"She was magic": Grease actress dies at age 72
Susan Buckner, known for her iconic role as Patty Simcox in Grease, has died at the age of 72.
The news of her passing was announced by her family's publicists Melissa Berthier, who told People magazine in a statement, “Susan died peacefully on May 2 surrounded by loved ones.”
No cause of death has yet been revealed.
Buckner’s daughter, Samantha Mansfield, paid tribute to 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.”
Susan shot to fame playing Patty Simcox, who was one of Sandy's (played by Olivia Newton-John) cheerleading friends at Rydell High in the 1978 cult film Grease.
Buckner chose not return for the sequel, Grease 2, which was released in 1982 and starred Michelle Pfeiffer and Maxwell Caulfield.
Buckner's career in the spotlight began after she was crowned Miss Washington in 1971, and went on to join The Dean Martin Show as one of the Golddiggers, an all-female singing and dancing group.
She went on to appear in the variety shows The Mac Davis Show, Sonny and Cher and The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.
Susan also appeared in shows like Starsky & Hutch and The Love Boat, before appearing in her final acting role in the 1981 slasher film Deadly Blessing.
In her later years, Buckner directed children’s theatre and taught dance at a gym in Florida.
She is survived by daughter Samantha Mansfield, son Adam Josephs, grandchildren Oliver, Riley, Abigail and Ruby, as well as her sister Linda, daughter-in-law Noel Josephs, son-in-law Adam Mansfield and longtime partner Al.
Image credits: Paramount