'Jaws' Actress Susan Backlinie, 77, Dies of Heart Attack at Home

Susan Backlinie, the actress who famously played the victim of the shark attack in the 1975 film Jaws, passed away on Saturday morning at her home in southern California.

Backlinie's husband told TMZ that the actress died of a heart attack at the age of 77, and that her death was "very unexpected".

The actress began her career as a stunt performer, specializing in swimming, and secured the role of Chrissie Watkins, the shark's first victim in Jaws, due to her expertise.

Although there were rumors that her screams during the film were real, caused by a painful harness she was wearing to simulate a shark attack, Backlinie later clarified that her reaction was due to being pulled underwater unexpectedly.

She continued to work in the industry until the 1980s, doing stunt work for films and TV shows, and even spoofed her Jaws role in Steven Spielberg's 1941.

After retiring from performing, she worked as a computer accountant in Ventura, California.

Her husband spoke highly of her to Fox News, saying "she was the most amazing person I've ever met in my life.

And I've never loved anybody like her. "

The late actress will always be remembered for her iconic role in one of the most classic suspense films of all time.

She will be dearly missed.