In the world of Hollywood, there are few moments as memorable as the terrifying first appearance of the great white shark in Jaws.
However, behind this iconic scene was a woman whose legacy will be forever etched in film history. Susan Backlinie, the actress and stuntwoman who portrayed Chrissie Watkins, the shark’s first victim, has died at the age of 77.
Her death, confirmed by her convention agent, comes as a shock to many, especially those who grew up with the film that became a cultural touchstone. Backlin’s contribution to Jaws and her incredible stunt career will be remembered by generations of movie buffs and fans of the ocean’s most fearsome predator.
Actress and stuntwoman Susan Backlinie, who played the first person eaten by a shark in the movie Jaws, has died.
Backlinie died Saturday at his home in Ventura, California. She was seventy-seven years old.
Her congressional agent Matthew Templeton confirmed the story to The Daily Jaws.
“It is with sincere regret that we confirm that our beloved Susan passed away this morning,” he said.
“Thank you to everyone who sent us their condolences during this difficult time.
“Please respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.”
Her most famous performance was in Steven Speilberg’s 1975 film Jaws, starring Chrissie Watkins.
A professionally trained diver and nationally recognized swimmer, she was thin when she was 28 years old.
Backlinie spent some time working with water and animals before being discovered by film.
The stuntwoman has experience working with a variety of exotic creatures, including a bear and a tiger, while employed as a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs, a tourist attraction in Florida.
Knowing that Spielberg would be interested in something that no other actress could provide, Backlinie decided to get her first film.
“If you hire me, you can get close-ups of the stunt itself. “If you hire an actress,” he informed the director, “she will have to cover her face.”
Spielberg noted, “I went into stunts to find the perfect stuntwoman, and Susan stood up to it,” in Spielberg: The First Ten Years by Laurent Bouzerau.
In a 2017 interview, Backlinie discussed what Spielberg briefed her on before shooting the iconic sequence.
“The first thing he said to me was, ‘When your scene is done, I want everyone to have popcorn and gum under their seats,'” Post said.
The actress and stuntwoman garnered a lot of praise on social media, with many highlighting her performance in Jaws.
“Susan was a loving and kind person and will be greatly missed by the Jaws community,” says Jeffrey Kramer, who portrayed Susan on the show.
We have a special place in our hearts for her.
On X (formerly Twitter), a fan wrote: “May Susan Backlinie rest in peace. ‘Jaws’ included her Chrissie Watkins, who had the most iconic footwork in film history.
One fan commented: “She has to go down in film history,” while another said: “She did an incredible job that made the whole world fear the ocean.”
Many praised her, calling her a “class act” and a “scream queen legend”.
One man even claimed that her participation helped him in his lifelong pursuit of sharks.
“Susan will forever be remembered and immortalized as the first victim of a great white shark of Jaws fame,” a fan commented to The Daily Jaws after learning of her passing.
“As a kid of 11, it got me interested in GW sharks for some reason.
“I’m 61 now, cage dived in South Africa and Australia and caught 29 different sharks GW, rip Susan, thank you, Susan.
Susan Backlin’s legacy will forever be associated with one of the most iconic scenes in cinema history. Her portrayal of Chrissie Watkins as the first victim of a great white shark in Jaws left an indelible mark on audiences, shaping their fear and fascination with the ocean for generations. In addition to her role in Jaws, Susan’s career as a stuntwoman and animal caretaker has shown her bravery, skill, and passion for her craft. Tributes from friends, colleagues, and fans reflect the immense respect and admiration she has earned over the years. Although she has passed, Susan Backlin’s contribution to film and her unforgettable role as Chrissie will continue to resonate and ensure that her memory lives on in the hearts of all who loved her work.