Susan Buckner dead: “Grease” actress was 72 years old

Susan Buckner, an American actress best known for her role as Patty Simcox in the 1978 musical “Grease,” died on May 2. She was 72 years old. Her death was confirmed by her publicist.

At the age of 25, Buckner was cast in the role of the Rydell High cheerleader, joining a cast that also included John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. As Simcox, Buckner played a school spirit fighter, with an iconic cheer that stuck in fans’ minds: “Do the splits, shout!” Show a little spirit for old Rydell! Well done, Red and White! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!”

Buckner continued to work as an actor with guest appearances on several television shows, including “The Love Boat,” “BJ and the Bear” and “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries.” She played a supporting role in the ABC series When the Whistle Blows. Among other notable roles, Buckner appeared in Wes Craven’s 1981 horror film Deadly Blessing opposite Sharon Stone, as well as the 1989 comedy sequel Police Academy 6: City Under Siege.

Buckner spent the latter part of her life as a teacher, directing several children’s theater productions at Pinecrest Elementary School and leading dance classes at the Body and Soul Gym in Coral Gables, Florida.

Buckner was born on January 28, 1952 in Seattle, Washington. A decorated beauty queen, she was crowned Miss Washington in 1971 and represented the state in the Miss America pageant the following year. She later became part of Dean Martin’s Golddiggers and subsequently joined the all-girl group Fantasy and formed her own musical duo, Buckner and Pratt. Buckner also appeared as a dancer on shows such as “The Mac Davis Show,” “Sonny and Cher” and the “Telly Savalas Live Touring Show,” and appeared as a synchronized swimmer on “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.”

Buckner is survived by her two children, son Adam Josephs and daughter Samantha Mansfield; her four grandchildren; her sister Linda; her daughter-in-law and son-in-law; and her long-time partner Al.