Susan Backlinie, known for her iconic role as the first victim of the shark in Steven Spielberg's classic film Jaws, has passed away at the age of 77 at her home in Ventura, California. Backlinie, a nationally ranked swimmer and professional diver, was hired at the age of 28 to portray the character Chrissie in the 1975 film.
Director Spielberg specifically sought a stuntperson for the role due to the demanding water scenes, and Backlinie's expertise in the water made her the perfect fit. The intense scene where she is attacked by the shark was meticulously choreographed with the help of a harness and wires controlled by a crew on the beach.
