Marc Gilpin was born on September 26, 1966 in Austin, Texas to parents Wes Gilpin and Barbara Bushway. Growing up in Texas, Marc showed an interest in acting from a young age. When he was just 4 years old, he landed a role in a nationwide commercial for Exxon, showcasing his early talent on screen.
At the age of 12, Marc landed his breakout film role as the title character in 1978's Where's Willy? This role garnered him attention in the entertainment industry and led to his most well-known role as young Sean Brody in the sequel to the Steven Spielberg blockbuster hit Jaws, Jaws 2, also in 1978. Marc's portrayal of Sean Brody became iconic and solidified his status as a talented child actor.
Following his success in Jaws 2, Marc continued to work in the entertainment industry, appearing in films such as The Legend of the Long Ranger, Earthbound, Right to Kill, China Beach, and She's Out of Control. He also guest-starred on popular TV shows like CHiPs and Silver Spoons.
Despite his success in acting, Marc made the decision to step away from the entertainment industry to pursue a career in software engineering. He became a self-taught software engineer and dedicated himself to mastering this new profession.
Marc had a close-knit family, including his three sisters. His older sister, Peri Gilpin, was also an actor known for her role on the hit show Frasier. Marc had two sons, Spencer and Presley, with his wife Kaki. Tragically, Marc's sister April passed away in 2017, followed by his sister Patti in 2020.
Marc Gilpin's legacy in the entertainment industry lives on through his memorable performances on screen. His talent and dedication to his craft continue to inspire aspiring actors and software engineers alike.
On July 29, 2023, Marc Gilpin passed away in Dallas, Texas after battling glioblastoma. He was 56 years old at the time of his death. Marc will always be remembered for his contributions to film and television, as well as his bravery in pursuing a new career path in software engineering.