Susan Backlinie, known from “Jaws,” is dead. There were rumors that she almost drowned on the set

Susan Backlinie died on May 11 at her home in California. She was 77 years old. Information about the actress’ death was announced by her agent, Matthew Templeton. A little later, Backlinie’s husband, Havey Swindall, told the media that his beloved died of a heart attack. In an interview with TMZ, he called his late wife “the most amazing person” he had ever met. He admitted that he would miss Susan unbelievably.

Susan Backlinie is dead. The actress known from the movie “Jaws” was 77 years old

Susan Backlinie was a stuntwoman who specialized in swimming scenes. She was especially remembered for her scene in Steven Spielberg’s legendary “Jaws”. She played Chrissie, the first victim of the man-eating shark, and the fragment with her participation is one of the most recognizable scenes in the history of cinema.

The role of Backlinie with a famous director resulted in many rumors. It was said that the actress came close to drowning on the set of “Jaws”. However, the rumors were not true. As we read on the WP website, Spielberg did not warn her that she would be immersed, hence the actress’s natural reaction.

– Steven Spielberg told me that I had to act in such a way that when the scene ended, people in the cinema would be sitting in fear under their seats – she told Backline in later interviews. – I really like it when people tell me to this day that they haven’t gone into the water for many years because of this scene – quotes one of the actress’ conversations with Onet journalists.

Apparently the scene was very difficult to shoot. The actress was wearing jeans that became heavy in the water. Ropes were additionally tied to her legs. Just a year ago, Backlinie revealed how incredibly grueling her “Jaws” filming schedule was. The actress admitted that she spent up to 14 hours a day on set. The results were worth it. “Jaws” is still considered a cinema classic.