'One more beautiful soul is gone': Internet pays heartfelt tribute to 'Grease' star Susan Buckner who died at 72

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Susan Buckner, most notably known for playing Patty Simcox in 'Grease', has breathed her last at the age of 72. “Susan died peacefully on May 2 surrounded by loved ones,” Melissa Berthier, a publicist for the family, told People in a statement on Tuesday, May 7. However, no official cause of death has been provided. 

Buckner’s daughter, Samantha Mansfield, also paid homage to the late actress. “The light she brought into every room will be missed forever,” Mansfield told the outlet, adding “She was magic, and I was very lucky to call her my best friend.”

A brief insight into Susan Buckner's acting career

Simcox was one of Sandy’s [Olivia Newton-John] cheerleading friends in the 1978 cult musical classic. Buckner, born in Seattle in 1952, she was crowned Miss Washington in 1971 and later joined 'The Dean Martin Show' as one of the Golddiggers, an all-female singing and dancing group.

Buckner then went on to star in the variety shows 'The Mac Davis Show', 'Sonny and Cher', and 'The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.' She also performed alongside John Travolta, Stockard Channing, Barry Pearl, Dinah Manoff, Michael Tucci and the late Jeff Conaway in 'Grease.' 

In May 2011, Conway died at the age of 60 while Newton-John died at 73 in August 2022 after a long battle with breast cancer. Simcox had a famous cheer in the film, "Do the splits, give a yell! Show a little spirit for Old Rydell! Way to go, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!”

Susan Buckner did not return for the show's sequel

Buckner did not return for the sequel, 'Grease 2' which was released in 1982 and starred Michelle Pfeiffer and Maxwell Caulfield, New York Post reports. She appeared in shows like 'Starsky & Hutch' and 'The Love Boat' after finding fame with 'Grease.' Her final acting role was in the 1981 slasher film 'Deadly Blessing.'

In her later years, Buckner directed children’s theater and taught dance at a gym in Florida. She is survived by Mansfield, son Adam Josephs, grandchildren Oliver, Riley, Abigail and Ruby, as well as her sister Linda, daughter-in-law Noel Josephs, son-in-law Adam Mansfield and longtime partner Al.   

Internet pays tribute to Susan Buckner after her death 

Internet users were also left saddened after the 'Grease' star's death. One X user tweeted, "One more beautiful soul is gone" and another wrote, "So sad! Rest in peace to her." "Aw man, that's sad news, she was part of such an iconic movie. RIP" added a user. "God rest her soul" wished one user and another tweeted, "Sad to hear that." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.