Grease Star Susan Buckner, Patty Simcox Iconic Cheer retired from acting in the 1980s to raise a family
According to Melissa Berthier, a spokesperson for the family, Susan peacefully departed on May 2, surrounded by her loved ones. The cause of her demise remains undisclosed.
In a heartfelt tribute, Susan’s daughter, Samantha Mansfield, expressed, “The radiance she exuded in every room will forever be missed. She was enchanting, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had her as my closest confidante.”
Born in 1952 in Seattle, Buckner first made a mark for herself in the world of beauty pageants, clinching the title of Miss Washington in 1971 before representing the state in the Miss America competition the following year.
Transitioning from pageants to entertainment, Buckner became a member of The Golddiggers, an all-female ensemble renowned for their performances on The Dean Martin Show. She also graced television screens with appearances on The Mac Davis Show, Sonny and Cher, and The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.
However, it was her portrayal of Patty Simcox in Grease that etched her name into the memories of millions. Her character’s spirited cheer became an anthem for Rydell High School: “Do the splits, give a yell! Show a little spirit for Old Rydell! Way to go, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!”
While she continued to act throughout the 1980s, Grease remained the pinnacle of her career. After roles in shows such as The Love Boat and The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, as well as films like Police Academy 6: City Under Siege, Buckner shifted her focus to raising her two children.
In her later years, she found joy in directing children’s theater at a Florida elementary school and teaching dance at a gym in Coral Gables.
Susan Buckner leaves behind a legacy cherished by her family: her daughter Samantha Mansfield, son Adam Josephs, grandchildren Oliver, Riley, Abigail, and Ruby, her sister Linda, daughter-in-law Noel Josephs, son-in-law Adam Mansfield, and her longtime partner Al.
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