Roy Scheider, Film & Stage Actor, Dies at 75

Roy Scheider, actor of stage and screen, two-time Oscar nominee and noted for his thrilling role as Police Chief Martin Brody in the Hollywood hit Jaws, passed away on Sunday February 10, 2008 at the UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.  He was 75.

"Scheider had suffered from multiple myeloma for several years, and died of complications from a staph infection" reports The New York Times.

Scheider's movie career included a gammit of 1970s and 80s films, including his star-turn as choreographer Bob Fosse in All That Jazz, where he impressed critics with his ability to churn-out Fosse's signature styling, voice and dance.  His earlier films included Klute (1971), Marathon Man (1976), Jaws II (1978) and Blue Thunder.

Later Scheider made appearances in TV shows "Law & Order," "Third Watch" and multiple episodes of "SeaQuest DSV" as Captain Nathan Bridger.

Scheider's Broadway credits include the role of Robert in the original play Betrayal (1980) and roles in the farce Tartuffe (1965). Scheider's Off-Broadway credits include The Nuns, Serjeant Musgrave's Dance, The Alchemist and The Year Boston Won the Pennant.

Scheider is survived by his wife Brenda Siemer of Sag Harbor, NY and their children, Christian Verrier Scheider and Molly Mae Scheider; plus his daughter Maximillia Connelly Lord, from an earlier marriage to Cynthia Bebout; two grandchildren and his brother, Glenn Scheider.