Susan Backlinie of JAWS fame passes away aged 77
Susan Backlinie former actress and stuntwoman best-known for her role as Chrissie Watkins, the first shark victim in Steven Spielberg's blockbuster JAWS (1975), died early Saturday morning at her home in Ventura, CA. She was 77. The news was confirmed by Backlinie’s convention agent, Matthew Templeton.
Backlinie's shoot for her appearance in Jaws spanned three days, during which she was secured into a harness as the crew labored to achieve the desired effects. Contrary to speculation, her startled reactions and screams weren't caused by any harm from the harness pulling her back and forth in the water.
“It is with heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved Susan passed away this morning. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
To create the effect of being poulled through the water, Susan was tethered to a line anchored to the ocean floor beneath her, and deliberately left unaware of when she would be submerged initially, aiming to elicit a more authentic surprise from her. Nonetheless, the rest of her performance was entirely her own as an actress. When her Jaws co-star Richard Dreyfuss viewed footage of her being attacked by the shark, he expressed that it genuinely frightened him.
Susan made an appearance in Spielberg's film 1941, satirizing her role in Jaws. Instead of encountering a shark during a midnight swim, she's humorously "picked up" by the periscope of a Japanese submarine. This scene has been hailed as the standout comedic moment in an otherwise widely-regarded as Spielberg's less successful films.
“Susan was a kind, soul and loving soul and will be sorely missed by the Jaws community. She has a special place in our hearts!”
Susan Backlinie with The Daily Jaws founder Ross Williams
“Like all JAWS fans, I am genuinely devatasted by the news of Susan’s passing - especially so close to JAWS’ 50th anniversary next year. She was the first... and will be remembered forever. ”
Watch Susan’s iconic scene in JAWS
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