Farewell to 'Grease' star and Miss America finalist Susan Buckner

Farewell to Susan Buckner

"Do the splits, give a yell! Show a little spirit for old Rydell! Way to go, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!!" Since the late 70s, the image of the canonical cheerleader has been associated with Susan Buckner.

Patty Simcox

This gorgeous actress was 25 years old when she was chosen to play Patty Simcox, a great supporting character in the legendary film 'Grease' (1978).

Photo: 'Grease' - Paramount Pictures

Susan Buckner passed away

46 years later, Susan Buckner has died, at the age of 72, as confirmed by her publicist to media such as Variety. The cause of death has not been revealed.

Miss Washington 1971

Born in Miami, Susan Buckner was an undeniable beauty who was crowned Miss Washington at age 18 in 1971. Months later, she would finish as a Miss America finalist.

Photo: The Hardy Boys: Nancy Drew Mysteries - ABC

15 years of career

Susan Buckner did not have a very prolific career in film and television, but she participated in projects such as 'The Amazing Howard Hughes' (1977), 'The Hardy Boys: Nancy Drew Mysteries' and 'Police Academy 6: City Under Siege' (1989) which would be her last work as an actress.

Photo: The Hardy Boys: The Hardy Boys: Nancy Drew Mysteries - ABC

A role for eternity

Despite participating in an iconic film like 'Deadly Blessing' (1981), by Wes Craven, alongside Sharon Stone and Maren Jensen, it was the character of Patty Simcox that gave her the ticket to Hollywood eternity.

From acting to teaching

Starting in 1989, Susan Buckner put acting aside and dedicated herself to teaching. She gave theater and dance classes as she was a qualified dancer.

Photo: 'Grease' / Paramount Pictures

Career as a dancer

In fact, before her big leap into film, Susan Buckner had participated as a dancer in tours of Mac Davis, Sonny and Cher, and Telly Savalas, according to Variety.

Some mystery surrounding her death

Although it was recently made public, the actress died on May 2. The family chose to not make it public until a few days later and leave the cause of death unknown.

Photo: 'Grease' / Paramount Pictures

Surrounded by family

Susan Buckner leaves behind two children, four grandchildren, and her lifelong partner, Al.

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