Susan Backlinie is best known for playing Chrissie Watkins, the first victim in Steven Spielberg’s 1975 film Jaws. Her haunting opening scene, filmed at the coastal waters of Martha’s Vineyard, established the visceral terror of the unseen shark and set the tone for a landmark in suspense cinema. Before and after Jaws, Backlinie worked as a stunt performer and actress, contributing to several film and television projects, though none matched the cultural footprint of her iconic role. This profile offers a factual, enduring look at her background, performance, and how Chrissie Watkins remains a defining moment in film history.
Early Life and Background
Susan Backlinie was born on September 1, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio. Raised in a family that valued athleticism and performance, she developed an early interest in swimming and acrobatics. During her late teens and early twenties, she pursued gymnastics and diving, skills that later informed her approach to stunt work and underwater performance. Her transition to acting and stunt performance in the early 1970s set the stage for her involvement in one of cinema’s most scrutinized and influential openings.
The Role of Chrissie Watkins in Jaws
Preparation and Filming
Backlinie’s most recognizable work came when director Steven Spielberg selected her to play Chrissie Watkins, a young woman whose late-night swim ends tragically. To film the scene, she was shot into the ocean from a platform offshore while powerful pumps created turbulent waves. The sequence combined practical effects, careful timing, and camera work to simulate a shark attack. Backlinie has described the cold water, the force of the pull, and the coordination required with crew members to ensure safety while achieving the desired visceral impact.
Impact and Recognition
The scene’s unflinching tone, achieved without showing the shark initially, helped define the film’s suspense strategy. Critics and audiences alike pointed to Chrissie’s death as an unforgettable sequence that established stakes for the rest of the story. Although the film became a industry-defining blockbuster, Backlinie’s recognition remained closely tied to this single scene, shaping public perception of her career.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Chrissie Watkins | Film Credit |
| Film | Jaws (1975) | Studio Release |
| Release Date | June 20, 1975 (US) | Box Office Record |
| Scene Location | Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts waters | Production Notes |
| Notable Detail | First on-screen victim of the shark | Film Analysis |
Career Beyond Jaws
In interviews and profiles, Backlinie has discussed her work as a professional stuntwoman and actress across film and television. Her background in gymnastics and diving made her valuable for action sequences requiring aquatic skills. She performed stunts and acted in projects that demanded physical precision, though many of these roles did not achieve widespread recognition. Her professional path illustrates the niche expertise required for stunt performance, where visibility often remains secondary to the work itself.
Later Years and Public Presence
Backlinie largely stepped away from the spotlight after the 1980s, choosing a more private life while remaining accessible to fans and researchers interested in the legacy of Jaws. She has participated in documentaries and retrospective interviews that explore the making of the film and the evolution of practical effects. Her recollections provide first-hand insight into the challenges of early-water special effects and the coordination involved in creating memorable set pieces.
Legacy and Cultural Influence
Decades after its release, the scene featuring Susan Backlinie continues to be studied in film programs and referenced in popular discussions about Jaws. Scholars highlight how the sequence established visual language for depicting unseen threats in creature features. Her performance remains a benchmark for integrating stunt work with narrative tension, demonstrating how a carefully executed moment can resonate far beyond an individual credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who played Chrissie Watkins in Jaws? Susan Backlinie portrayed Chrissie Watkins, the first victim in the 1975 film.
- Was the opening scene in Jaws real? The scene was carefully filmed using practical effects, with Backlinie performing a controlled underwater sequence shot on location.
- Did Susan Backlinie do other stunts after Jaws? Yes, she worked as a stunt performer and actress on various film and television projects following Jaws.
- Where was the Chrissie Watkins scene filmed? The sequence was shot in the waters off Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.
- Is Susan Backlinie still acting? She has largely remained out of the public eye, focusing on personal pursuits while engaging selectively with Jaws related events and documentaries.