Jeannot Szwarc obit

JAWS 2 director Jeannot Szwarc passes away aged 85

 He was not on the list.

Jeannot Szwarc, the French-American director renowned for his work in both film and television, passed away today at the age of 85. Born on November 21, 1939, in Paris, France, Szwarc's career spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Szwarc's early life was marked by international experiences; although born in Paris, he was raised in Argentina. He later pursued higher education at Harvard University, earning a master's degree in political science. However, his passion for cinema led him to the entertainment industry, where he began his career directing episodes of popular television series in the 1960s and 1970s, including "Ironside," "Kojak," and "Night Gallery."

“RIP my dear JEANNOT SZWARC One of the finest most talented souls I was privileged to know!”

— Jeffrey Kramer on Instagram

Transitioning to feature films, Szwarc directed "Bug" (1975) before taking the helm of "Jaws 2" (1978), the sequel to Steven Spielberg's blockbuster. He continued to explore the fantasy genre with "Somewhere in Time" (1980), a romantic time-travel drama that, despite initial mixed reviews, developed a dedicated cult following over the years. His other notable film credits include "Supergirl" (1984) and "Santa Claus: The Movie" (1985).

“I got to spend just over an hour with Jeannot when we recorded a special JAWS 2 45th anniversary interview. He was so nervous at the start but once the memories returned and the stories started to flow, he was incrediblly generous and honest. It was easy to see why the cast of JAWS 2 spoke of Jeannot with such affection and admiration.”

— Ross WIlliams, The Daily Jaws

In addition to his film work, Szwarc remained active in television throughout his career, directing episodes for series such as "The Rockford Files," "Smallville," "Bones," "Castle," and "Grey's Anatomy." His versatility and ability to navigate both mediums showcased his adaptability and commitment to storytelling.

Szwarc's contributions to the entertainment industry were characterized by a diverse range of genres and a dedication to his craft that inspired both audiences and fellow filmmakers. He is survived by his wife, Cara de Menual, a production coordinator, and their family. His legacy will endure through the memorable works he brought to the screen and the impact he had on the world of film and television.

Director

James Pickens Jr., Ellen Pompeo, and Chandra Wilson in Grey's Anatomy (2005)

Grey's Anatomy

7.6

TV Series

Director

2009–2019

15 episodes

 

Kiefer Sutherland in Designated Survivor (2016)

Designated Survivor

7.4

TV Series

Director

2017

1 episode

 

Elliott Gould, Katherine Heigl, Dulé Hill, Laverne Cox, Dreama Walker, and Kobi Libii in Doubt (2017)

Doubt

5.9

TV Series

Director

2017

1 episode

 

Gary Sinise, Alana De La Garza, Tyler James Williams, Daniel Henney, and Annie Funke in Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders (2016)

Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders

6.2

TV Series

Director

2016–2017

2 episodes

 

David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel in Bones (2005)

Bones

7.8

TV Series

Director

2007–2016

15 episodes

 

Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic in Castle (2009)

Castle

8.1

TV Series

Director

2014–2016

4 episodes

 

Kerry Washington in Scandal (2012)

Scandal

7.7

TV Series

Director

2013–2015

5 episodes

 

Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki in Supernatural (2005)

Supernatural

8.4

TV Series

Director

2011–2014

5 episodes

 

Karl Urban and Michael Ealy in Almost Human (2013)

Almost Human

7.9

TV Series

Director

2014

1 episode

 

Amy Brenneman, Brian Benben, Benjamin Bratt, Taye Diggs, Kate Walsh, Paul Adelstein, Caterina Scorsone, and KaDee Strickland in Private Practice (2007)

Private Practice

6.8

TV Series

Director

2010–2012

4 episodes

 

Anna Torv in Fringe (2008)

Fringe

8.4

TV Series

Director

2009–2012

7 episodes

 

Ally Walker in The Protector (2011)

The Protector

6.7

TV Series

Director

2011

1 episode

 

Tom Welling in Smallville (2001)

Smallville

7.5

TV Series

Director

2003–2011

14 episodes

 

Cold Case (2003)

Cold Case

7.6

TV Series

Director

2006–2010

7 episodes

 

Ali Larter, Hayden Panettiere, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Milo Ventimiglia, Noah Gray-Cabey, and James Kyson in Heroes (2006)

Heroes

7.5

TV Series

Director

2007–2010

6 episodes

 

Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Gloria Reuben, Natalia Cigliuti, Jane Kaczmarek, J. August Richards, Melissa Sagemiller, and Jonathan Scarfe in Raising the Bar (2008)

Raising the Bar

7.3

TV Series

Director

2008–2009

3 episodes

 

Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Anthony LaPaglia, Josh Hopkins, Enrique Murciano, Eric Close, Poppy Montgomery, and Roselyn Sanchez in Without a Trace (2002)

Without a Trace

7.0

TV Series

Director

2005–2009

12 episodes

 

Candice Bergen, William Shatner, and James Spader in Boston Legal (2004)

Boston Legal

8.5

TV Series

Director

2004–2006

2 episodes

 

Numb3rs (2005)

Numb3rs

6.9

TV Series

Director

2005

1 episode

 

Catherine Bell, David James Elliott, and Tracey Needham in JAG (1995)

JAG

6.7

TV Series

Director

1998–2004

19 episodes

 

Lara Flynn Boyle, Dylan McDermott, Steve Harris, and Kelli Williams in The Practice (1997)

The Practice

7.7

TV Series

Director

1999–2004

18 episodes

 

David Caruso, Eva LaRue, Rex Linn, Omar Benson Miller, Emily Procter, Adam Rodriguez, and Jonathan Togo in CSI: Miami (2002)

CSI: Miami

6.5

TV Series

Director

2003

1 episode

 

Calista Flockhart in Ally McBeal (1997)

Ally McBeal

6.9

TV Series

Director

2000–2002

5 episodes

 

Michael Rapaport, Jeri Ryan, and Chi McBride in Boston Public (2000)

Boston Public

7.3

TV Series

Director

2002

1 episode

 

Kim Delaney, Kyle Secor, Rick Hoffman, Diana Maria Riva, and Tom Everett Scott in Philly (2001)

Philly

7.2

TV Series

Director

2001

1 episode

 

Melina Kanakaredes, Concetta Tomei, Paula Cale, Mike Farrell, and Seth Peterson in Providence (1999)

Providence

6.7

TV Series

Director

2000

1 episode

 

Seven Days (1998)

Seven Days

7.2

TV Series

Director

1999

1 episode

 

The Sun Sisters (1997)

The Sun Sisters

3.6

Director

1997

 

Hercule & Sherlock (1996)

Hercule & Sherlock

4.5

Director

1996

 

The Rockford Files: If the Frame Fits... (1996)

The Rockford Files: If the Frame Fits...

7.6

TV Movie

Director

1996

 

Michael Greiling, Sebastian Koch, and Susanne Schäfer in Schrecklicher Verdacht (1995)

Schrecklicher Verdacht

4.9

TV Movie

Director

1995

 

The Rockford Files: A Blessing in Disguise (1995)

The Rockford Files: A Blessing in Disguise

7.3

TV Movie

Director

1995

 

Christian Clavier, Marie-Anne Chazel, and Clémentine Célarié in La vengeance d'une blonde (1994)

La vengeance d'une blonde

4.0

Director

1994

 

Mireille Darc in Prigioniera di una vendetta (1993)

Prigioniera di una vendetta

5.4

TV Mini Series

Director (1993)

1993

4 episodes

 

La montagna dei diamanti (1991)

La montagna dei diamanti

6.7

TV Mini Series

Director

1991

4 episodes

 

Have a Nice Night (1990)

Have a Nice Night

5.2

TV Movie

Director

1990

 

Honor Bound (1988)

Honor Bound

6.5

Director

1988

 

Marilu Henner in Grand Larceny (1987)

Grand Larceny

5.5

TV Movie

Director

1987

 

Val Kilmer, Rebecca De Mornay, and George C. Scott in The Murders in the Rue Morgue (1986)

The Murders in the Rue Morgue

5.7

TV Movie

Director

1986

 

The Twilight Zone (1985)

The Twilight Zone

7.7

TV Series

Director (directed by)

1986

2 episodes

 

David Huddleston in Santa Claus (1985)

Santa Claus

6.3

Director

1985

 

Peter O'Toole, Helen Slater, Hart Bochner, Faye Dunaway, Mia Farrow, Peter Cook, Marc McClure, Brenda Vaccaro, and Simon Ward in Supergirl (1984)

Supergirl

4.4

Director

1984

 

Enigma (1982)

Enigma

5.9

Director

1982

 

True Life Stories

TV Movie

Director

1981

 

Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour in Somewhere in Time (1980)

Somewhere in Time

7.2

Director

1980

 

Christine Freeman and Bruce in Jaws 2 (1978)

Jaws 2

5.8

Director (directed by)

1978

 

Robert Blake in Baretta (1975)

Baretta

6.7

TV Series

Director

1975–1977

4 episodes

 

France Nuyen, Roy Thinnes, and Zulu in Code Name: Diamond Head (1977)

Code Name: Diamond Head

2.7

TV Movie

Director

1977

 

Noah Beery Jr. and James Garner in The Rockford Files (1974)

The Rockford Files

8.2

TV Series

Director

1975–1977

3 episodes

 

Telly Savalas in Kojak (1973)

Kojak

7.1

TV Series

Director

1973–1977

13 episodes

 

Robert Conrad, Dirk Blocker, Dana Elcar, Jeff MacKay, and Simon Oakland in Black Sheep Squadron (1976)

Black Sheep Squadron

7.7

TV Series

Director

1976

1 episode

 

Hazard's People

8.3

TV Movie

Director

1976

 

Doctors' Hospital (1975)

Doctors' Hospital

6.9

TV Series

Director

1976

1 episode

 

Crime Club (1975)

Crime Club

8.2

TV Movie

Director

1975

 

Bug (1975)

Bug

5.2

Director

1975

 

Something Wonderful Happens Every Spring

TV Movie

Director

1975

 

Susan Strasberg, Tony Musante, and Simon Oakland in Toma (1973)

Toma

7.5

TV Series

Director

1973–1974

3 episodes

 

Lee Majors in The Six Million Dollar Man (1973)

The Six Million Dollar Man

7.1

TV Series

Director

1974

1 episode

 

A Summer Without Boys (1973)

A Summer Without Boys

7.0

TV Movie

Director

1973

 

Lisa, Bright and Dark (1973)

Lisa, Bright and Dark

6.5

TV Movie

Director

1973

 

Monte Markham in The New Perry Mason (1973)

The New Perry Mason

5.2

TV Series

Director

1973

1 episode

 

Peter Falk in Columbo (1971)

Columbo

8.3

TV Series

Director

1973

1 episode

 

Extreme Close-Up (1973)

Extreme Close-Up

4.6

Director

1973

 

Rod Serling in Night Gallery (1969)

Night Gallery

7.9

TV Series

Director

1970–1973

19 episodes

 

The Small Miracle (1973)

The Small Miracle

7.7

TV Movie

Director

1973

 

You'll Never See Me Again (1973)

You'll Never See Me Again

6.5

TV Movie

Director

1973

 

Shelley Winters in The Devil's Daughter (1973)

The Devil's Daughter

5.8

TV Movie

Director

1973

 

The Weekend Nun (1972)

The Weekend Nun

7.3

TV Movie

Director

1972

 

Night of Terror (1972)

Night of Terror

5.7

TV Movie

Director (as Jean Szwarc, directed by)

1972

 

James Brolin, Robert Young, Barbara Sigel, and Elena Verdugo in Marcus Welby, M.D. (1969)

Marcus Welby, M.D.

7.0

TV Series

Director

1970–1972

7 episodes

 

The Man and the City (1971)

The Man and the City

8.5

TV Series

Director

1971

1 episode

 

George Kennedy in Sarge (1971)

Sarge

7.0

TV Series

Director

1971

1 episode

 

Bruce Lee and James Franciscus in Longstreet (1971)

Longstreet

7.8

TV Series

Director

1971

1 episode

 

Pete Duel and Ben Murphy in Alias Smith and Jones (1971)

Alias Smith and Jones

7.6

TV Series

Director

1971

1 episode

 

Vince Edwards in Matt Lincoln (1970)

Matt Lincoln

6.1

TV Series

Director

1971

1 episode

 

The Bold Ones: The Lawyers (1969)

The Bold Ones: The Lawyers

7.0

TV Series

Director

1970

1 episode

 

James Drury, Doug McClure, and John McIntire in The Virginian (1962)

The Virginian

7.6

TV Series

Director

1970

2 episodes

 

Paris 7000 (1970)

Paris 7000

7.2

TV Series

Director

1970

1 episode

 

It Takes a Thief (1968)

It Takes a Thief

7.5

TV Series

Director

1969

3 episodes

 

Raymond Burr and Barbara Sigel in Ironside (1967)

Ironside

6.9

TV Series

Director

1968–1969

2 episodes

 

Writer

Have a Nice Night (1990)

Have a Nice Night

5.2

TV Movie

adaptation (uncredited)

1990

 

It Takes a Thief (1968)

It Takes a Thief

7.5

TV Series

story

1969

1 episode

 

Raymond Burr and Barbara Sigel in Ironside (1967)

Ironside

6.9

TV Series

written by

story

1967–1969

2 episodes

 

Producer

It Takes a Thief (1968)

It Takes a Thief

7.5

TV Series

producer

1969

1 episode

 

Raymond Burr and Barbara Sigel in Ironside (1967)

Ironside

6.9

TV Series

associate producer

producer

1967–1969

53 episodes

 

Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre (1963)

Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre

7.4

TV Series

associate producer

1966–1967

9 episodes

 

Art Director

Paris 7000 (1970)

Paris 7000

7.2

TV Series

Art Director

1970

1 episode

 

Thanks

Reign of the Superwomen (2021)

Reign of the Superwomen

5.1

TV Movie

video clips provided by

2021

 

Back in the Jacket: A Smallville Homecoming (2011)

Back in the Jacket: A Smallville Homecoming

8.6

Video

special thanks

2011

 

Self

Back in the Jacket: A Smallville Homecoming (2011)

Back in the Jacket: A Smallville Homecoming

8.6

Video

Self

2011

 

Revisiting the Gallery: A Look Back

Video

Self

2008

 

Heroes Unmasked (2007)

Heroes Unmasked

5.8

TV Series

Self

2008

4 episodes

 

Supergirl: The Last Daughter of Krypton (2008)

Supergirl: The Last Daughter of Krypton

7.2

Video

Self

2008

 

Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story (2007)

Spine Tingler! The William Castle Story

7.5

Self

2007

 

You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman (2006)

You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman

7.7

Video

Self

2006

 

Art of Darkness: A Night Gallery Retrospective (2002)

Art of Darkness: A Night Gallery Retrospective

7.1

TV Movie

Self

2002

 

The Making of 'Jaws 2' (2001)

The Making of 'Jaws 2'

6.9

Video

Self

2001

 

John Williams: The Music of 'Jaws 2' (2001)

John Williams: The Music of 'Jaws 2'

5.2

Video

Self

2001

 

Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour in Back to 'Somewhere in Time' (2000)

Back to 'Somewhere in Time'

6.4

Video

Self

2000

 

Santa Claus: The Making of the Movie

7.1

TV Movie

Self

1985

 

Les ateliers du rêve: les grands studios de cinéma dans le monde (1985)

Les ateliers du rêve: les grands studios de cinéma dans le monde

TV Mini Series

Self

1985

1 episode

 

Helen Slater in Supergirl: The Making of the Movie (1985)

Supergirl: The Making of the Movie

5.9

Video

Self (uncredited)

1985

 

Les nouveaux rendez-vous (1980)

Les nouveaux rendez-vous

5.4

TV Series

Self

1981

1 episode

 

Tomorrow Coast to Coast (1973)

Tomorrow Coast to Coast

7.7

TV Series

Self

1980

1 episode

 

Les rendez-vous du dimanche (1975)

Les rendez-vous du dimanche

6.0

TV Series

Self

1978

1 episode

 

Bruce Lee in Bruce Lee: The Man and the Legend (1973)

Bruce Lee: The Man and the Legend

6.3

Self

1973