Buckner played Patty Simcox in the film
Susan Buckner, best known for her role as Patty Simcox in the iconic 1978 musical 'Grease', has sadly passed away at the age of 72.
'Grease' fans will remember Buckner’s portrayal of the enthusiastic cheerleader alongside Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in the film.
Buckner’s daughter, Samantha Mansfield, shared heartfelt words with People Magazine about her mother, saying: "The light she brought into every room will be missed forever. She was magic, and I was very lucky to call her my best friend." Her cause of death has not been disclosed.
'Grease' fans will remember Buckner’s character, Patty Simcox, as the geeky student who was a bit of a teacher’s pet and often the butt of the Pink Ladies and T-Birds jokes. The film became the highest-grossing musical of all time upon its release in June 1978, surpassing the previous record set by 'The Sound of Music'.
Before her role in 'Grease', Susan Buckner won the title of Miss Washington in a beauty contest and went on to represent the state in the Miss America national final.
In addition to her role in 'Grease', Buckner appeared in one episode of 'Starsky & Hutch' the same year the film was released. She later acted in 'The Love Boat' and 'The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries' before leaving the industry to raise her two children. In her later years, she taught children’s theatre in Florida, where she lived.
Susan Buckner is survived by her daughter, son, four grandchildren, sister, and partner.