Star actress died peacefully surrounded by loved ones in Miami

Susan Buckner, the beloved actress known for her role as Patty Simcox in the iconic movie musical “Grease,” has passed away at the age of 72. Buckner, who played the spirited cheerleading friend of Olivia Newton-John’s character Sandy, died peacefully in Miami, surrounded by her loved ones, as confirmed by her family.

In addition to her memorable performance in “Grease,” Susan appeared in various TV shows and movies, including “The Mac Davis Show,” “Sonny and Cher,” and “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.” Before her acting career took off, she represented Washington state in the 1972 Miss America pageant.

Susan secured her most famous role as Rydell High cheerleader Patty in 1977. Her character’s infectious school spirit was showcased in scenes where she chanted cheerfully alongside Sandy, with lines like, “Do the splits and yell! Show some spirit for old Rydell! Good job, red and white! Go fight, fight, fight!”

She is survived by her son, Adam Josephs, her daughter, Samantha Mansfield, her sister Linda, her partner Al, and her four grandchildren, who will all miss her dearly. Fans of Susan and the movie “Grease” have taken to social media to express their condolences and share fond memories of her role. 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.”

Susan’s death follows less than two years after the passing of her “Grease” co-star, Olivia Newton-John. The Grammy-winning singer succumbed to breast cancer on August 8, 2022, at her Southern California ranch at the age of 73. Olivia’s husband, John Easterling, confirmed her passing and praised her enduring battle with the disease, which had inspired many.

In honor of Olivia, donations were requested to be made to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. Olivia’s cancer battle, which began in 1992 and saw a recurrence in 2017, remained largely private, though she consistently advocated for cancer awareness.

Tributes poured in for Olivia from her “Grease” co-stars and fans alike. John Travolta, who played her love interest in the film, expressed his heartfelt condolences on Instagram, writing, “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!”

“Grease” director Randal Kleiser also paid tribute, 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 live on through her memorable performances and the joy she brought to her fans.