‘Grease’ actor Susan Buckner dies aged 72

nme.com:

Grease, has died aged 72.Buckner played cheerleader Patty Simcox in the film, which starred John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.

Her character can be remembered for chanting the rallying cry for Rydell High School.She was born in 1952 in Seattle and, as a young woman she began performing in beauty pageants, winning Miss Washington in 1971 and becoming a Miss America finalist in 1972.Her acting career began in 1976, mainly appearing in popular television shows such as The Brady Bunch Hour and The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries.She finished up her acting career in the early ’80s, with appearances in nine episodes of comedy show When The Whistle Blows, and a role in Wes Craven’s 1981 slasher movie Deadly Blessing.According to People magazine, Buckner spent the later years of her life directing children’s theatre at a school in Florida, as well as being a dance instructor at a gym.A publicist for the family spoke of Buckner’s death, which took place on May 2 in Miami, Florida, (via People). “Susan died peacefully on May 2 surrounded by loved ones,” they said.

A cause of death has not been provided.Her daughter, Samantha Mansfield told People: “The light she brought into every room will be missed forever.”She added: “She was magic, and I was very lucky to call her my best friend.”Buckner is survived by her daughter and son, four grandchildren, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law and her longtime partner..