Marla Ferguson was grabbed off of a banana boat and devoured by a Great White in the Bahamas; while her daughter, Margaret Ferguson and Margaret’s friend, Thea Brody watched in horror. Her exact age and origin are unknown; but we can presume that; she was an American tourist visiting the country; with her family. We only know that; she was Margaret's mother, a friend of Thea. Note that Mrs. Ferguson is one of the only two shark's victim in the film; who had had sacrificed herself to save her family. Her death is one of the most iconic in the Jaws franchise.
In the novelization of the film, she is the wife of a dentist and her last name is changed from "Ferguson" to "De Lacey".
Behind the scene[]
Stunt actress Diane Hetfield portrayed Marla Ferguson in Jaws: The Revenge.
Appearance[]
Marla Ferguson is seen riding a banana boat when the shark attack occurs. The shark bites her thighs and drags her away in the opposite direction, leaving no chance to the other occupants of the boat to try and attempt a rescue. The scene after, she can be seen punching desperately at the shark's nose, hoping it might free her leg from its jaws. Mrs. Ferguson is seen one last time after she has lost consciousness. Her body is dragged undersea where she will die and her daughter named Margaret jumps into the water as the shark eats her.