Actor Roy Scheider, who starred in the blockbuster movie "Jaws," died Sunday at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences hospital at the age of 75.

Mr. Scheider had suffered from multiple myeloma for several years, and died of complications from a staph infection, his wife Brenda Seimer said, as cited by the New York Times.

A popular film actor for four decades, Scheider earned an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of director-choreographer Bob Fosse in All That Jazz, as well as an Oscar nomination for The French Connection, and his many other films including Klute, Jaws, Still of the Night, and Naked Lunch.

Scheider also appeared in a number of stage productions in the 60s including a Broadway revival of Tartuffe and Off-Broadway productions of Romeo and Juliet, The Alchemist, The Nuns, and The Year Boston Won the Pennant.

One of the leading figures in the American film renaissance of the 1970s, the actor was also politically active, participating in rallies protesting recent US military action in Iraq.

Scheider is survived by his wife Brenda, three children, Christian, Molly, and Maximillian, and a brother, Glenn.