The actress Susan Buckner, remembered for playing the cheerleader Patty Simcox in the cult musical comedy grease, the film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in 1978, died at age 72.
“Susan died peacefully on May 2 surrounded by her loved ones”, according to Melissa Berthier, the family’s publicist. Later, Buckner’s daughter, Samantha Mansfieldsaid to PEOPLE: “The light she brought to every room will be missed forever. She was magicaland I was very lucky to call her my best friend.”
Who was Susan Buckner?
Susan Buckner was born in 1952 in Seattle, United States. When she was young she began participating in beauty pageants, winning Miss Washington in 1971 and becoming a finalist for Miss America in 1972.
Her acting career began in 1976, appearing in popular television shows such as The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. Also appeared in The Mac Davis Show, Sonny and Cher and The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.
Buckner brought her game show experience to the entertainment industry and became one of the members of The Golddiggersa female singing and dancing group that appeared on The Dean Martin Show.
His popularity exploded when he participated in greasewhere she played the role of Patty Simcox, the effervescent entertainer who befriended the Sandy by Olivia Newton-John. His rallying cry for Rydell High School: “Turn around, shout! Show some spirit for old Rydell! Way to go, red and white! Come on Rydell, fight, fight, fight,” is memorable.
She ended her acting career in the early 1980s, with appearances in nine episodes of the comedy show When The Whistle Blowsand a role in the 1981 Wes Craven horror film Deadly Blessing.
After passing through greaseappeared in series such as The Love Boatand in films like Police Academy 6: City Under Siege. After that, she retired to raise her two children.
As revealed by the aforementioned media, Buckner spent the last years of his life directing children’s theater at a Florida schoolin addition to being dance teacher in a gym of Coral Gables.
Buckner is survived by Mansfield, his son Adam Josephs, his grandchildren Oliver, Riley, Abigail and Ruby, as well as his sister Linda, his daughter-in-law Noel Josephs, his son-in-law Adam Mansfield and his long-term partner Al.
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