The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Susan Buckner, the actress who brought the spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox to life in the 1978 musical film Grease.
Buckner passed away on May 2nd at the age of 72, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most memorable supporting characters in the beloved classic.
Buckner’s Breakthrough Role in Grease
It was the role of a lifetime for the then-25-year-old Susan Buckner when she was cast as the perky and commanding Patty Simcox in Grease.
Alongside stars John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, Buckner embodied the quintessential high school cheerleader, rallying school spirit with her iconic 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!”
Her performance as the leader of the Rydell High cheerleading squad was a scene-stealer, perfectly capturing the essence of the 1950s high school experience.
Buckner’s energetic portrayal and memorable line delivery ensured that Patty Simcox would forever be etched into the hearts of Grease fans worldwide.
A Multi-Talented Performer
While Grease was undoubtedly her most iconic role, Susan Buckner’s career in the entertainment industry spanned decades and included a diverse range of projects.
She appeared in numerous television shows, including The Love Boat, B.J and the Bear, and The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. Buckner also co-starred in the ABC series When the Whistle Blows.
On the big screen, she had notable roles in the 1981 horror film Deadly Blessing, directed by Wes Craven and starring Sharon Stone, as well as the 1989 comedy sequel Police Academy 6: City Under Siege.
Beyond acting, Buckner was a multi-talented performer. She was a former beauty queen, crowned Miss Washington in 1971, and represented her state in the Miss America pageant the following year.
Buckner was also a skilled dancer, performing as one of Dean Martin’s Golddiggers and as part of the all-girl group Fantasy.
Additionally, she founded her own music duo, Buckner and Pratt, and appeared as a dancer on shows like The Mac Davis Show, Sonny and Cher, and The Telly Savalas Live Touring Show.
Buckner even showcased her talents as a synchronized swimmer on The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.
A Life Dedicated to the Arts
In her later years, Buckner turned her attention to nurturing the next generation of performers.
She taught and directed several children’s theater productions at Pinecrest Elementary School in Coral Gables, Florida, sharing her love for the arts with young students.
Buckner also led dance classes at the Body and Soul Gym in the same city, continuing to inspire and guide aspiring artists.
Born on January 28, 1952, in Seattle, Washington, Buckner’s passion for the performing arts was evident from an early age. Her journey took her from beauty pageants to Hollywood stages and eventually to classrooms and dance studios, where she shared her expertise and experiences with others.
Buckner is survived by her two children, Adam Josephs and Samantha Mansfield, four grandchildren, sister Linda, daughter-in-law and son-in-law, and her longtime partner, Al.
Her passing has left a void in the entertainment industry and the lives of those she touched with her talent and kindness.
As the world bids farewell to Susan Buckner, her legacy as the iconic Patty Simcox in Grease will forever be cherished.
Her vibrant spirit, infectious energy, and dedication to the arts will continue to inspire generations of performers and remind us of the enduring power of classic cinema.
