Jeffrey Voorhees, now aged 62, has transformed a brief role in the iconic film Jaws into a lucrative source of income even decades later. Voorhees played the role of shark victim Alex Kintner when he was just 12 years old, but his small part has continued to pay off through residuals. Fifty years after its release, he still receives payments every time the film airs on television.
In a recent interview with Syfy, Voorhees humorously noted, “It pays to die.” Although the residuals may not amount to a fortune, he has leveraged his fame in creative ways. After stepping away from the spotlight for many years, he now actively participates in fan conventions, earning approximately £10,000 (around $12,500) per appearance. Additionally, he sells autographed merchandise online and creates personalized videos on Cameo, tapping into the fervent enthusiasm of Jaws fans.
Many fans demonstrate their dedication in unique ways. One attendee brought an inflatable yellow raft, identical to the one in which Alex Kintner met his fate, prompting an emotional reaction that Voorhees described: “She was in tears, and I signed the raft for her.” Such interactions highlight how deeply fans connect with the film and its characters. In a testament to his lasting impact, Voorhees has even signed old royalty statements that fans purchased on eBay for substantial amounts.
While Voorhees’ story is remarkable, he is not the only former child actor benefiting from past roles. Jason Weaver, who voiced young Simba in the original animated version of The Lion King, has also seen financial success thanks to royalties. Weaver’s mother negotiated a deal that allowed him to receive ongoing payments, which reportedly far exceed the $2 million initially offered by Disney.
Another example is Casey Margolis, who played a young version of Jonah Hill’s character in the 2007 film Superbad. Despite his brief appearance, Margolis has collected around $100,000 from residuals over the years, demonstrating that even fleeting roles can yield significant financial rewards.
The landscape of residual payments has changed with the rise of streaming services. Unlike traditional television, these platforms often do not pay residuals in the same manner, leading to smaller payouts for young actors. As a result, the opportunity for future child actors to achieve similar financial success may be limited.
The phenomenon of residual payments for minor roles speaks to the evolving dynamics of fan culture and its impact on the entertainment industry. Voorhees and his peers illustrate how even the smallest contributions to iconic films can lead to enduring financial benefits, serving as a reminder of the lasting power of cinema.
