Susan Buckner, ‘Grease’ actress who played cheerleader Patty Simcox, has died at 72 – KIRO 7 News Seattle

In “Grease,” Buckner played bubbly cheerleader Simcox, who befriended lead character Sandy, played by Olivia Newton-John, at Rydell High School, Entertainment Weekly reported.

“The light she brought to every room will be missed forever,” Buckner’s daughter, Samantha Mansfield, told People. “She was magical and I was so lucky to call her my best friend.”

Buckner was born Jan. 28, 1952, in Seattle and was crowned Miss Washington in 1971, Berthier said. The following year, she represented Washington state in the Miss America pageant.

Buckner made her television debut in 1973 as one of “The Golddiggers,” an all-female singing and dancing group that appeared on “The Dean Martin Show,” People reported.

She later joined the all-girl group Fantasy and formed the musical duo Buckner and Pratt, according to Variety.

Buckner also appeared as a dancer on “The Mac Davis Show,” “Sonny and Cher” and the “Telly Savalas Live Touring Show,” Berthier wrote. She also appeared as a synchronized swimmer on “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour” and was a dancer in the 1976 film “The First Nudie Musical.”

The actress made several appearances in television series, including “The Love Boat,” “BJ and the Bear,” “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries,” and played a supporting role in 1980’s “When the Whistle Blows.”

Buckner also starred in the 1981 horror thriller Deadly Blessing and had an uncredited role as a news reporter in the 1989 film Police Academy 6: City Under Siege.

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 longtime partner Al,” Berthier wrote.