Susan Backlinie

2024 - 5 - 12

Susan Backlinie: The Untold Story of Jaws' First Victim

Actress - Jaws - Steven Spielberg - Stuntwoman - Susan Backlinie

Discover the life and legacy of Susan Backlinie, the iconic actress from 'Jaws' who met a tragic end at 77. Dive into the behind-the-scenes drama and her unforgettable contribution to cinema!

Susan Backlinie, the beloved actress known for her role as the first victim in the iconic film 'Jaws,' passed away at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in the world of cinema. Backlinie, a talented swimmer and stuntwoman, captured the hearts of audiences with her portrayal of Chrissie Watkins, the daring skinny-dipper who falls victim to the terrifying Great White shark. Her performance in the opening scene set the tone for the suspense and thrill that 'Jaws' is renowned for, showcasing her bravery and dedication to her craft.

Steven Spielberg, the mastermind behind 'Jaws,' handpicked Backlinie for the crucial role, highlighting her expertise as a stuntperson and swimmer. The director's vision and Backlinie's commitment brought to life one of the most memorable moments in cinematic history, a scene that continues to send shivers down the spines of viewers worldwide. Backlinie's contributions to the success of 'Jaws' are immortalized in film history, cementing her status as a true pioneer in the industry.

Despite her tragic on-screen fate, Susan Backlinie's impact goes beyond her role as the first victim in 'Jaws.' Her talent, courage, and dedication remain a source of inspiration for aspiring actors and filmmakers, showcasing the power of storytelling and the enduring influence of cinema. As we remember Susan Backlinie, we honor her memory as a trailblazer whose legacy will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.

In a poignant tribute to Susan Backlinie, Steven Spielberg expressed his admiration for her fearless spirit and professionalism on set, emphasizing the pivotal role she played in bringing 'Jaws' to life. Backlinie's passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood, but her impact on the film industry will forever be etched in the hearts of film enthusiasts around the world, ensuring that her legacy remains undimmed by time.

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Image courtesy of "Hollywood Reporter"

Susan Backlinie, the First Victim of the Shark in 'Jaws,' Dies at 77 (Hollywood Reporter)

Steven Spielberg said he needed a stuntperson and expert swimmer who "knew how to endure what I imagined was going to be a whole lot of violent shaking.".

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Image courtesy of "Deadline"

Susan Backlinie Dies: 'Jaws' Actress Was First Shark Victim In ... (Deadline)

The iconic first victim of the Great White shark in 'Jaws' is dead at 77.

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Image courtesy of "Mirror.co.uk"

Jaws actress who played film's first shark victim Susan Backlinie ... (Mirror.co.uk)

Jaws star Susan Backlinie who played the vicious shark's first victim in the iconic movie has passed away aged 77.

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Image courtesy of "TheWrap"

Susan Backlinie, the First Victim in 'Jaws,' Dies at 77 - TheWrap (TheWrap)

"When your scene is done, I want everyone under the seats,” Steven Spielberg told stuntwoman Susan Backlinie as he explained the Jaws scene.

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Image courtesy of "KIRO Seattle"

Susan Backlinie, first shark victim in 'Jaws,' dead at 77 (KIRO Seattle)

Actress Susan Backlinie, a swimmer and stuntwoman who played the young skinny-dipper who became the first shark victim in Steven Spielberg's epic 1975 film, ...

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Image courtesy of "Comicbook.com"

Jaws Star Susan Backlinie Dead at 77 (Comicbook.com)

Backlinie's convention agent, Matthew Templeton, shared the sad news with The Daily Jaws yesterday. Backlinie was 28 when she stepped into the water to play ...

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Image courtesy of "al.com"

Iconic 'Jaws' actress dead at 77 (al.com)

Susan Blacklinie, the actress featured during the iconic and terrifying opening scene of Steven Spielberg's 1975 blockbuster film “Jaws,” has passed away.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Mail"

Jaws star Susan Backlinie dies aged 77: Actress played the first ... (Daily Mail)

The stuntwoman and movie star, best known for her portrayal of Chrissie Watkins in 'Jaws,' died at her home in Ventura, California on Sunday.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Express"

Jaws actress Susan Backlinie who played first shark victim in ... (Daily Express)

Susan Backlinie, who played the first shark victim in the iconic movie Jaws, has died at the age of 77, her agent has confirmed.

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Image courtesy of "Boston 25 News"

Susan Backlinie, first shark victim in 'Jaws,' dead at 77 (Boston 25 News)

Actress Susan Backlinie, a swimmer and stuntwoman who played the young skinny-dipper who became the first shark victim in Steven Spielberg's epic 1975 film, ...

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Image courtesy of "Fox News"

Susan Backlinie, first victim in 'Jaws' film, dead at 77 (Fox News)

Susan Backlinie, known for being the first victim to be eaten by the shark in "Jaws," has died at 77. Her husband says it was "very unexpected" and that she ...

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Image courtesy of "Variety"

Susan Backlinie Dead: 'Jaws' Actor Was 77 (Variety)

Susan Backlinie, who played the first shark attack victim in Steven Spielberg's 'Jaws,' has died. She was 77.

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

Susan Backlinie, First Shark Attack Victim in 'Jaws,' Dies at 77 (The New York Times)

Ms. Backlinie, a stunt woman, appeared in the terrifying opening scene of the 1975 blockbuster in which a great white shark attacks.

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Image courtesy of "The Times"

Susan Backlinie, stuntwoman who was first victim in Jaws, dies aged ... (The Times)

Steven Spielberg chose her for the role of Chrissy, a young woman who goes skinny-dipping only to meet a terrifying end.

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Image courtesy of "USA TODAY"

Susan Backlinie, who played shark victim Chrissie Watkins in 'Jaws ... (USA TODAY)

Susan Backlinie, best known for her role as shark victim Chrissie Watkins in Steven Spielberg's "Jaws," reportedly died Saturday at the age of 77.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Eurosport UK"

Susan Backlinie Dies: 'Jaws' Actress Who Played First Shark Victim ... (Yahoo Eurosport UK)

Susan Backlinie, whose gruesome death in Jaws scared millions from swimming in the ocean, died Saturday at 77 in her home in Ventura, CA.

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Image courtesy of "Metro"

Susan Backlinie, Jaws star, dead aged 77 (Metro)

Susan Backlinie has died aged 77. The actress, who played the first victim of the shark attacks in Jaws, had a fatal heart attack.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Eurosport UK"

Susan Backlinie, who played shark victim Chrissie Watkins in 'Jaws ... (Yahoo Eurosport UK)

Susan Backlinie, best known for her role as shark victim Chrissie Watkins in Steven Spielberg's "Jaws," reportedly died Saturday at the age of 77.

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Image courtesy of "LBC"

Susan Backlinie, actress who played the iconic first victim in Jaws ... (LBC)

Susan Backlinie, whose character Chrissie Watkins was mauled by the shark after going swimming naked in the sea, died at home after suffering a heart attack ...

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Image courtesy of "Evening Standard"

Actress Susan Backlinie who starred as first victim in Jaws dies aged ... (Evening Standard)

She played a skinny dipper who was viciously attacked by an unseen great white shark in the opening sequences of the iconic film.

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Image courtesy of "The Independent"

Susan Backlinie, 'first shark victim' in Steven Spielberg's Jaws, dies ... (The Independent)

Actor and stuntwoman played the shark's first victim, Chrissie Watkins, in 1975 classic horror.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Eurosport UK"

Susan Backlinie, Actor Who Masterfully Played Shark's First Victim In ... (Yahoo Eurosport UK)

The stuntwoman said her iconic scene sent terrified theatergoers under their seats, as director Steven Spielberg requested.

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