Susan Backlinie Dies: ‘Jaws’ Actress Who Played First Shark Victim In Blockbuster Was 77

Bruce Haring
·1 min read
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Susan Backlinie Dies: ‘Jaws’ Actress Who Played First Shark Victim In Blockbuster Was 77
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Susan Backlinie, whose gruesome death in Jaws scared millions from swimming in the ocean, died Saturday at 77 in her home in Ventura, CA.

Her death was confirmed by Matthew Templeton, the agent who handled her convention bookings. No cause has been determined.

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Backlinie’s first film role arrived in 1975. She played Chrissie Watkins in Steven Spielberg’s film, going skinny dipping in the ocean in the opening scene.

She is attacked and is buffeted by the great white shark before a screaming disappearance under the waves.

Backlinie partnered with Spielberg to spoof the scene a few years later in his 1941 film.

Backlinie’s career channeled into stunt work in films and TV. Some of her credits include The Great Muppet Caper, Day of the Animals, and the TV show The Fall Guy.

Survivors include her husband, Harvey.

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