‘Grease’ actor Susan Buckner dies aged 72

Actor Susan Buckner, best known for her role in the 1978 musical film Grease, has died aged 72.

Buckner played cheerleader Patty Simcox in the film, which starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Her character can be remembered for chanting the rallying cry for Rydell High School.

She was born in 1952 in Seattle and, as a young woman she began performing in beauty pageants, winning Miss Washington in 1971 and becoming a Miss America finalist in 1972.

Her acting career began in 1976, mainly appearing in popular television shows such as The Brady Bunch Hour and The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries.

She finished up her acting career in the early ’80s, with appearances in nine episodes of comedy show When The Whistle Blows, and a role in Wes Craven’s 1981 slasher movie Deadly Blessing.

According to People magazine, Buckner spent the later years of her life directing children’s theatre at a school in Florida, as well as being a dance instructor at a gym.

A publicist for the family spoke of Buckner’s death, which took place on May 2 in Miami, Florida, (via People). “Susan died peacefully on May 2 surrounded by loved ones,” they said. A cause of death has not been provided.

Her daughter, Samantha Mansfield told People: “The light she brought into every room will be missed forever.”

She added: “She was magic, and I was very lucky to call her my best friend.”

Buckner is survived by her daughter and son, four grandchildren, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law and her longtime partner.