Trivia
Graduate of Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster PA, USA
He was originally cast as "Michael" in The Deer Hunter (1978), as the second movie of a three movie deal with Universal Studios. Because he did not believe that the character would travel around the world to find his friend, he quit the picture. Universal executives were furious, but they agreed to let him out of his Universal contract if he made Jaws 2 (1978), which he did. He later regarded pulling out of The Deer Hunter (1978) as the career decision he most regrets.
He was offered the lead role in The Omen (1976) and reportedly was very interested in taking the role, but had to turn in down due to previous commitments. Consequently, his desire to play that type of role (a self-sacrificing, noble hero) led to his accepting the role of "Chief Brody" in Jaws (1975).
His name was inspiration for Japanese enterprise Toei create TV Series "Uchû keiji Shaider" (1984).
Underwent a bone marrow transplant to treat multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells. (June 2005)
Attended Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey, home of future graduates Elisabeth Shue and Andrew Shue, Zach Braff, Lauryn Hill, and Ahmed Best.
Has played the President of the United States 3 times.
He is a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
On March 4, 2007, Scheider was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the SunDeis Film Festival at Brandeis University, following a screening of his classic film All That Jazz (1979). It was the sixth time that Scheider had seen the film, and the first time for his young daughter, Molly, who accompanied him.
Was in talks to appear in The Verdict (1982).
Quotes
> Your personnal space
