Iconic Frasier star's brother tragically dies after battling two brain tumors

July 03, 2024

Marc Gilpin, who starred in Jaws 2, has sadly died aged 56, after a battle with cancer. The star’s elder sister Frasier actress Peri Gilpin, announced the tragic passing of her brother.

The actor died on Saturday evening following a long battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain tumor. He leaves behind his wife of 24 years, Kaki, and sons Spencer, 18, and Presley, 16.

Marc Gilpin dies ages 56 from cancer

Marc had been battling cancer for over a year, after discovering two tumors in his brain in May 2022. A fundraising page was created for the star, which read:

“On May 5th, they discovered Marc has two tumors in his brain. One of the tumors, which is in the central area of his brain, is not able to be surgically removed due to the location. The next step is to get a biopsy of the larger mass.

This will confirm what the tumor(s) consist of and allow us to form an action plan. While we all pray for a positive outcome, we know the journey will be the most difficult one the family has endured.”

Marc’s career explored

Marc is best known for his portrayal of the Jaws 2 character Sean Brody. He beat hundreds of other contenders to land the role, which debuted in cinemas when he was just 11 years old.

Before this, he appeared in a national commercial for Exxon and appeared in the film Where’s Willy in 1978.

After his Jaws 2 gig, Marc went on to star in ABC’s Fantasy Island, alongside younger sister April, as well as the 1985 ABC telefilm Surviving.

After starring in NBC’s Silver Spoons and the blockbuster, She’s Out of Control, Gilpin stepped out of the celebrity spotlight and became a self-taught software engineer.

As per his Linkedin, Marc was the Co-Founder of the company Spacee.

MARC GILPIN (1966 – 2023)

We are very sad to share the #news of the passing of actor Marc Gilpin (Sean Brody in #JAWS2). Marc lost his battle with #cancer on Saturday. Farewell and adieu, Marc. We and #JAWS fans around the world drink to your legs ❤️🦈 pic.twitter.com/pZ3hrpbFYN

— The Daily Jaws (@thedailyjaws) August 2, 2023

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The 56-year-old was an ‘amazingly strong man’ throughout his battle

The latest update on Marc’s health was provided by his wife on May 5 2023, a year after he was diagnosed. In the update, he was penned an “an amazingly strong man.”

His wife explained that the month before, there had been a new growth in Marc’s brain, as the Doctor’s were switching his chemo drugs to a much more intense one.

Kaki also praised her sons on proud she was of them during the difficult time, as she wrote:

“Any parent would be so proud of their kids if you could see how Spencer and Presley are living with this. Their kindness, quick to action, even quicker to forgive when we get snappy that they have displayed is incredible.”