Renowned Grease actress Susan Buckner has passed away, aged 72, her family has confirmed.
Buckner, best known for starring as Patty Simcox in the iconic Grease movie, died on May 2 at her picturesque Miami home, surrounded by those who were dear to her.
She catapulted to fame in 1978 when she starred in the perennially popular film musical alongside Olivia Newton-John.
In the iconic musical, she portrayed a Rydell High cheerleader sharing scenes with Sandy, late actress Olivia’s lead character.
As fans may remember, she was joyously lunching and cheering the school team on, exclaiming “Do the splits, give a yell! Show a little spirit for old Rydell!” and “Way to go, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!”
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Susan, born on 28th January, 1952, grew up in Seattle, Washington, before she flawlessly played the role of a student at Rydell.
She grabbed the title of Miss Washington in 1971 and accordingly sought wider recognition in the Miss America pageant the following year.
Her acting forte was noticed on several variety acts such as The Mac Davis Show, Sonny and Cher, and The Dean Martin Show prior to her breakthrough Patty Simcox role.
Buckner also made appearances in The Love Boat, Starsky and Hutch, and The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries post-Grease fame.
Susan featured in Wes Craven’s 1981 horror film Deadly Blessing alongside Sharon Stone and appeared in Police Academy 6: City Under Siege before stepping back from the limelight to focus on raising her family.
She leaves behind her son Adam Josephs; daughter Samantha Mansfield; grandchildren Oliver, Riley, Abigal, and Ruby; sister Linda; daughter-in-law Noel Josephs; son-in-law Adam Mansfield and longstanding partner Al.
Instead of flowers, Susan’s family has requested donations be made to Miami’s Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden as a tribute.
“The light she brought into every room will be missed forever,” her distraught daughter Samantha told PEOPLE. “She was magic, and I was very lucky to call her my best friend.”
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