Actress, Known for Role Opposite John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in ‘Grease’, Passes Away:
John Travolta mourns the loss of his “special GREASE star Susan Buckner. Susan Buckner, the actress who played Rydell High cheerleader Patty Simcox, died on Thursday, 2 May, at the age 72. Travolta, aged 70, led the tributes online to the late star.
Travolta posted a touching tribute to Buckner on Instagram Stories a day after her death. He wrote, “Susan, you made Grease even more special!” We will miss your presence! The message was written next to two pictures of Buckner. One picture appeared more recent, while the other photo looked like it came from the time they filmed Grease.
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Buckner played cheerleader Patty Simcox in the musical. Travolta was Danny Zuko. Buckner played a minor role in the classic film, but in a memorable scene her character attempted to dance with Danny. He rejected her. Her character shouted, “Do the Splits, Give a Yell!” Show some spirit for Rydell. Red and white, go! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!”
Buckner’s agent Melissa Berthier confirmed on 7 May that Buckner, who appeared in films such as Wes Craven’s Deadly Blessing (released more than 50 years ago), Police Academy 6 and The Brady Bunch Variety Hour (released more than 50 year after the film), died “surrounded by loved one” at 72. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
The official Grease Twitter account paid tribute to Buckner by writing, “Forever thankful for Susan Buckner’s unforgettable portrayal as Patty Simcox.” Rest in peace, a Grease icon.”
Grease, based on the hit musical of the 1950s about Rydell High students, was a huge success. The film grossed nearly $160m at the box office worldwide and is now considered a classic. Along with Buckner and Travolta and the late Newton-John who died in August 2022 after a long battle with breast cancer Grease starred Jeff Conaway as the T-Birds, Barry Pearl as Michael Tucci and Kelly Ward as Kelly Ward, Stockard Channing as Did Conn and Jamie Donnelly as Dinah Manoff, as well as Jeff Conaway as Barry Pearl as Michael Tucci and Stockardchanning as Did Conn.
