Peter Benchley | |
|---|---|
Benchley in 1974 | |
| Born | Peter Bradford Benchley May 8, 1940 |
| Died | February 12, 2006 (aged 65) Princeton, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Pulmonary fibrosis |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Harvard University |
| Occupation(s) | Author, screenwriter |
| Years active | 1975–2006 |
| Known for | Creator of Jaws |
| Spouse | Winifred "Wendy" Wesson (1964-2006; his death) |
| Website | www.peterbenchley.com |
Peter Bradford Benchley (May 8, 1940 – February 12, 2006) was an American author, best known for his novel Jaws and its movie adaptation. The movie was written by Benchley and Carl Gottlieb and was directed by Steven Spielberg. A lot more of his books were also made into movies, including The Deep and The Island.
He was the son of Marjorie (née Bradford) and author Nathaniel Benchley and grandson of Algonquin Round Table founder Robert Benchley. His younger brother, Nat Benchley, is a writer and actor. Peter Benchley was an alumnus of Allen-Stevenson School or now known as The Allen-Stevenson School, Phillips Exeter Academy, and Harvard University.
Benchley died of pulmonary fibrosis on February 12, 2006 in Princeton, New Jersey.