Susan Backlinie (born September 1, 1946, in Miami, Florida – died May 11, 2024) was an American actress, stuntwoman, and animal trainer. She is best remembered for playing Chrissie Watkins, the first shark victim in Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975), a role that became iconic in film history. Before acting, she worked as a stunt performer and was known for her skills with wild animals, especially bears. Backlinie later appeared in Day of the Animals (1977), The Great Muppet Caper (1981), and made a cameo in Spielberg’s comedy 1941. She eventually retired from Hollywood and pursued a career as an animal trainer in Florida.
