Peter Benchley

Peter Benchley (1940–2006) was an American novelist and screenwriter best known for *Jaws* (1974), a thriller that became a cultural phenomenon after its 1975 film adaptation. Born in New York City, he graduated from Harvard University and worked as a journalist and speechwriter before turning to fiction. Benchley co-wrote the screenplay for *Jaws* and later wrote other novels, including *The Deep* and *The Island*, several of which were adapted for film or television. In his later years he became an advocate for ocean conservation, supporting efforts to protect sharks and marine ecosystems.