Grease star Susan Buckner dies aged 72

Grease star Susan Buckner has died aged 72. The actress, best known for playing cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 musical Grease, died last Thursday (May 2).

The US movie star “died peacefully surrounded by loved ones”, a statement given to the PA news agency from publicist Melissa Berthier said.

Her daughter Samantha Mansfield said: “She was magic. She was my best friend. And I will miss her every day. I was lucky I had such a lighting rod of a mother and now I have her as an angel.”

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Born in Seattle, Buckner made her name on the pageant circuit, being crowned Miss Washington in 1971 before representing the state at the Miss America competition the following year.

Buckner was best known for landing the role of effervescent cheerleader Patty Simcox, opposite the late Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in the hit 1978 musical. A memorable scene came during a rallying cry for fictional Rydell High School which embodied the pep and school spirit of her character.

After her performance, Buckner starred in TV shows including The Love Boat, BJ And The Bear, The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, and When The Whistle Blows.