Susan Backlinie, the stunt performer who portrayed the first victim of the shark in the movie 'Jaws,' has died at 77, as reported by her agent to 'The Daily Jaws' fan site. “The Daily Jaws” reported her passing.
Her death occurred 50 years after she collaborated with director Steven Spielberg on the memorable and horrifying opening scene of 'Jaws,' where her character is attacked by a shark while swimming at night.
In an interview with 'The Palm Beach Post,' Backlinie shared that Spielburg had instructed the audience to huddle under their seats with popcorn and bubblegum after her scene was completed. She was born in Washington D.C. and had expertise in diving and animal training. Spielberg enlisted her for the physically demanding opening scene of 'Jaws' when she was 28. in 2017.
She was born in Washington D.C., and had experience as a professional diver and animal trainer. Spielberg hired her at the age of 28 for the challenging opening scene of 'Jaws.'
“I suggested using me because close-up shots could be captured during the stunt. If an actress was used, she would have to conceal her face,” Backlinie recalled.
To realistically portray her being thrashed around by the shark, Backlinie was secured in a harness made from cut-off jeans and metal plates, manipulated by 10 men on each side.
Backlinie explained that she vigorously moved her arms and kicked with all her strength to endure the rigorous stunt. She also wore fins to help keep herself afloat.
Backlinie collaborated with Spielberg once more in 1979, appearing in the WWII film parody '1941,' where she humorously revisited her earlier famous swimming scene.
Throughout the 1980s, Backlinie remained involved in stunt and animal training work, contributing to projects such as 'The Great Muppet Caper' and an episode of 'The Fall Guy.' Following her retirement, she made regular appearances at pop culture conventions and 'Jaws' screenings, discussing the impact of the film on perceptions of sharks.
Interestingly, despite her role in 'Jaws,' Backlinie revealed to The Palm Beach Post that she went swimming with sharks off the coast of Australia after filming the movie.
“You know you kept me out of the water,” is a common statement Backlinie receives from many fans, reflecting the enduring impact of her scene from 'Jaws'.
