Susan Buckner died. Her most famous performance was in the 1978 musical comedy Grease as cheerleader Patty Simcox.72.
Family spokeswoman Melissa Berthier says Susan died quietly on May 2 with loved ones by her side. What caused the death was not stated.
According to Samantha Mansfield, Buckner’s daughter, “the light she brought to every room will be forever missed,” PEOPLE reports. “She was magical and I was very lucky to call her my best friend.
In 1952, Buckner was born in Seattle, where she rose to fame as a beauty pageant contestant. She was crowned Miss Washington in 1971 and represented her state in Miss America the following year.
Buckner got a job in show business by using her flamboyant skills. She became a member of The Golddiggers, an all-female singing and dancing group that performed on The Dean Martin Show.
She has also appeared on The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, Sonny and Cher, and The Mac Davis Show.
However, Buckner’s cameo in a supporting role in Grease introduced her to millions of Americans. She was cast in the role of charismatic cheerleader Patty Simcox alongside Olivia Newton-John.
In the narrative, her famous rallying cry for Rydell High School was “Make splits, shout!” Embrace your inner old Rydell! You did a fantastic job, red and white! Rydell, go fight! “Battle, battle, battle!”
Grease will always be the part that made her famous, even though she continued to act well into the 1980s.
She has appeared in television series including The Love Boat and The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, as well as films such as Police Academy 6: City Under Siege. However, Buckner put her acting career on hiatus to care for her two children.
She taught dance at a Coral Gables gymnasium and after her marriage supervised the children’s theater department at an elementary school in Florida.
She is survived by her son Adam Josephs, her longtime friend Al, her sister Linda, her daughter-in-law Noel Josephs, her grandchildren Oliver, Riley, Abigail, and Ruby and her son-in-law Adam Mansfield.
Susan Buckner, best known for her role as cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 musical comedy *Grease*, has died aged 72. She died peacefully on May 2, surrounded by her family, although the cause of death was unknown. published.
Born in Seattle in 1952, Buckner made his mark in beauty pageants, winning Miss Washington in 1971 and representing the state in the Miss America pageant the following year. Her pageant experience helped launch her career in entertainment, leading her to The Golddiggers and appearances on various television shows such as *The Brady Bunch Variety Hour* and *Sonny and Cher*.
Buckner’s role in *Grease* cemented her place in pop culture, where her spirited performance as Patty Simcox captured the hearts of many. Although she continued her acting career well into the 1980s with appearances in shows like *The Love Boat* and movies like *Police Academy 6: City Under Siege*, she eventually left the limelight to focus on family life.
In her later years, Buckner taught dance and directed a children’s theater department in Florida. She is survived by her son Adam Josephs, her long-time partner Al, her sister Linda, her daughter-in-law Noel Josephs, and her grandchildren Oliver, Riley, Abigail, and Ruby, as well as her son-in-law Adam Mansfield. Her daughter Samantha Mansfield expressed that her mother’s presence will be deeply missed and reflected on the magic and light she brought to all those around her.