Susan Backlinie, who played first shark attack victim in Steven Spielberg's 1975 film 'Jaws,' dies at 77

Backlinie was a stuntwoman and actress sought out by Steven Spielberg for the movie's opening scene.

VENTURA, Calif. (KABC) -- Susan Backlinie, who played the first shark attack victim in Steven Spielberg's 1975 film "Jaws," died over the weekend. She was 77.

According to The Daily Jaws, a website followed by major fans of the movie, Backlinie died over the weekend at her home in Ventura. A cause of death is unknown.
[Ads /]
"We are deeply saddened to share the news that JAWS star Susan Backlinie aka Chrissie Watkins passed away on Saturday 11th May 2024, aged 77," read a statement on the website.

Backlinie was a stuntwoman and actress sought out by Spielberg for the movie's opening scene. The director said he needed someone who was great in the water and could withstand a whole lot of shaking to set up the terror of what was to come.
[Ads /]

Report a correction or typo

Susan Backlinie, who played first shark attack victim in 'Jaws,' dies at 77