HUGE LOSS. Legendary actress passed away today
Susan Backlinie, the actress and stuntwoman known for playing the first victim in Jaws, has passed away at 77. Backlinie died at her home in Ventura, California. Her convention agent, Matthew Templeton, confirmed the news, stating, “It is with heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved Susan passed away this morning.”
Best known for her role as Chrissie Watkins in Steven Spielberg’s 1975 film, Jaws, Backlinie was a nationally ranked swimmer and professional diver when she took on the iconic role at 28. Spielberg praised her unique skills, saying, “If you hire me, you might get close-ups of the stunt itself.”
Backlinie also worked as a mermaid at Florida’s Weeki Wachee Springs and handled various wild animals. She recalled Spielberg’s direction for her famous 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.’”
Tributes have poured in on social media, with Jeffrey Kramer from Jaws saying, “Susan was a loving and kind person, and the Jaws community will miss her very much.” Fans remembered her as a “scream queen legend” and praised her unforgettable performance that made “the whole world afraid of the ocean.” One fan shared how her role sparked his lifelong interest in great white sharks.
