Jaws actress Susan Backlinie has died aged 77, her agent Matthew Templeton has confirmed.
Backlinie is perhaps best known for playing the young woman Chrissie Watkins, who went for a late-night ocean swim, only to be eaten by a shark in the opening scene of the thriller in 1975.
The actress and stuntwoman featured in the epic which was directed by Steven Spielberg. It was based on the book by Peter Benchley, telling the story of three men who try to hunt and kill the shark causing terror to the residents of a small English town.
For this role, Susan Backlinie who was also a nationally-ranked swimmer, spent three days on the set. She was also secured into a harness to film this scene where her character was eaten alive.
Speaking last year, Steven Spielberg revealed that he was keen to enlist the talents of a stuntwoman like Backlinie for the role, as he needed someone who could endure “violent shaking” which was required on set.
“I didn’t want an actor to do it. I wanted a stuntperson because I needed somebody who was great in the water, who knew water ballet and knew how to endure what I imagined was going to be a whole lot of violent shaking”, he said.
“So, I went to stunts to find her, and Susan was up to the challenge”.
“heartfelt regret”
In a statement, Backlinie’s agent Matthew Templeton confirmed the news regarding her death.
“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”, he said.
Following her appearance on Jaws, Susan Backlinie also posed nude for a cover of Mayfair in 1977.
She also appeared in The Grizzly and the Treasure, 1941, and Day of the Animals, last appearing on screen in an episode of The Fall Guy in 1982.
Following her retirement from the public eye, Backlinie spent her years appearing at fan conventions of Jaws.
Jeffrey Kramer who played Deputy Lee Hendricks in the cult classic, also paid tribute to Backlinie.
“Susan was a kind, soul and loving soul and will be sorely missed by the Jaws community. She has a special place in our hearts!”, the actor said.
Susan Backlinie is survived by her husband Harvey Swindall.
