Welcome back to Readfullstorry, the site that strives to provide you with helpful information every day. Today, we want to pay tribute to the talented actress and stuntwoman, Susan Backlinie, who recently passed away at the age of 77. She will forever be remembered for her iconic role in Steven Spielberg’s legendary film, Jaws.
Born with extraordinary swimming abilities and a background in professional diving, Backlinie caught the attention of Spielberg at the age of 28. Before her breakthrough in Jaws, she had worked with animals, including being a mermaid at Florida’s Weeki Wachee Springs tourist attraction. Her unique skills and experience made her the ideal choice for Spielberg.
In an interview, Backlinie shared Spielberg’s pre-filming instruction for the now-famous scene, “When your scene is done, I want everyone under the seats with the popcorn and the bubblegum.” Her portrayal of Chrissie Watkins, the first person to be devoured by the shark, left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Jaws became one of the most enduring and terrifying films of all time.
Backlinie’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media. Colleagues and fans alike expressed their admiration for her talent and the impact she made. Jeffrey Kramer, who also appeared in Jaws, described her as a loving and kind person who will be deeply missed by the Jaws community.
For many fans, Backlinie’s performance in Jaws was truly unforgettable. One fan even credits her portrayal for sparking a lifelong fascination with sharks, sharing, “As a kid of 11, it made me interested in great white sharks for some reason. Now 61, I have cage dived in South Africa and Australia, encountering over 29 different great white sharks. Thank you, Susan.”
Susan Backlinie’s legacy will forever hold a special place in cinematic history. Her fearlessness and contribution to the film industry will be cherished by fans and movie enthusiasts around the world. Rest in peace, Susan.
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