"Bruce" the Shark dead at 44

 Shark starred in the 1975 film Jaws 

Bruce clowns around on set with unknown crew member.

(AP) Bruce, the ferocious looking shark who starred in the Universal movie “Jaws,” has died of unknown causes.

Bruce’s death Tuesday came six months after the shark had made a rare appearance at the Universal Studios party for Superbowl 50. He died in his sleep at his San Diego home, Universal said.

“Jaws,” released in 1977, showcased Bruce's ability to bite things and look ferocious, however off camera Bruce was different than his screen alter ego. "He was a sweetheart. He always enjoyed making others happy, even if he knew he was going to eat them." friend Kevin Clarkson said.

Starting his career very young, some say Bruce became a household name after them film. However, Universal Studios CEO Ted Innis disagrees "I've never seen a household named Bruce." he said shaking his head.

Bruce declined to appear in the sequel, Jaws 2, because he wanted more money than Michael J Fox.

"I thought it was a legitimate request," Bruce said in an 1992 interview, "Fox was just a kid at the time and didn't have that much money."

The studio refused and instead cast Jeffrey Weissman as Jaws and made him hang upside down for all his scenes. "I don't know what we were thinking," said a remorseful Ted Innis, "By the way, how did you get my phone number?"