It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Susan Backlinie, the talented actress and stuntwoman best known for her unforgettable role as the first victim of the great white shark in Steven Spielberg’s legendary 1975 film Jaws. She was 77 years old.
A Life of Adventure and Talent
Susan Backlinie’s journey to fame began with her remarkable skills in swimming and professional diving, which caught the attention of Spielberg. Before her role in Jaws, Backlinie had a diverse career, working as a mermaid at Florida’s Weeki Wachee Springs and interacting with wild animals such as tigers and bears. Her background in water-related activities made her the perfect candidate for the iconic role.
In an interview, Backlinie shared how she approached Spielberg with the idea to use her stunt skills, saying, “If you hire me, you might get close-ups of the stunt itself. If you hire an actress, she’ll have to cover her face.” Spielberg recognized her unique abilities and hired her, leading to one of the most memorable scenes in film history.
The Scene That Changed Cinema
Backlinie’s portrayal of Chrissie Watkins, the first character to be attacked by the shark in Jaws, left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. The scene remains one of the most terrifying moments in film history, and Spielberg himself praised Backlinie for her commitment to realism. As Backlinie recalled, Spielberg’s directive was simple but powerful: “When your scene is done, I want everyone under the seats with the popcorn and the bubblegum.” And indeed, her role achieved just that, helping to cement Jaws as a landmark in horror cinema.
Tributes from Fans and Colleagues
The news of her passing has led to a flood of tributes from fans and colleagues alike. Jeffrey Kramer, a fellow Jaws cast member, expressed his sorrow, saying, “Susan was a loving and kind person, and the Jaws community will miss her very much.” Many fans shared their admiration for her role, with one commenting, “Her Chrissie Watkins in ‘Jaws’ had the most memorable tug on the leg in movie history,” while another wrote, “She did an unbelievable job that made the whole world afraid of the ocean.”
Backlinie’s influence extended beyond just her role. One fan shared how her performance inspired a lifelong fascination with sharks, recalling, “Susan will be remembered forever and immortalized as the first victim of the great white shark of Jaws fame. As a kid of 11, it made me interested in great white sharks for some reason. Now, 61, I have cage dived in South Africa and Australia, recording over 29 different great whites. RIP Susan, thank you, Susan.”
A Lasting Legacy
Susan Backlinie’s role in Jaws will forever be etched in cinematic history. Her bravery and dedication to the craft made her an unforgettable part of one of the most influential films of all time. She will always be remembered for her contribution to the film industry and for inspiring generations of moviegoers to fear and respect the ocean’s mysteries.
