Susan Backlinie, the actress who played the first victim in the iconic 1975 film "Jaws," passed away unexpectedly on Saturday morning at the age of 77.
Susan Backlinie, whose portrayal of Chrissie Watkins in Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" etched her name into cinematic history, has passed away at the age of 77. Her death on Saturday morning at her California home from a heart attack came as a surprise to her loved ones.
Born in New York City in 1945, Backlinie's athleticism and passion for swimming propelled her to national prominence as a competitive swimmer. After graduating high school in 1964, she pursued a career in entertainment, working as a mermaid and animal trainer.
In 1974, Backlinie's exceptional swimming skills caught the attention of Spielberg, who was searching for an actress to play the role of Chrissie in his upcoming thriller "Jaws." The demanding role required someone proficient in water ballet and capable of enduring rigorous aquatic sequences.
Backlinie's audition impressed Spielberg, and she was cast as Chrissie, the young woman who falls victim to the great white shark in the film's opening scene. Her portrayal of Chrissie's terror and desperation as she is chased and ultimately killed by the shark remains one of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history.
In a 2017 interview, Backlinie recalled Spielberg's vision for the scene: "He said to me, 'When your scene is done, I want everyone under the seats with the popcorn and bubblegum.'" Her performance, coupled with the film's innovative special effects, achieved Spielberg's goal and solidified "Jaws" as a cinematic masterpiece.
Backlinie's success in "Jaws" opened doors to other acting roles, including appearances in films such as "The Other Side of Midnight," "Rollercoaster," and "The Gumball Rally." She also pursued stunt work and acted in television shows.
"She was the most amazing person I've ever met in my life. And I've never loved anybody like her," Backlinie's husband of 30 years, Harvey Swindall, said of his late wife.
Backlinie's legacy as the first victim of "Jaws" will forever be etched in the annals of film history. Her portrayal of Chrissie Watkins established her as a symbol of the terror and suspense that the film continues to evoke in audiences worldwide.
