Welcome to Matheusfeed, the site that strives to bring you as much information as possible every day. If this information is helpful to you, don’t forget to share it with your groups! Thank you! Susan Backlinie, the talented actress and stuntwoman who became famous for playing the first character devoured by a shark in Steven Spielberg’s iconic film Jaws, has passed away at the age of 77. Backlinie’s agent, Matthew Templeton, confirmed the sad news, stating, “It is with deep regret that we confirm our beloved Susan passed away this morning.” He also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of condolences and requests for the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
Backlinie’s path to fame began at the age of 28 when her exceptional swimming skills and professional diving experience caught Spielberg’s attention. Online movie streaming services
Before her big break, she worked with animals and enjoyed aquatic activities, including performing as a mermaid at the Weeki Wachee Springs tourist attraction in Florida and interacting with wild animals like tigers and bears. With her unique skills, Backlinie reached out to Spielberg, confident that her exceptional abilities would enhance the film’s authenticity. She suggested, “If you hire me, you could have close-ups of the stunt itself. If you hire an actress, she’ll have to cover her face.” Spielberg recognized her potential, writing in Laurent Bouzerau’s book, Spielberg: The First Ten Years: “I went to the stunt industry to find the perfect stuntwoman, and Susan was up to the mark.”
Backlinie spoke about her experience with Spielberg in a 2017 interview, revealing the director’s guidance before filming the infamous scene. “The first thing he told me was, ‘When your scene is done, I want everyone to be ducking under their seats with popcorn and chewing gum,’” she recalled.
Backlinie’s portrayal of Chrissie Watkins left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide and made Jaws one of the most enduring and terrifying films of all time. Her passing sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media, with many focusing on her unforgettable role in Jaws. Jeffrey Kramer, who also appeared in the film, said, “Susan was a loving and kind person, and she will be greatly missed by the Jaws community.” Fans expressed their admiration for her performance, with one noting, “Her Chrissie Watkins in Jaws had the most memorable kick in cinema history,” while another said, “She did an incredible job scaring the whole world out of the ocean.” Backlinie’s role has left an impact that extends beyond the entertainment world.
One fan shared how her performance sparked a lifelong fascination with sharks, saying, “Susan will forever be remembered and immortalized as the first great white shark victim in Jaws. When I was 11, I became interested in great white sharks for some reason. Now, at 61, I’ve cage-dived in South Africa and Australia and have recorded sightings of more than 29 different great whites. Rest in peace, Susan. Thank you, Susan.”
Susan Backlinie will forever hold a special place in film history as the woman who bravely brought Jaws to life. Her talents and contributions to the film industry will be cherished by fans and movie lovers around the world. Rest in peace, Susan.