Susan Buckner gained fame for her portrayal of the cheerful and frequently teased cheerleader Patty Simcox in the hit musical Grease in 1978. Sadly, she passed away at the age of 72.
According to family spokesperson Melissa Berthier, she passed away on May 2, 2024, in Miami. The cause of her death was not disclosed.
Early Life
Susan Buckner, originally from Seattle, was born on January 28, 1952. In 1971, she claimed the title of Miss Washington and went on to compete in the Miss America pageant.
In 1973, she showcased her talents as a dancer and performer on NBC’s The Dean Martin Show, which led to her involvement in the all-female group, Fantasy. She also formed a musical duo, Buckner & Pratt, with another artist.
Susan Buckner’s Acting Career
In the 1977 CBS telefilm The Amazing Howard Hughes, Buckner played the role of Hollywood’s rebellious figure Jean Harlow, appearing alongside Tommy Lee Jones.
Additionally, she was part of the group of dancers and synchronized swimmers known as the Kroffettes on The Brady Bunch Hour, a variety show on ABC created by Sid and Marty Krofft in 1976-1977. Buckner also had a leading role in Wes Craven’s Deadly Blessing (1981) opposite Sharon Stone.
Randal Kleiser’s film Grease, produced by Paramount, features Patty, played by Buckner, persuading Olivia Newton-John’s character Sandy Olsson, a recent arrival at the school, to audition for the cheerleading team.
Sandy frequently becomes the target of ridicule from the Pink Ladies and T-Birds, and is labeled as the troublemaker of Rydell High by Stockard Channing’s character Betty Rizzo.
In the film, Susan Buckner and Newton-John’s characters can be spotted enthusiastically waving pom-poms and chanting “Do the splits, give a yell” at a football match. “Grease” also featured renowned actors such as John Travolta, Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Didi Conn, and many others.
In the 1980 ABC comedy When the Whistle Blows, she was part of the cast as one of the construction workers, alongside Tim Rossovich and other actors. Unfortunately, the show only aired for 10 episodes.
In addition, she made appearances on Police Woman, Switch, Starsky and Hutch, The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries (playing the character Georgia “George” Fayne), B.J and the Bear, and The Love Boat. She also had parts in the movies The First Nudie Musical (1976) and Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989).
Personal Life
Following her time in the film industry, Susan Buckner redirected her attention towards raising her two children. As she grew older, Buckner discovered fulfillment through various avenues.
She devoted herself to directing children’s theater at an elementary school in Florida, passing on her love for the arts to upcoming generations. Additionally, she served as a dance instructor at a Coral Gables gym, imparting her expertise and enthusiasm for dance to aspiring artists.
Susan Buckner’s family members who survived her include her son Adam Josephs, daughter Samantha Mansfield, grandchildren Oliver, Riley, Abigail, and Ruby, sister Linda, daughter-in-law Noel Josephs, son-in-law Adam Mansfield, and her longtime partner, Al.
