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Susan Backlinie, the actor and stunt performer who played Chrissie Watkins—the first shark victim in Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975)—died at 77 on May 11, 2024. Reports said she died at her home in Ventura, California. Her cause of death was not established in the reports reviewed.
Who was Susan Backlinie in Jaws?
Backlinie played Chrissie Watkins, the young swimmer attacked in the film’s opening sequence. At 27, she performed the role that introduces the film’s unseen shark and sets its suspense in motion, according to NOS’s May 13, 2024 report.
Before Jaws, Backlinie had a background in swimming and diving and worked as an animal trainer. A local retrospective also recalled her earlier work as a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs. TheWrap’s May 12, 2024 obituary reported that she continued working in stunts and animal training, including work connected with The Great Muppet Caper and an episode of The Fall Guy; she also appeared in Spielberg’s 1941. These credits offer a glimpse of a career tied to water performance, stunts and animal work, rather than a complete filmography. The Hernando Sun’s May 19, 2024 retrospective provides the Weeki Wachee account.
How was the opening attack in Jaws filmed?
Reports describe a practical setup: Backlinie wore a harness attached to lines, and crew members on shore operated a pulley or rope system to pull her through the water. The sudden movement helped sell the attack while the shark itself remained unseen. NOS describes Spielberg choosing her for her ability to handle the water action; ITV News’s May 13, 2024 account also reports that she was not told she would be pulled underwater, so her initial surprise was genuine. These are reported production details, not evidence that she was injured or exposed to an unscripted danger.
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When did Susan Backlinie die?
Backlinie died on May 11, 2024, aged 77, at home in Ventura, California, according to reports published May 11–13. The Daily Jaws reported on May 11 that her convention agent, Matthew Templeton, confirmed her death. Templeton’s statement, as published by the outlet, read: “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.” TV Insider’s May 12 report likewise placed her death on Saturday at her Ventura home.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Was Susan Backlinie’s cause of death announced?
The reports cited here do not establish a cause of death. Conflicting secondary claims appeared, but no sufficiently authoritative resolution was available; a specific cause should therefore not be stated.
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