'Grease' Star Susan Buckner, Famous for Patty Simcox Role, Passes Away at 72
Susan Buckner, renowned for her role as cheerleader Patty Simcox in the iconic 1978 movie 'Grease,' has sadly passed away at the age of 72, as confirmed by her family.
Grease Actress Susan Buckner Who Played Patti Simcox Dead at 72 784
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Actress Susan Buckner, who portrayed cheerleader Patty Simcox in the popular 1978 film Grease, has passed away at the age of 72.
A statement from Buckner's family, shared with Fox News on Tuesday, May 7, expressed deep sadness over her passing. Buckner was best known for her role as the cheerful Patty Simcox, starring alongside John Travolta and the late Olivia Newton-John in the beloved musical Grease.
Susan, may you rest in peace. Your talent, spirit, and contagious smile will always be remembered in our hearts.
Samantha Mansfield, Buckner's daughter, shared, "My mother was truly magical. She was not only my best friend but also a guiding light in my life. I will miss her dearly every single day. I am grateful to have had such an amazing mother, and now I have gained an angel watching over me."
Buckner passed away on Thursday, May 2, with her family by her side, according to the report.
In the popular movie Grease, released in 1978 and the top-grossing film of that year, Buckner portrayed the iconic cheerleader from Rydell High School.
Grease Actress Susan Buckner Who Played Patti Simcox Dead at 72 783
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"Come on, do the splits and give a shout!" Patty cheered, urging everyone to show their school spirit for Rydell. "Great job, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!"
Buckner shared with The New York Times in October 2015 during a feature on Ricci Campbell, a Bronx resident famous for distributing photos of himself with Travolta, 70, and discussing his time as a dance extra in Grease. Buckner emphasized that Campbell was just as significant as anyone else involved in the successful film.
"He was like one of us, a shining star in that movie," she exclaimed.
Apart from her role as the enthusiastic cheerleader at Rydell High, Buckner also appeared on various television shows such as The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, and The Love Boat. Additionally, she was a co-star in the ABC comedy series When the Whistle Blows in 1980 and the lead actress in the 1981 horror film Deadly Blessing alongside Sharon Stone. Buckner eventually took a break from acting to focus on starting a family.
Before starting her acting career, Buckner was named Miss Washington in 1971 and later became a top ten finalist in the Miss America 1972 pageant.
Aside from her daughter, Samantha, Buckner is also survived by her son, Adam Josephs, grandchildren Oliver, Riley, Abigail, and Ruby, sister Linda, daughter-in-law Noel Josephs, son-in-law Adam Mansfield, and longtime partner Al.
Editor's P/S:
The passing of Susan Buckner, the beloved cheerleader Patty Simcox from "Grease," has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of fans worldwide. Her infectious smile and unwavering spirit brought joy to countless moviegoers, reminding us of the timeless allure of the classic film. Buckner's legacy extends beyond her iconic role; she also advocated for the recognition of all those involved in the making of the movie, ensuring that their contributions were not forgotten.
Buckner's journey from Miss Washington to Hollywood starlet and eventually to a devoted mother exemplifies the multifaceted nature of her life. She embraced each role with grace and enthusiasm, leaving an enduring impact on those who knew her. Her passing serves as a poignant reminder to cherish the moments we share with loved ones and to celebrate the legacy they leave behind.
