RIP Susan Blacklinie (Jaws) (1 Viewer)

[Traveling Matt]

One of the all-time great opening scenes in all of film, of course. She was 77. May she RIP.

Susan Backlinie of JAWS fame passes away aged 77 — The Daily Jaws

Susan Backlinie former actress and stuntwoman best-known for her role as Chrissie Watkins, the first shark victim in Steven Spielberg's blockbuster JAWS (1975), has died at the age of 77.

thedailyjaws.com

 

[Jeffrey D]

RIP. She was effective in a pretty disturbing scene in its time. I know Tino will be commenting.

 

[Doug Wallen]

Great opening scene. Such a shame. RIP Chrissie!!!

 

[Sam Favate]

Oh no! For Jaws and her and Spielberg's spoof of it in 1941, she will always have a special place in movie history. R.I.P.

 

[Tino]

RIP Chrissie. Your iconic scene is Jaws has made you immortal.

 

[Robert Saccone]

No words. Just sadness.

 

[JimJasper]

Grieves me. Powerful, shocking performance in Jaws: Susan remains unforgettable for so many of us fans. She was always terrific in interviews as well, & I heard she was pretty wonderful with fans over the years.

For those that don't know
* Some of the strangeness of her iconic scene, was enhanced by the fact that most was filmed in day for night. Then it was darkened and color timed in post-production for the night scene. This is why if you see some behind-the scenes-photos with Susan & crew working during the water scenes, they in bright daylight.

* about Backlinie's casting, "She was 28 years old when the nationally ranked swimmer and professional diver played the skinny-dipping victim [Chrissie Watkins]. When gunning for her first movie, Backlinie knew she could offer Spielberg something another actress couldn't. Backlinie told Spielberg, 'If you use me, you could get close-ups during the stunt itself. If you use an actress, she'll have to hide her face,' ....per, Laurent Bouzerau's book Spielberg: The First Ten Years.

You'll be missed, sweet Susan

 

[Malcolm R]

RIP.

Can someone fix the typo in her name in the thread title? It's Back..., not Black.... @Robert Crawford

 

[Joe Wong]

RIP Ms Backlinie.

It’s rare that such a small role had such an impact and holds so many memories for so many fans.