Iconic actress Susan Buckner, best known for her role as the glasses-wearing cheerleader Patty Simcox in the classic 1978 movie Grease, passed away this week at the age of 72.
Susan was born in Seattle, Washington on January 28, 1952. Prior to her successful acting career, Buckner was crowned Miss Washington in 1971 and was a top ten finalist in the 1972 Miss America pageant.
Throughout her career as an actress, Buckner appeared in several supporting roles on television, on stage, and in film.While she may be most remembered for her performance alongside icons John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in the all-time classic “Grease,” Susan was also one of “The Krofftettes,” who performed synchronized swimming routines on “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.”
As well as her performances with “The Krofftettes,” Susan appeared on ten different television shows from 1976 to 1980, such as “Police Woman” (1976), “Switch” (1977), “Starsky and Hutch” (1978), “Return Engagement” (1978), and “When the Whistle Blows” (1980).
Since the news of her passing has been released, fans of Susan have posted their heartfelt tributes on social media.
Sending love to the family and friends of Susan Buckner, who played Patty Simcox in 'Grease'. She sadly passed away at the age of 72.
— OnStage Blog (@OnstageBlog) May 7, 2024
In her later years, she devoted her time to directing children’s theater and taught dance at a gym in FL.
She was the most, to say the least. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/aA62s9tcbr
RIP #SusanBuckner, 72, aka #PattySimcox in #GREASE. My daughter has met a bunch of the cast over the years & Susan was a total sweetheart, even joking with her that she should ditch the Pink Ladies jacket and try out for cheerleading instead. "It's the most, to say the least!"… pic.twitter.com/a6HlhobP14
— Paul J. Coyne, A.C.E (@Paul_J_Coyne) May 8, 2024
Other than her role in “Grease,” Buckner only took part in one other film. She was cast as Vicky Anderson in a movie titled “Deadly Blessing,” which was released in 1981. Susan also portrayed Jean Harlow in the television movie “The Amazing Howard Hughes.”
Rest in peace!
