Susan Jane Backlinie

Biography:

Susan Backlinie was an American actress, stuntwoman and professional swimmer who became part of cinema history through her unforgettable appearance in Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. Before entering the entertainment industry, she developed strong swimming skills and worked as a mermaid performer and animal trainer. Her experience in the water and with animals helped her find opportunities in film and stunt work.

Her most famous performance was as Chrissie Watkins in Jaws (1975). She appeared in the film’s opening sequence, portraying a young woman swimming at night who becomes the shark’s first victim. The scene became one of the most memorable and frightening opening sequences in film history. Her swimming ability and stunt experience were particularly important because the sequence required her to be pulled through the water using an underwater harness and cables. The challenging scene took several days to complete.

Following Jaws, Backlinie appeared in films including Day of the Animals, 1941 and The Great Muppet Caper. She also performed stunt work and made television appearances. In 1941, she humorously recreated the idea of her famous Jaws scene, this time encountering a Japanese submarine rather than a shark.

Although her acting career was relatively brief, her contribution to Jaws left a lasting impression on audiences. Susan Backlinie passed away in May 2024 at the age of 77, but her memorable opening-scene performance continues to be celebrated by film fans.