Who was Grease star Susan Buckner? All about the actress that played Olivia Newton-John’s cheerleader friend, Patty
GREASE fans around the world are mourning the loss of one of the much-loved cast.
Actress Susan Buckner has passed away aged 72, leaving her incredible legacy behind.
Who was Susan Buckner?
Born on January 28, 1952, in Seattle, Washington, Susan was an actress, singer and dancer.
She was launched into the spotlight when she was crowned Miss Washington in 1971 and represented the state in the Miss America pageant the following year.
After this she became one of The Dean Martin Show’s Golddiggers dancers, before becoming part of the duo Buckner and Pratt.
Susan’s family revealed she had died peacefully surrounded by loved ones in Miami on May 2, 2024.
Her cause of death hasn’t been revealed.
Susan is survived by her kids, son Adam Josephs and daughter Samantha Mansfield.
Her daughter told People: “The light she brought into every room will be missed forever”.
“She was magic, and I was very lucky to call her my best friend.”
Which else did Susan Buckner star in?
Although Susan was best known for Grease, she appeared in Starsky & Hutch, The Love Boat and The Hardy Boys Mysteries.
She also appeared on variety shows like The Mac Davis Show, Sonny and Cher, and was known for her work on The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.
Susan also starred in the 1981 movie, Deadly Blessing.
She later left the entertainment industry to raise her children.
Who did Susan Buckner play in Grease?
In 1977, Susan landed her most famous role as Rydell High cheerleader Patty Simcox in Grease.
Her character was the perky friend of the late Olivia Newton-John’s Sandy in the movie musical.
Patty – known for her school spirit – famously chanted: “Do the splits, give a yell! Show a little spirit for old Rydell!”
“Way to go, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!”
The 1978 film also starred John Travolta and Stockard Channing.
The film became the highest-grossing musical of all time on its release, beating the previous record set by The Sound of Music.
Grease stars remembered
IT has been over 45 years since the release of hit musical film Grease, which began its decades-long tenure of dazzling fans in 1978.
Sadly, including Susan Buckner, five of the much-loved cast have passed away.
On August 8, 2022 it was announced that Olivia Newton-John had passed away aged 73, following a 30 year battle with breast cancer.
After falling ill with pneumonia, Jeff Conaway – Danny’s best pal Kenickie in the movie – sadly passed away in 2011.
The same year, Annette Charles, who played Cha Cha, lost her battle with cancer.
In 1993, Dennis C. Stewart, who played rebel Leo, was diagnosed with HIV and passed away from AIDS in 1994.