"Jaws" stuntwoman Susan Backlinie dies at 77, husband confirms
Susan Backlinie, known for her unforgettable performance in Steven Spielberg's iconic shark attack scene in "Jaws," died at 77. Her husband provided the cause of her death.
Backlinie passed away on May 11 at her California home, her agent Matthew Templeton announced. Her husband, Harvey Swindall, later disclosed that she succumbed to a heart attack. In a conversation with TMZ, he expressed his profound loss, describing her as "the most amazing person."
Backlinie was featured in many films throughout her career, predominantly as a stuntwoman. Her legacy in cinema history is cemented by her role in "Jaws" (1975), where she portrayed a swimmer who becomes the first victim of a menacing shark. The filming of this scene remains impressive today, though it was challenging to execute. Backlinie was submerged in water, wearing jeans with lines attached so that special effects technicians could create the illusion of a shark attack using a system of pulleys.
Contrary to rumors, Backlinie was never at risk of drowning during the shoot. Director Steven Spielberg intentionally did not inform her of the exact moment she would be pulled underwater, aiming to capture a genuine reaction. His strategy was successful.
Last year, Backlinie shared insights on the demanding nature of shooting some of "Jaws" key scenes. She revealed spending up to 14 hours daily for three consecutive days at Martha's Vineyard, working on underwater sequences. "We would start at 6 or 7 in the morning and continue until 9 in the evening to take advantage of the natural light. I was completely exhausted by the end of each day," she recounted.
Despite the challenges, Backlinie looked back on her experience positively. She enjoyed hearing from people so impacted by the scene that they avoided going into the water for years afterward.
"Jaws" revolutionized Hollywood
Backlinie's role in "Jaws" contributed to a landmark film famous for its story and redefining the concept of blockbusters—high-budget films released by major studios, particularly during the summer. Interestingly, "Jaws" had a relatively modest budget of about $9 million. Although Spielberg initially received $3.5 million, the budget was significantly exceeded. Nonetheless, the investment proved extremely worthwhile, as "Jaws" became the highest-grossing movie in cinema history for two years, not accounting for inflation.
