Familiar to many as Patty Simcox from the beloved film Grease, Susan Buckner has passed away at the age of 72.
The news of Buckner’s passing on Thursday, May 2, was confirmed by her family’s publicist, Melissa Berthier. The confirmation came with a heartwarming note that Buckner passed “peacefully” and was surrounded by close family when she passed away.
In a heartfelt remembrance, Buckner’s daughter, Samantha Mansfield, stated to the press, “She was magic, and I feel extremely fortunate to have called her my best friend.”
Best known for her role as cheerful cheerleader Patty Simcox in Grease, Buckner played a pivotal character who is close to Sandy Olsson, portrayed by Olivia Newton-John. Olivia herself passed away in the previous year after a long battle with breast cancer.
RIP Susan Buckner who played Patty Simcox in Grease pic.twitter.com/mpvcPzxLfp
— Kerry Brown (@BrownKezzie22) May 7, 2024
Before her success with Grease, Buckner was a beauty pageant participant, holding the Miss Washington title in 1971 and competing in Miss America in 1972. She entered the entertainment industry with the all-female performance group The Golddiggers on The Dean Martin Show.
TV aficionados might also recognize her from appearances on The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, When the Whistle Blows, and The Love Boat. She left the acting world in the early 1980s to focus on her family.
Buckner will be deeply missed by her family, including her children, Samantha Mansfield and Adam Josephs, four grandchildren, her sister Linda, daughter-in-law Noel Josephs, son-in-law Adam Mansfield, and her long-time partner Al.
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FAQs About Susan Buckner and Her Legacy
Q: What was Susan Buckner’s most famous role?
A: Susan Buckner was most famous for her role as Patty Simcox in the 1978 musical comedy, Grease.
Q: What did Susan Buckner do before her role in Grease?
A: Before her acting career, Susan Buckner was a beauty pageant contestant and was crowned Miss Washington in 1971. She was also a member of The Golddiggers musical group on The Dean Martin Show.
Q: Did Susan Buckner leave the entertainment industry?
A: Yes, Susan Buckner retired from acting in the early ’80s to focus on raising her two children.
Q: Who survives Susan Buckner?
A: Susan Buckner is survived by her two children, Samantha Mansfield and Adam Josephs, four grandchildren, a sister, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and her long-time partner.
Conclusion
The entertainment industry has lost a cherished member with the passing of Susan Buckner. Her vivacious spirit and memorable contributions to classic television and film, especially her role as Patty Simcox in Grease, have left a lasting impression on fans and colleagues alike. Her life beyond the screen as a beauty queen, member of The Golddiggers, and dedicated family woman speaks volumes about her multifaceted talent and character. While she will be greatly missed, Susan Buckner’s legacy will continue to shine in the annals of Hollywood history. Rest in peace, Susan Buckner.