Susan Backlinie, first victim in ‘Jaws’ film, dead at 77

Susan Backlinie, famously known as the first victim in the 1975 film, “Jaws,” has died, Fox News Digital can confirm.

Her husband of 30 years, Harvey Swindall, says her passing was “very unexpected.”

She died at their California home on Saturday morning from a heart attack. She was 77.

“[She] was the most amazing person I’ve ever met in my life. And I’ve never loved anybody like her,” Swindall said.

Backlinie earned the role of Chrissie in Steven Spielberg’s film not only for her enviable looks, but also because she was a nationally ranked swimmer who had worked as a mermaid and animal trainer after graduating from high school in 1964.

“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,” Spielberg recounted in Laurent Bouzereau’s book, “Spielberg: The First Ten Years,” per The Hollywood Reporter. “So, I went to stunts to find her, and Susan was up to the challenge.”

In an interview with The Palm Beach Post in 2017, Backlinie spoke about Spielberg’s vision for what has now become an iconic scene. “The first thing [Spielberg] said to me was, ‘When your scene is done, I want everyone under the seats with the popcorn and bubblegum,’” she shared. “So I think we did that.”

Related Posts

Former Grey’s Anatomy Co-Star Levels Allegations Against Eric Dane Following His Passing

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Eric Dane, best known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy. He died at 53 after living publicly…

All the grim things found inside Jeffrey Epstein’s abandoned “Lolita Express” plane

The plane once tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s private world now sits abandoned on a Georgia tarmac, slowly decaying under open skies. Its silence feels heavy, as though…

Here are the five US men’s hockey stars who rejected Trump’s White House invitation

The gold medals were barely placed around their necks when the questions began. A locker-room joke, a presidential invitation, and then five notable absences quickly became the…

Erika Kirk mouthed three words after being recognized by Donald Trump at State of the Union address

Erika Kirk’s expression spoke louder than any speech. One moment, she was simply another guest seated in the gallery. The next, cameras captured her grief, broadcasting a…

A Close Call in the Bonus Round: Adam Wredberg’s Memorable Wheel of Fortune Finish

Fans of Wheel of Fortune were still debating long after the credits rolled on the episode featuring contestant Adam Wredberg. His strong gameplay carried him all the way to…

Exciting Highlights on Wheel of Fortune Build Toward a Memorable Finale

Fans of Wheel of Fortune continued buzzing after Adam Wredberg’s standout appearance. His confident demeanor and steady gameplay carried him through an episode filled with suspense and momentum. By…