Susan Buckner Of 'Grease' Fame Dead At Age 72

The actress appeared in Wes Craven’s “Deadly Blessing” and took on a role in Police Academy 6.

Susan Buckner of ‘Grease’ Fame Dead at Age 72 (Image Credit: IMDb)

Susan Buckner, beloved for her role as the spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in “Grease,” has passed away at the age of 72, according to various reports. “Susan died peacefully on May 2, surrounded by loved ones,” her publicist, Melissa Berthier, stated to People magazine. No cause of death was given.

“Her light will forever be missed in every room she entered,” shared Buckner’s daughter, Samantha Mansfield, with the publication. “She was truly magical, and I was incredibly fortunate to have her as my best friend.”

While Buckner enjoyed a variety of roles throughout her career, it was her performance in the 1978 classic musical “Grease” that endeared her to millions. Her role was often highlighted on her social media, especially her memorable cheer: “Do the splits, give a yell! Show a little spirit for old Rydell! Way to go, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!” This performance not only made her a household name but also famously paired her with the late Olivia Newton-John, adding to the fond memories fans hold of the film.

Susan Buckner acted until the 1980s, however her most well-known part was that of Patty Simcox in “Grease”. She appeared as a guest on well-known programs like “The Love Boat,” “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries,” and “B.J. and the Bear.” She also spent ten episodes as a regular on the ABC sitcom “When the Whistle Blows.” In addition, Buckner costarred with Sharon Stone in Wes Craven’s “Deadly Blessing” and made her last cinematic appearance in 1989’s “Police Academy 6: City Under Siege”.

Following her well-known role in “Grease,” Buckner continued to enthrall audiences with her varied acting abilities in a number of TV series, such as “The Love Boat,” “B.J. and the Bear,” and “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries.

Her son, Adam Josephs; her daughter, Samantha Mansfield; her grandchildren, Oliver, Riley, Abigail, and Ruby; her sister Linda; her son-in-law, Adam Mansfield; and her lifelong companion, Al, all continue Buckner’s legacy.

Her children Adam, Samantha, Abigail, Ruby, Oliver, and Riley as well as her sister Linda, daughter-in-law Noel Josephs, son-in-law Adam Mansfield, and her lifelong companion Al survive her.

The family has asked that donations be made in Buckner’s honor to Miami’s Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden instead of flowers.