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The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Susan Backlinie, the actress who portrayed the ill-fated Chrissie Watkins in the 1975 blockbuster film ‘Jaws.’ Backlinie passed away on Friday, May 10th, 2024, at the age of 77, leaving behind a lasting legacy as the first victim of the infamous shark in the Steven Spielberg classic.
Backlinie’s Role in ‘Jaws’
Backlinie’s role in ‘Jaws’ may have been brief, but it was undoubtedly one of the most iconic and memorable moments in cinema history. Her character, Chrissie Watkins, was the first to fall prey to the massive great white shark that terrorized the fictional town of Amity Island. The opening scene, where Chrissie goes for a late-night swim and meets her untimely demise, set the tone for the entire film and has become a cultural touchstone.
According to an interview with Backlinie in 2015[1], she initially auditioned for the role of Chrissie’s friend, but Spielberg saw something special in her and decided to cast her as the ill-fated swimmer instead. Backlinie’s performance, although brief, was haunting and unforgettable, cementing her place in cinema history.
Life After ‘Jaws’
While ‘Jaws’ was undoubtedly Susan Backlinie most iconic role, she continued to work in the entertainment industry after the film’s success. She appeared in several other movies and television shows, including ‘Cannonball Run II‘and ‘The Incredible Hulk.’
However, Backlinie always remained grateful for the opportunity that ‘Jaws’ provided her, and she embraced her role as a horror icon. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly[2], she expressed her appreciation for the film’s enduring popularity, saying,
It’s amazing to me that people still love and remember ‘Jaws’ after all these years. I’m honored to be a part of such an iconic film.
Tributes and Remembrances
Following the news of Backlinie’s passing, tributes and condolences poured in from fans, colleagues, and industry professionals alike. Steven Spielberg, the director of ‘Jaws,’ released a statement[3] expressing his sadness at the loss of the actress who played such a pivotal role in his breakthrough film:
Susan Backlinie’s performance in the opening scene of ‘Jaws‘ set the tone for the entire film and left an indelible mark on cinema history. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy as Chrissie Watkins will live on forever.
Fans and fellow actors also took to social media to share their memories and appreciation for Backlinie’s work. Many praised her for her ability to make such a lasting impression with such a brief role, while others shared their favorite moments from the iconic film.
A Life Well-Lived
While Susan Backlinie’s time on screen may have been fleeting, her impact on the world of cinema was profound. Her portrayal of Chrissie Watkins in ‘Jaws’ has become an enduring symbol of the power of film to captivate and terrify audiences, and her legacy will continue to inspire and influence generations of actors and filmmakers to come.
As the world mourns the loss of this iconic performer, we can take solace in the fact that her work will live on, forever etched into the annals of cinematic history.
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