Susan Backlinie transformed fear into art with her unforgettable role in Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. At 28, she embodied the chilling vulnerability of Chrissie Watkins, the iconic skinny-dipping victim whose fate set the film’s terror in motion. Beyond acting, Susan’s unique talents as a nationally ranked swimmer and professional diver allowed her to perform her own stunts, bringing authenticity and raw emotion to the screen.
Before Jaws, Susan’s life was a tapestry of daring adventures—working with wild animals and enchanting audiences as a mermaid at Florida’s Weeki Wachee Springs. Her instinct for danger and grace made her the perfect choice for Spielberg’s vision. She once told the director that hiring a stuntwoman like her meant genuine peril captured on film, not a disguised actress. Susan’s courage and skill transcended the screen, forever marking her as a trailblazer in Hollywood’s history.
