Susan Buckner, the actress who won hearts as the upbeat cheerleader Patty Simcox in the hit movie "Grease," has died at the age of 72. She passed away peacefully on May 2, surrounded by her family in Miami, Florida, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta. A family statement highlighted her legacy, "Rest in peace Susan. Your talent, spirit and infectious smile will live on in our hearts forever." Her daughter Samantha Mansfield echoed the sentiment, telling Entertainment Weekly, "She was magic. She was my best friend. And I will miss her every day."
Beyond "Grease," Buckner was a Miss Washington in 1971 and graced the national stage at Miss America the next year. She had a stint with The Golddiggers on "The Dean Martin Show," and took to the screen in shows like "The Mac Davis Show," alongside notable names like Sonny and Cher, and Telly Savalas. Though, her performance in "Grease" was what truly etched her image into the cultural memory; who can forget her rallying cheer for Rydell High? According to Entertainment Weekly, Susan often reminisced about her time in the 1978 musical on her social media.
Her career continued well into the '80s, with guest spots on "The Love Boat" and "The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries." She also acted alongside Sharon Stone in Wes Craven's "Deadly Blessing" and appeared in "Police Academy 6: City Under Siege," according to Entertainment Weekly. However, after a successful acting run, Buckner shifted her focus to raising her children and nurturing young talent in the arts. She directed children's plays at Pinecrest Elementary School and taught dance classes in Coral Gables.
Leaving behind a solid mark in the industry, and, a legacy of kindness and generosity, Buckner's life transcended her cinematic achievements. In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations to Miami's Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, a place presumably close to Buckner's heart. She is survived by her children Adam Josephs, Samantha Mansfield, grandchildren Oliver, Riley, Abigail, and Ruby, her sister Linda, her in-law relatives, and her longtime partner Al. Details regarding the cause of her death have not been disclosed yet.
