Susan Buckner, the cherished actress renowned for her role as Patty Simcox in the classic film musical Grease, has passed away at the age of 72. Buckner, who captivated audiences as the spirited cheerleader alongside Olivia Newton-John’s character Sandy, died peacefully in Miami, surrounded by loved ones, as confirmed by her family.
Buckner’s performance in Grease remains iconic, with her character’s vibrant cheerleading scenes leaving a lasting impression. Her portrayal of Patty Simcox included memorable lines such as, “Do the splits and yell! Show some spirit for old Rydell! Good job, red and white! Go fight, fight, fight!”
In addition to her role in Grease, Susan appeared on various TV shows and movies including The Mac Davis Show, Sonny and Cher, and The Brady Bunch Variety Hour. Before her acting career, she represented Washington state in the 1972 Miss America pageant.
Susan is survived by her son, Adam Josephs, her daughter, Samantha Mansfield, her sister Linda, her partner Al, and her four grandchildren. Fans have taken to social media to express their condolences and share fond memories of her role in Grease. One Instagram user wrote, “So sorry to hear of her death. I loved her role on Grease.” Another commented, “Sweetheart! I’m so sorry!” A third added, “Patty Simcox was a star on Grease.”
Her passing comes less than two years after the death of her Grease co-star Olivia Newton-John. Newton-John, a Grammy-winning singer, passed away from breast cancer on August 8, 2022, at the age of 73. Olivia’s battle with cancer, which began in 1992 and saw a recurrence in 2017, was a source of inspiration for many. In her memory, donations were requested to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.
Tributes for Olivia poured in from her co-stars and fans, with John Travolta, who played her love interest in the film, expressing heartfelt condolences on Instagram. “My dear Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. You made a huge difference. I really love you. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. You’re mine from the first time I saw you and always! Your Danny, your John!” Travolta wrote.
Grease director Randal Kleiser also honored Olivia, stating, “It broke my heart. She was unique and really nice. She loved everyone she met for more than forty years that we were friends. Olivia was just like you thought she would be. I will always miss her.”
Susan Buckner’s legacy will endure through her unforgettable performances and the joy she brought to her audience.
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