Marc Gilpin

About

Former child actor best known for playing young Sean Brody in Jaws 2 and for his roles in The Legend of the Long Ranger, Earthbound, and Surviving. He also guest-starred on the show CHiPs. He appeared in episodes of the series Silver Spoons and the films Right to Kill, China Beach, and She's Out of Control before quitting acting to pursue a career as a software engineer. He died in Dallas, Texas of glioblastoma on July 29, 2023, at the age of 56. 

Before Fame

He landed a role in a nationwide commercial for Exxon when he was 4 years old before landing his breakout film role as the title character in 1978's Where's Willy? He also starred as Sean Brody in the sequel to the Steven Spielberg blockbuster hit Jaws also in 1978. 

Trivia

He became a self-taught software engineer after quitting his acting career. Jaws 2 also featured small roles for two of his three sisters so he was able to be on set with them. His sister April played the role of Renee and his sister Peri appeared as an extra.

Family Life

He was born in Austin, Texas to parents Wes Gilpin and Barbara Bushway. He had three sisters. His older sister Peri Gilpin was also an actor and most well-known for acting on the show Frasier. He had two sons with his wife Kaki named Spencer and Presley. His sister April died in 2017 and his sister Patti died in 2020. 

Associated With

 He acted alongside Ellen Burstyn, River Phoenix, and Molly Ringwald.