Grease star Susan Buckner dead at 72 as actress remembered for playing Olivia Newton-John’s friend Patty in iconic movie
Including what other notable productions Susan was a part of
GREASE film star Susan Buckner has died at the age of 72.
The actress gained fame playing Patty Simcox, the perky cheerleader pal of Olivia Newton-John’s Sandy in the movie musical.
Her family revealed Susan died peacefully surrounded by loved ones in Miami on May 2, according to .
Susan appeared in several television shows and movies, including variety shows like The Mac Davis Show, Sonny and Cher, and The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.
She was also a Miss America contestant, representing Washington state in 1972.
In 1977, she landed her most famous role as Rydell High cheerleader Patty, who wasn’t shy about showing her school spirit.
“Do the splits, give a yell! Show a little spirit for old Rydell!” she famously chanted alongside Olivia’s Sandy. “Way to go, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!”
Susan is survived by her kids, son Adam Josephs and daughter Samantha Mansfield.
She is also survived by four grandchildren, her sister Linda, and her partner Al.
Fans of the film, and Susan, remembered her online.
“So sorry to hear of her passing,” one person wrote on Instagram. “I loved her role on Grease.”
“Pretty lady! So very sorry!” another added.
“Patty Simcox was an icon on Grease,” a third shared.
GREASE STARS GONE
Susan’s passing comes less than two years after the death of her Grease co-star, Olivia.
The four-time Grammy Award-winning singer died on August 8, 2022, after a 30-year battle with breast cancer.
The 73-year-old died at her ranch in Southern , her husband, John Easterling, confirmed at the time.
Do the splits, give a yell! Show a little spirit for old Rydell!”
Susan Buckner as Patty Simcox
“Dame Olivia Newton-John passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,” John wrote on her page.
“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.
“Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer.
“In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund.”
Olivia was treated for breast cancer in 1992 and then announced in 2017 that it had returned, according to The Washington Post’s Instagram account.
She kept her battle with cancer private for many years but was still an active advocate for awareness.
TRIBUTES
After Olivia’s death, her Grease co-star and love interest, John Travolta, led the multiple stars that paid her tribute.
“My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better,” John wrote on Instagram at the time. “Your impact was incredible. I love you so much.
“We will see you down the road and we will all be together again,” he wrote at the time.
“Yours from the moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!” the actor concluded.
Grease director Randal Kleiser, said in a statement to , “I’m Heartbroken. She was one of a kind, and so very kind.
“For over four decades of our friendship she exuded nothing but love to everyone she met.
“Olivia was exactly the way you imagined her. I will miss her forever.”
