid-1960s when he learned about the capture of a massive 4,550-pound great white shark off Long Island, the very setting that would later inspire his famous novel. This real-life event sparked a crucial question in his mind: “What would happen if one of those came around and wouldn’t go away?” This thought experiment became the seed that germinated into “Jaws,” although the novel itself wasn’t started until 1971 due to prior work commitments.
While “Jaws” remains his most celebrated work, Benchley’s literary contributions extended beyond it. He co-wrote the screenplay for the “Jaws” movie and authored other novels such as “The Deep” and “The Island.” However, his wife emphasized that he took particular pride in his conservation efforts. Benchley actively served on the national council of Environmental Defense, hosted numerous wildlife television programs, delivered speeches globally, and contributed articles to National Geographic and other publications, all dedicated to marine conservation, particularly shark preservation.
Wendy Benchley poignantly summarized his conservation ethos: “He cared very much about sharks. He spent most of his life trying to explain to people that if you are in the ocean, you’re in the shark’s territory, so it behooves you to take precautions.” This statement encapsulates his lifelong mission to educate the public about sharks, urging respect and caution rather than irrational fear.
Peter Benchley’s legacy is multifaceted. He is remembered as the author who both terrified and captivated the world with “Jaws,” but also as a passionate advocate for the creatures he brought to life in fiction. His death from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis marked the end of a life dedicated to both thrilling storytelling and earnest environmentalism. Beyond his wife, Wendy, he is survived by three children and five grandchildren. A private family service was held in Princeton to commemorate his life.
