Susan’s name might not be as familiar as some that worked in the movie industry, even if only a few titles. But everyone out there has either seen her work, or at least know of it. She played Chrissie, the first victim in Spielberg’s Jaws (1975). So yes, she is part of the reason I won’t go in the water. She also somewhat reprised a similar role in the opening of Spielberg’s 1941 (1979), which I think am one of the few that found it funny.

But she also appeared in William Girdler’s Day of the Animals (1977), not only as an actress but also worked behind-the-scenes because her and her husband at the time were the animal trainers for those used in the film. Seeing her attacked by a bobcat is one hell of a sequence. Blacklinie had been hitting the convention circuit over the last few years, getting to meet her fans. She passed away on May 11th, at the age of 77 years old. At least on every 4th of July, when fans bust out Jaws for their annual viewing (like me), she will at least be remembered for her brief, but powerful performance in the opening. Our thoughts go out to her friends and family at his difficult time.