Robert Shaw
Robert Shaw
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Robert Arthur Shaw was a British actor, playwright, poet, and novelist who used his name professionally.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: August 9, 1927, in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, England
Died: November 28, 1976, at sea off the coast of South Africa
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: British
Professions: Actor, playwright, poet, novelist
Early Life and Background
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Robert Shaw was born to a middle-class family in Westcliff-on-Sea. His early life was marked by a strong interest in the arts and literature. He attended Gresham's School in Norfolk before enrolling at King's College, Cambridge, where he studied English Literature. During his time at university, Shaw began to develop his writing skills, penning short stories and poetry.
Major Accomplishments
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Shaw's career spanned multiple mediums, with notable achievements including:
Acting: Shaw appeared in numerous films and stage productions, often playing authoritative figures or characters with a strong sense of justice. His most famous roles include Captain Terence de Vere Cole in the 1962 film "The Longest Day" and Jaws' Chief Martin Brody.
Writing:
+ Novels: Shaw wrote several novels, including "The Running Man," which explores themes of identity, morality, and human nature.
+ Plays:
- "Black Monday"
- "You Can't Take It with You"
Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works by Robert Shaw include:
His novel "The Running Man" (1964), a dystopian exploration of human society.
The screenplay for the 1975 film "Jaws," which he co-authored with Peter Benchley and Carl Gottlieb.
A collection of poetry, "Man in the Dunes" (1963).Impact and Legacy
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Shaw's diverse career had a lasting impact on literature, film, and theater. He was known for his distinctive voice, both on screen and through his writing.
As an actor, Shaw brought depth and nuance to his characters, often imbuing them with a sense of gravity and authority. His performances continue to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike.
In addition to his acting career, Shaw's written works have been widely acclaimed for their thought-provoking themes and masterful storytelling. His novel "The Running Man" is considered a classic of dystopian literature, while the screenplay he co-authored for "Jaws" has become synonymous with suspenseful filmmaking.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Robert Shaw's enduring presence in popular culture can be attributed to several factors:
His unique blend of literary and cinematic talent.
The impact of his written works, particularly "The Running Man," which has been translated into numerous languages.
His memorable performances on screen, most notably as Chief Brody in the 1975 film "Jaws."
* The timeless themes explored throughout his work, including identity, morality, and human nature.
Through his diverse career and body of work, Robert Shaw left an indelible mark on literature, film, and theater. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers, actors, and filmmakers.
Quotes by Robert Shaw
Though, in the infancy of the Church, God taught his people without the written Word, yet now that the former ways of revealing his will to his people have ceased, the Holy Scripture, or written Word, is most necessary. Without this the Church would be left to the uncertainty of tradition and oral teaching; but the written Word is a sure test of doctrines, and a light in a dark place, both of which are most necessary.
Success lasts only three seconds. After that, you’re the same as you were before you had it.
You can’t sing Beethoven from the neck up – you’ll bleed! Beethoven is not precious. He’s prodigal as hell. He tramples all over nicety. He’s ugly, heroic; he roars, he lusts after beauty, he rages after nobility. Be ye not temperate!
I was never really a character actor – I was a leading man who was always cast as a character. I wanted to be Jack Nicholson or Jean Gabin.
In theory it may seem all right to some, but when it comes to being made the instrument of the Lord’s vengeance, I myself don’t like it.
I don’t want to write every week, it’s too much trouble, and I shall only write when I want something. If you think I’m sick when I don’t write, you can send for me to come and tell you.
You never know who’s going to be in the audience. You never know who is going to be hearing that piece for the first time, and you never know who is going to be hearing that piece for the last time.
In these days of political, personal and economic disintegration, music is not a luxury, it’s a necessity; not simply because it is therapeutic, nor because it is the universal language, but because it is the persistent focus of our intelligence, aspiration and goodwill.