- Susan Buckner, best known for her role as Patty Simcox in “Grease,” passed away at 72.
- She had a successful acting career in the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in various TV shows and films.
- Before her acting career, Buckner was crowned Miss Washington and competed in the Miss America pageant.
- After “Grease,” she took a break from acting to focus on her family but continued her passion for the arts.
- The family has requested donations to Miami’s Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Buckner’s honor.
Newsypeople- Susan Buckner, born on January 28, 1952, and passed away on May 2, 2024, was an American actress celebrated for her portrayal of Patty Simcox, the spirited cheerleader in the 1978 hit film “Grease.”
Before embarking on her acting career, Buckner achieved notable success in pageantry, being crowned Miss Washington in 1971 and later reaching the top 10 finalists in the Miss America 1972 pageant.
Buckner’s acting career extended beyond “Grease,” with appearances in television shows such as “The Dean Martin Show,” “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour,” “Starsky and Hutch,” and “The Love Boat.” Her film credits include “The First Nudie Musical” (1976), “Deadly Blessing” (1981), and “Police Academy 6: City Under Siege” (1989). In “Grease,” she left a lasting impression with her character’s enthusiastic cheerleading and pivotal role in encouraging Sandy, played by Olivia Newton-John, to join the cheer squad.
After stepping back from Hollywood, Buckner focused on directing children’s theater productions and teaching dance, contributing significantly to the arts in her local community. She was married to Michael R. Josephs from 1979 until 1997 and had two children, Adam and Samantha.
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‘Grease’ Actress Susan Buckner Passes Away at 72
Susan Buckner, renowned for her role as cheerleader Patty Simcox in the iconic 1978 musical “Grease,” passed away at the age of 72 on May 2, 2024. Buckner began her career in acting after being crowned Miss Washington in 1971 and competing in the Miss America pageant the following year.
Her breakthrough role came in “Grease,” where she played Patty Simcox, a spirited cheerleader at Rydell High, alongside John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. This role, and her subsequent appearances in various movies and TV shows, established her as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
After “Grease,” Buckner continued her acting career with guest appearances on TV shows such as “The Love Boat,” “B.J and the Bear,” and “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries.” She also co-starred in the ABC series “When the Whistle Blows” and appeared in notable films like Wes Craven’s 1981 horror film “Deadly Blessing” and the 1989 comedy sequel “Police Academy 6: City Under Siege.”
Actress Susan Buckner, best known for her role as the bubbly cheerleader Patty Simcox in "Grease," has died at 72.
— FOX 11 Los Angeles (@FOXLA) May 7, 2024
STORY: https://t.co/mi3cImASGS pic.twitter.com/MgjxJSjlrZ
Buckner’s life took a turn when she decided to leave Hollywood to raise her family. She later returned to her passion for the arts, teaching and directing children’s theater productions at Pinecrest Elementary School and leading dance classes at Body and Soul Gym in Coral Gables, Florida. Her daughter, Samantha Mansfield, described her as her “best friend,” highlighting the impact she had on those around her.
Susan Buckner is survived by her two children, Adam Josephs and Samantha Mansfield, her four grandchildren, her sister Linda, her daughter-in-law and son-in-law, and her longtime partner, Al. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor are being requested to Miami’s Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
Buckner’s legacy in the entertainment industry is celebrated for her roles in “Grease” and her contributions to children’s theater and dance education. Her death is a significant loss to the community, and her memory will be cherished by those who knew her and her work.
Actress Susan Buckner Movies And TV Shows Revealed
Susan Buckner began her career in the entertainment industry after winning the Miss Washington pageant in 1971 and competing for the Miss America crown. Her acting career spanned several years, with notable appearances in both television and film.
One of her most memorable roles was as high school cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 summer blockbuster “Grease,” where she starred alongside Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. This role was significant as it showcased her acting talent and contributed to her growing fame in the entertainment industry.
Buckner also appeared in other notable productions, including portraying Hollywood bad girl Jean Harlow in the 1977 CBS telefilm “The Amazing Howard Hughes” and being part of the Kroffettes, a group of dancers and synchronized swimmers on “The Brady Bunch Hour.” This variety show was created by Sid and Marty Krofft and aired from 1976 to 1977.
In addition to her roles in “Grease” and “The Brady Bunch Hour,” Buckner starred opposite Sharon Stone in Wes Craven’s “Deadly Blessing” (1981). She also had roles in other films such as “The First Nudie Musical” (1976) and “Police Academy 6: City Under Siege” (1989).
Buckner’s career also included appearances on TV shows like “Police Woman,” “Switch,” “Starsky and Hutch,” “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries,” “B.J and the Bear,” and “The Love Boat.” She played Georgia “George” Fayne in “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries.”
After a period of time, Buckner left Hollywood to raise her family and pursued other interests, including directing kids theater and teaching dance. She passed away on May 2, 2024, in Miami, Florida, at the age of 72. Her contributions to the entertainment industry were remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Susan Buckner Husband And Kids Explored
Buckner’s acting career spanned several TV series and films, including “Starsky and Hutch,” “The Love Boat,” “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries,” and the horror film “Deadly Blessing” opposite Sharon Stone. Her final film role was in “Police Academy 6: City Under Siege”.
After her acting career, she focused on raising her family, which includes her two children, Adam Josephs and Samantha Mansfield, and four grandchildren. She also had a sister, Linda, and a longtime partner, Al. Buckner’s daughter, Samantha, described her as a “lightning rod of a mother” and expressed her loss in a statement shared with CNN.
Buckner’s legacy extends beyond her acting career, as she was remembered for her kindness, generosity, and commitment to making a positive impact on others. Her spirit and talent continue to inspire generations of performers and fans alike. Donations in her honor can be made to the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.
