Renowned American actress Susan Buckner, famed for portraying Patty Simcox in the 1978 musical “Grease,” passed away on May 2nd, 2024, at the age of 72.
Buckner, who was 25 when she portrayed the Rydell High cheerleader alongside co-stars John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, contributed significantly to the success of “Grease,” which emerged as the highest-grossing film of the year, surpassing “Superman” and “Halloween” in box office rankings.
Her memorable performance in “Grease” resonated with audiences, particularly her spirited delivery of lines such as, “Do the splits, give a yell! Show a little spirit for old Rydell! Way to go, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!”
However, Buckner’s artistic journey encompassed more than just her role in “Grease.” Prior to her breakthrough in the 1978 film, she garnered acclaim in the pageant circuit, earning the title of Miss Washington in 1971 and participating in the 1972 Miss America competition, where she reached the top ten finalists.
Beyond her pageant success, Buckner excelled as a dancer, gracing television screens on shows like “Sonny and Cher,” “The Mac Davis Show,” and “Telly Savalas Live Touring Show.” She was also a member of Dean Martin’s ‘Golddiggers,’ formed part of the all-girl group ‘Fantasy,’ and established her own music duo, Buckner and Pratt.
Transitioning to acting, Buckner amassed a diverse portfolio of guest roles on television, including appearances in “The Brady Bunch,” “Starsky & Hutch,” “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries,” and “When The Whistle Blows.”
In 1981, she starred in Wes Craven’s horror film “Deadly Blessing,” alongside Sharon Stone, marking one of her final acting endeavors before retiring from the industry.
Following her retirement, Buckner devoted her time to teaching, directing children’s theatre productions, and leading dance classes.
Born on January 28th, 1952, Buckner leaves behind a legacy cherished by film enthusiasts worldwide. Survived by her children, grandchildren, sister, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, and longtime partner, Al, her publicist confirmed her passing.
The cause of death remains undisclosed.
