Susan Buckner, renowned for her role as the upbeat Rydell High cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic Grease has passed away. She was 72.
Melissa Berthier, a spokesperson for the family, announced that she passed away in Miami on Thursday, per The Hollywood Reporter. The cause of death was not disclosed.
At 25, Sarah Buckner landed the role of Patty, a Rydell High cheerleader, alongside stars such as John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in Grease.
Patty persuades Olivia Newton-John’s character, the new student Sandy Olsson, to audition for the cheerleading squad. Of course, Patty is the target of jokes from the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds because of her positive demeanor.
Susan Buckner Enjoyed Many Choice Acting Roles Beyond ‘Grease’
Besides Grease, Sarah Buckner might be best known for portraying Hollywood icon Jean Harlow opposite Tommy Lee Jones in the 1977 TV movie The Amazing Howard Hughes. She also played a leading role alongside Sharon Stone in horror maestro Wes Craven’s Deadly Blessing (1981).
Born on January 28, 1952, in Seattle, Buckner claimed the title of Miss Washington in 1971 before vying for the Miss America crown. She then appeared as a Golddiggers dancer and sketch performer on The Dean Martin Show in 1973. This experience opened doors to her joining an all-girl group named Fantasy. She later formed one-half of the musical duo Buckner & Pratt.
In the 1970s, Buckner also was a dancer on shows such as The Mac Davis Show and Sonny and Cher. She also popped up as a synchronized swimmer on The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.
She made appearances in episodes of Police Woman, Starsky and Hutch, and The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, portraying Georgia “George” Fayne. Buckner also appeared in B.J. and the Bear and The Love Boat. Additionally, she had roles in the films The First Nudie Musical (1976) and Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989).
Buckner retired from TV and film acting to focus on her family. She later channeled her passion into directing children’s theater and teaching dance.
She is survived by her children, Adam and Samantha; her beloved grandchildren, Oliver, Riley, Abigail, and Ruby; her sister, Linda; her daughter-in-law, Noel; her son-in-law, Adam; and her devoted partner of many years, Al.
In her honor, contributions can be directed toward the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami.