05/16/2024
Susan Backlinie has passed at the age of 77. She played Chrissie Watkins, who met a violent death as the first shark attack victim in the opening scene of “Jaws.” She was first at bat and knocked a HR for the blockbuster film, and Steven Speilberg’s career. Susan owned the first 10 minutes of Jaws and demanded the audience’s attention in more ways than one.
The actress and stuntwoman’s on screen death shocked movie goers before they could settle into their seats. Viewers quickly learned that there are 2 different food chains that exist in this world, separated by a shimmering light at the surface of the ocean. Her 43 seconds of screaming and thrashing showed us the power beneath the surface, without a single glimpse of the responsible party.
How big was it - how many teeth?
Was she completely devoured?
Where the heck was Cassidy and why couldn’t it have been him?
How is this rated PG??
When I was younger, I’d cheat and start the VHS then walk away during her attack. I’d watch the party, the run down the beach and dive into the ocean. So inviting, but by the age of 5 I knew that was my cue to head to the kitchen for a snack. I’d conveniently return around the 10 min mark to meet the brighter side of Amity Island. In some way, I thought that if I didn’t watch, her death didn’t happen…Alex’s death was harder to avoid.
Boxed away somewhere is a photo of Susan and I, as well as an autograph she offered me at JawsFest, in 2012. We met a few times, and seeing her aged but familiar face was a bit of reassurance that she was fine and her incredible performance had fooled us all. Ms Backlinie outlived Chrissie by 50 years, and she is immortalized through her performance in Jaws.