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Susan Backlinie, the talented actress and stuntwoman who famously played the first person to be devoured by the shark in Steven Spielberg’s iconic film Jaws, has passed away at the age of 77.
Backlinie’s convention agent, Matthew Templeton, confirmed the sad news, stating, “It is with heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved Susan passed away this morning.” He also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of condolences and requested privacy for the family during this difficult time.
From Swimming Sensation to Silver Screen
Backlinie’s journey to fame began at the age of 28 when her exceptional swimming skills and professional diving experience caught the attention of Spielberg. Before her big break, she had worked with animals and enjoyed water-related activities, including working as a mermaid at Florida’s Weeki Wachee Springs tourist attraction and interacting with wild animals like tigers and bears.
Armed with her unique abilities, Backlinie approached Spielberg, knowing that her exceptional skills would add authenticity to the film. She pitched the idea, “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 potential and wrote in Laurent Bouzerau’s book Spielberg: The First Ten Years, “I went to stunts to find the perfect stuntwoman, and Susan was up to the task.”
The Terrifying Scene that Made History
Backlinie discussed her experience working with Spielberg in an interview in 2017, revealing the director’s instruction before they filmed the infamous scene. “The first thing he said to me was, ‘When your scene is done, I want everyone under the seats with the popcorn and the bubblegum,’” she recalled. Backlinie’s portrayal of Chrissie Watkins left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide, making Jaws one of the most enduring and terrifying films of all time.
Fond Farewells from Fans and Colleagues
Backlinie’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media, with many focusing on her memorable role in Jaws. Jeffrey Kramer, who also appeared in the movie, reflected, “Susan was a loving and kind person, and the Jaws community will miss her very much.” Fans expressed their admiration for her performance, with one fan noting, “Her Chrissie Watkins in ‘Jaws’ had the most memorable tug on the leg in movie history,” and another stating, “She did an unbelievable job that made the whole world afraid of the ocean.”
The impact of Backlinie’s role even extended beyond the realm of entertainment. One fan shared how her portrayal inspired his lifelong fascination with sharks, sharing, “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 GW sharks for some reason. Now 61, I have cage dived in South Africa and Australia recording over 29 different GW sharks. Rip Susan, thank you, Susan.”
Susan Backlinie will forever hold a special place in cinematic history as the woman who fearlessly brought Jaws to life. Her talents and contributions to the film industry will be cherished by fans and movie enthusiasts around the world. Rest in peace, Susan.