Susan Backlinie, a talented actress and stuntwoman known for her unforgettable role as the first person eaten by the shark in Jaws, has passed away at the age of 77. She died at her home in Ventura, California, on Saturday.
Her convention agent confirmed the news to The Daily Jaws, stating, “It is with heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved Susan passed away this morning. We want to thank everyone who sent their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Backlinie was best known for her role as Chrissie Watkins in Steven Spielberg’s 1975 blockbuster Jaws. At the age of 28, the nationally ranked swimmer and professional diver portrayed the ill-fated swimmer who fell victim to the great white shark.
Before her role in Jaws, Backlinie had an extensive career working with animals and water. She was a stuntwoman who performed as a mermaid at Florida’s Weeki Wachee Springs tourist attraction and had experience working with a variety of wild animals, including tigers and bears.
Her unique skills caught the attention of Steven Spielberg, who was looking for someone with her expertise. Backlinie reportedly told Spielberg, “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.”
In Spielberg: The First Ten Years, Laurent Bouzerau quotes Spielberg, saying, “I went to stunts to find the perfect stuntwoman, and Susan was up to the task.”
Backlinie recounted what Spielberg told her before they filmed the iconic scene in a 2017 interview: “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.’”
Her role in Jaws left a lasting impact on audiences and made a significant contribution to the film’s success. Many have paid tribute to Backlinie on social media, highlighting her role in the film.
Jeffrey Kramer, who worked alongside Backlinie in Jaws, said, “Susan was a loving and kind person, and the Jaws community will miss her very much. She has a special place in our hearts.”
Fans have also expressed their admiration, with one writing on X (formerly Twitter), “Rest in peace to Susan Backlinie. Her Chrissie Watkins in Jaws had the most memorable tug on the leg in movie history.”
Another fan noted, “She has to go down in movie history,” while a third added, “She did an unbelievable job that made the whole world afraid of the ocean.”
Backlinie has been described as a “scream queen legend” and a “class act,” and her contribution to cinema has inspired many, including those who work with sharks. One admirer shared that her role in Jaws sparked a lifelong interest in sharks, saying, “Susan will be remembered forever and immortalized as the first victim of the great white shark of Jaws fame.”
A fan reflected on The Daily Jaws, “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 be remembered for her groundbreaking performance and the legacy she leaves behind in the film industry. Her work in Jaws continues to resonate with audiences, ensuring her place in cinematic history.