Grease star Susan Buckner dies aged 72
Susan Buckner died ‘peacefully’ at the age of 72 (Picture: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
Susan Buckner, best known for playing Patty Simcox in the hit musical Grease, has died aged 72.
‘Susan died peacefully on May 2 surrounded by loved ones,’ Melissa Berthier, a publicist for the family, said in a statement to Metro.co.uk. A cause of death has not been given.
Buckner’s chirpy Grease character was a Rydell High cheerleading friend of Olivia Newton-John’s Sandy.
The hit 1978 film also starred John Travolta and Stockard Channing.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Miami’s Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Buckner’s honour.
‘The light she brought into every room will be missed forever,’ Buckner’s daughter, Samantha Mansfield said.
‘She was magic, and I was very lucky to call her my best friend.’
Buckner’s character was Olivia Newton-John’s Sandy’s cheerleading friend Patty Simcox (Picture:CBS via Getty Images)
Grease was Buckner’s defining role (Picture: Everett/Shutterstock)
Melissa’s statement continued: ‘Susan will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Her effervescent spirit will continue to inspire generations of performers and fans alike.’
It ended with: ‘Rest in peace Susan. Your talent, spirit and infectious smile will live on in our hearts forever.’
Born in Seattle Washington on 28 January 1953, Buckner also starred in films such as Deadly Blessing (1981) and The Brady Bunch Variety Hour (1976).
She first stepped into the limelight on the beauty pageant circuit, as she won Miss Washington in 1971 before representing the state on a national level the year after.
After this she moved into the entertainment industry and became one of The Golddiggers, an all-female singing and dancing group featured on The Dean Martin Show.
Buckner stepped away from Hollywood to bring up her two children Samantha and Adam (Picture: GETTY)
But it was as Patty in Grease that Buckner became recognisable to an international audience, with her jubilant cheer: ‘Do the splits, give a yell! Show a little spirit for Old Rydell! Way to go, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!’
Susan was later featured in several TV shows, including The Love Boat, B.J and the Bear, The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, and co-starred in the ABC series, When the Whistle Blows.
She starred in the 1981 Wes Craven horror film Deadly Blessing alongside Sharon Stone and in 1989’s Police Academy 6: City Under Siege.
Buckner stepped away from Hollywood to raise two children while she directed children’s theatre at a school and taught dance classes.
She is survived by her daughter, as well as her 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 partner Al.
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