Susan Buckner Cause Of Death: OG Patty Simcox In ‘Grease' Dead At 72

Susan Buckner, the actress who played cheerleader Patty Simcox in the iconic 1978 musical "Grease," has died. She was 72.

Buckner passed away on Thursday in Miami, Florida, surrounded by her loved ones, her family's publicist, Melissa Berthier, told People.

"The light she brought into every room will be missed forever," Samantha Mansfield, Buckner's daughter, told the outlet.

While fans continue to wonder about Buckner's cause of death, no information on this has been provided as of the moment.

Born in Seattle, Washington, in 1953, Buckner was crowned Miss Washington in 1971 and joined Miss America in 1972, making it as one of the top ten finalists.

She made her first TV appearance on "The Dean Martin Show" in 1973 as part of The Golddiggers, an all-female group.

Her first movie appearance didn't come until 1976, when she appeared as a dancer in "The First Nudie Musical," according to her IMDb page.

Buckner also had a recurring role in "The Brady Bunch Variety Hour" as part of The Kroftettes, a group of dancers/synchronized swimmers. The show was created by Sid and Marty Krofft and ran from 1976-77 on ABC, The Hollywood Reporter noted.

The late actress's most iconic role would be as Patty Simcox in the 1978 blockbuster movie, "Grease," where she starred alongside Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta.

In the film, it was the perky head cheerleader who encouraged Newton-John's character Sandy Olsson to join the squad.

She was also part of the 2006 release of the "Grease Rockin' Rydell Edition" which featured the 2002 release party of the movie on DVD.

She was featured in a few more TV shows and movies up until the late 80s, before leaving Hollywood to raise her family. She would later direct kids' theater productions at a Florida elementary school, People reported.

Buckner is survived by Mansfield, son Adam, her four grandchildren and longtime partner, Al.

Tags

Grease, Celebrity deaths