Susan Buckner, star of hit musical Grease, has died aged 72

8 May 2024, 10:34

Susan Buckner has died aged 72.

She was most known for her portrayal of Patty Simcox in the iconic 1978 musical, Grease.

Buckner broke through to global renown for her role in Grease as the cheerleading companion of Sandy, played by Olivia Newton-John.

The actress died peacefully on Thursday 2nd May 2024 surrounded by family and loved ones, according to her publicist Melissa Berthier. No cause of death has been specified yet.

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Her daughter Samantha Mansfield said in a statement after her mother's passing: "She was magic. She was my best friend. And I will miss her every day."

"I was lucky I had such a lighting rod of a mother and now I have her as an angel."

Born in Seattle, Washington on 28th January 1952, Susan first rose to prominence in the pageant world, winning the title of Miss Washington in 1971 and going on to compete in the Miss American pageant the year after.

Her beauty opened doors in the entertainment industry, where she became a part of the musical group The Golddiggers on The Dean Martin Show.

She then ventured into acting, securing a series of supporting roles in film and television including roles on The Mac Davis Show, Sonny And Cher, and The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.

Though her performance in pop culture phenomenon Grease is what she will be no doubt be remembered for.

In one stand-out scene, her cheerleading character Patty Simcox delivers a rallying cry for Rydell High School, screaming: "Do the splits, give a yell, show a little spirit for Old Rydell!"

Life after Grease saw Buckner's television career continue, with further supporting roles in The Love Boat, BJ And The Bear, The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, and When The Whistle Blows.

She made appearances in Wes Craven's 1981 horror movie Deadly Blessing alongside Sharon Stone, as well as 1989 comedy sequel Police Academy 6: City Under Siege.

Buckner chose to step back from her acting career to focus on raising a family, namely her two children Adam and Samantha.

She leaves behind grandchildren Oliver, Riley, Abigail, and Ruby; her sister Linda; daughter-in-law Noel Josephs; son-in-law Adam Mansfield; and her longtime partner Al.