Actress Susan Buckner, best known for playing Patty Simcox in “Grease,” has died. She was 72.
“Susan died peacefully on May 2 surrounded by loved ones,” Melissa Berthier, a publicist for the family, said in a statement on Tuesday, according to People.
Buckner’s daughter, Samantha Mansfield, also remembered the late actress.
“The light she brought into every room will be missed forever,” Mansfield told People. “She was magic, and I was very lucky to call her my best friend.”
Simcox was one of Sandy’s [Olivia Newton-John] cheerleading friends in the 1978 cult classic.
Before becoming an actress, Buckner was crowned Miss Washington in 1971. She later joinedThe Dean Martin Show as one of the Golddiggers, an all-female singing and dancing group.
Buckner also appeared in the variety shows “The Mac Davis Show”, “Sonny and Cher,” and “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.”
Her role in “Grease” made her famous to everyone that watched the beloved musical film.
Simcox had an infamous cheer: “Do the splits, give a yell! Show a little spirit for Old Rydell! Way to go, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!”
Buckner did not return for the sequel, “Grease 2,” which was released in 1982.
She appeared in shows like “Starsky & Hutch” and “The Love Boat” after finding fame from “Grease.”
Her final acting role was in the 1981 slasher film “Deadly Blessing.”
Susan directed children’s theater taught dance at a gym in Florida in her later years, according to People.