Hollywood director dies aged 87 after six-decade-long career as tributes pour in

Legendary film director Jeannot Szwarc has died aged 87. The superstar was behind many blockbuster films including Jaws 2, Supergirl and Santa Claus.

He also worked on multiple episodes of shows including The Practice, Smallville and Grey’s Anatomy. His credits also included work on Ally McBeal, Cold Case, Heroes and Supernatural, among many other series.

His son, Sacha Szwarc, confirmed the death. He explained that his dad had died on Tuesday (January 14) of respiratory failure at Central Hospital in Loches, France, according to .

In a touching statement, his son added: “He was a passionate filmmaker and cinephile his whole life. Traits he has passed down to both his sons.”

Other tributes have poured in for the talented producer, including a touching note from James Bond star Jane Seymour. Taking to social media, namely Facebook, she wrote: “Today, we say goodbye to a true visionary.

“Jeannot Szwarc was not just a brilliant director but a kind and generous soul. He gifted us many timeless stories, including Somewhere in Time, a film that changed my life forever.

“May his memory be a blessing, and may his artistry live on in our hearts.” Meanwhile Jeffrey Kramer, who starred in the first two Jaws movies, called him “one of the finest most talented souls.”

Supernatural producer Jim Michaels added on X/Twitter: “Very sad to disclose Jeannot Szwarc who directed 5 episodes of Supernatural has passed away. His other credits are too many to list. The film & television world sends a virtual group hug to his family.”

The director was born in Paris in 1937 but grew up in Argentina before heading stateside to get a master’s degree at Harvard University. Szwarc started his 60-year career at Universal in , where he was hired to replace Jaws 2 director Verna Fields.

The sequel to the classic was not as well received as the original but was still a huge hit at the box office, earning more than $200m. It was his second film, after working on Bug back in 1975.

Szwarc is survived by his two sons Sacha and Stefan and his wife Cara.