Robert Shaw's Orkney Roots: A Journey from Childhood to Stardom

Robert Shaw, the renowned English actor best remembered for his role as Quint in Steven Spielberg's iconic 1975 film 'Jaws,' has roots that trace back to Stromness, Orkney. Born in Lancashire in 1927, Shaw moved to Orkney at the tender age of seven when his father, Dr. Thomas Shaw, took over a GP practice in the island community. This period, which spanned approximately five years, profoundly influenced Shaw's life and career.

Shaw's childhood in Orkney was marked by the stark beauty and harsh realities of island life. He often spoke of his father, a dedicated doctor who faced treacherous conditions to care for his patients. In a rare televised interview, Shaw recounted, "My father killed himself when I was 12. He was an extraordinary man, a marvellous man... He was the lighthouse doctor and he used to keep a medical bag on each island and when you couldn’t get in because the sea was so rough, my father would go out... and jump off and swim ashore." This deeply personal reflection reveals the conflicting emotions Shaw carried regarding his upbringing, steeped in both nostalgia and pain.

In the wake of his father’s struggles with alcoholism, the Shaw family faced significant challenges. Christopher Shaw Myers, Robert's nephew, noted the isolation the family experienced due to both their English accents and their father's reputation. "By that point he was six or seven years old, he had an English accent and accents are really important, especially with children. They define if you’re part of a group or an outsider. The Shaws were outsiders,” he remarked.

Robert Shaw's literary work also reflects his Orkney experiences, particularly in his novels 'The Hiding Place' and 'The Sun Doctor.' These narratives echo the landscapes and emotional themes drawn from his childhood, with references to shipwrecks in Scapa Flow and familial strife.

Shaw’s return to Stromness in 1963 marked a significant moment in his life, as he appeared at a local fundraising event with his then-wife, actress Mary Ure. Local resident Irene Linklater recalled, “That was a big surprise. I never really got over it.” Such moments underscore Shaw's enduring connection to his roots, even amidst his burgeoning fame.

Despite his successful career, Shaw battled personal demons, including alcoholism, which plagued many aspects of his life. He was married three times and fathered ten children, with the emotional toll of his upbringing leaving a lasting mark on his personal relationships. Tragically, both Shaw and Ure succumbed to the impacts of addiction, with Ure passing away shortly before the release of 'Jaws.' Shaw himself died suddenly in 1978 at the age of 51.

As the film community commemorates the 50th anniversary of 'Jaws,' the legacy of Robert Shaw continues to resonate, particularly in Orkney, where residents remember him not just as a Hollywood star, but as one of their own. Bryce Wilson, a local artist and author, reflects: "Robert Shaw served his apprenticeship for Jaws by mucking about in a boat in the harbour. All the young folk were in dinghies mucking about. That’s what we put it down to. It’s where he learned to work his passage in Jaws.”

Shaw's life story serves as a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between personal history and professional achievement, encapsulating the essence of an artist shaped by both his environment and his experiences.