Actress who had played role of Patty Simcox, a cheerleader in the 1978 musical comedy grease named Susan Buckner died at the age of 72. A publicist for the family revealed the news by saying, “Susan died peacefully on May 2 surrounded by loved ones”. Cause of death is not revealed yet.
Samantha Mansfield, Buckners’ daughter expressed her feelings by 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.”
Buckner was born in 1952 and made her fame as pageant circuit by winning Miss Washington in 1971. Before this, she attained fame by representing the state in Miss America competition. By her pageant experience in the industry of entertainment, she became one of The Golddiggers, an all-female singing and dancing group that was featured on The Dean Martin Show. She has also appeared on The Mac Davis Show, Sonny and Cher, and The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.
She had a played a supporting role in Grease but this role made her face familiar to millions of Americans. She played role of effervescent cheerleader, Patty Simcox and shared screen with Olivia Newton-John. Her memorable cheer in this journey was: “Do the splits, give a yell! Show a little spirit for Old Rydell! Way to go, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!”
She continued her acting career in the 1980s and Grease was her career enhancing role. In the later ages of her life, she worked at a Florida elementary school by directing children’s theater and also worked as dance instructor at a gym in Coral Gables.
Buckner is survived by 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.