‘Grease’ actress dies at 72: ‘She was magic’

Darcie Loreno, Addy Bink

Updated: May 7, 2024 / 08:20 PM CDT

(WJW) — Susan Buckner, well-known for her role in “Grease” and others on the small screen, has died. She was 72.

In a statement to Nexstar, Melissa Berthier, a publicist for the family, said Buckner died peacefully and surrounded by friends on Thursday, May 2. No cause of death was listed.

Samantha Mansfield, Buckner’s daughter, described her mother as her “best friend” to People, adding that “the light she brought into every room will be missed forever.”

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

While it wasn’t her first role, one of Buckner’s most iconic characters was Patty Simcox, Sandy’s cheerleader friend in “Grease.”

LOS ANGELES – JUNE 16: The movie “Grease”, directed by Randal Kleiser. Seen here from left, Olivia Newton-John as Sandy Olsen (alt.: Sandy Olsson) and Susan Buckner (wearing cat’s eyes glasses) as Patty Simcox. Initial theatrical release of the film, June 16, 1978. Screen capture. Paramount Pictures. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)

Buckner also appeared on shows including “Sonny and Cher,” “The Love Boat,” “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour,” and “The Dean Martin Show,” according to IMDb. Her last film appearance is listed as an uncredited news reporter in the 1989 film “Police Academy 6: City Under Siege.”

In 1971, Buckner, born in Seattle, was crowned Miss Washington. She went on to put her acting career on hold to raise her children, Mansfield and Adam Josephs.

Buckner’s family is asking that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Miami’s Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in her honor.