Susan Buckner, who played cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 hit musical Grease, has passed away at the age of 72.
Buckner’s death was confirmed in an official statement from her family publicist, Melissa Berthier, reported People Magazine.
In her statement, Berthier announced, “Susan died peacefully on May 2 surrounded by loved ones.” The cause of death was not revealed.
Buckner’s grieving daughter, Samantha Mansfield, 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.”
Buckner was born in 1952 in Seattle and was crowned Miss Washington in 1971, before stepping into Hollywood with gigs such as The Dean Martin Show, The Mac Davis Show, Sonny and Cher, and The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.
However, Buckner’s big break came when she starred in Grease alongside Olivia Newton-John as her character Sandy’s cheerleader friend Patty Simcox.
She went on to star in multiple shows including The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, before taking a step back from Hollywood to focus on family life.
She is now survived by daughter Mansfield, son-in-law Adam Mansfield, son Adam Josephs, daughter-in-law Noel Josephs, sister Linda, and grandchildren Oliver, Riley, Abigail and Ruby.
