5 Surprising Facts About Susan Buckner: The Life And Legacy Of Grease’s Patty Simcox

The world of classic cinema mourned in May 2024 with the news of Susan Buckner's passing, the beloved actress best known for her iconic role as the bubbly, over-eager cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 smash-hit musical Grease. Her death at the age of 72 marked the end of a life that was far more dynamic and varied than her single, career-defining role might suggest. While fans remember her for her "Slightly Repulsive" energy at Rydell High, Buckner’s career spanned beauty pageants, a surprising stint on a major variety show, and a quiet, fulfilling second act as a devoted mother and dance instructor in Florida.

The news, confirmed by her family, resonated deeply with generations of fans who grew up watching her opposite stars like Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. This article delves into the full scope of her life, exploring the highlights of her career, the surprising roles she took before and after Grease, and the legacy she leaves behind as a true Hollywood original.

Susan Buckner: A Complete Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Susan Buckner
• Born: January 28, 1952
• Died: May 2, 2024
• Age at Death: 72
• Place of Birth: Seattle, Washington, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Dancer, Beauty Pageant Titleholder
• Best Known For: Portraying Patty Simcox in the film Grease (1978)
• Beauty Pageant Titles: Miss Washington (1971); Top 10 finish in Miss America (1972)
• Spouse: Michael Robert Josephs (m. 1979; div. 1997)
• Children: Son, Adam Josephs; Daughter, Samantha Mansfield
• Grandchildren: Oliver, Riley, Abigail, and Ruby
• Notable Film Roles: The First Nudie Musical (1976), Grease (1978), Deadly Blessing (1981)
• Notable TV Roles: Krofftette on The Brady Bunch Variety Hour (1976–1977), Guest roles on The Love Boat, Starsky and Hutch, and B.J. and the Bear.
• Post-Acting Career: Dance Instructor and Director of Children's Theater in Florida.
• Cause of Death: Died peacefully surrounded by loved ones (no specific cause was released).

From Pageant Stage to Rydell High: The Rise of Patty Simcox

Before she was cheering alongside the Pink Ladies and the T-Birds, Susan Buckner was a force in the world of beauty pageants and dance. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, her early career was defined by her talent and poise. In 1971, she was crowned Miss Washington, which led her to compete in the Miss America pageant the following year, where she secured a Top 10 placement.

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This early success as a beauty queen and dancer provided the perfect springboard for her move into television and film. Her initial Hollywood work capitalized on her dancing skills, leading to a truly unexpected role that predated her *Grease* fame.

The Surprising Role on The Brady Bunch Variety Hour

One of the most surprising entries on Susan Buckner’s resume is her time as a "Krofftette" on the short-lived but memorable The Brady Bunch Variety Hour. Running from 1976 to 1977, this variety show was a bizarre spin-off of the classic sitcom. Buckner appeared in nine episodes, performing synchronized swimming and high-energy dance routines as part of the supporting troupe.

This period showcased her versatility as a performer, proving she was more than just an actress—she was a trained dancer capable of handling the demanding choreography of a weekly variety show. It was this combination of acting chops, dancing ability, and a naturally cheerful disposition that made her the perfect fit for the role that would define her career.

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The Iconic Cheerleader: Grease (1978)

In 1978, Susan Buckner landed the role that cemented her place in cinematic history: Patty Simcox. As the ultra-peppy, slightly annoying head cheerleader of Rydell High, Patty served as the perfect foil to the cool, cynical Pink Ladies and the T-Birds. Her memorable lines, such as "Do you want to come over and just listen to my new Streisand records?" and her infectious enthusiasm, made her a standout supporting character.

The film, which became a global phenomenon, would forever link Buckner to the golden age of movie musicals. Although she was only 26 at the time of filming, she flawlessly embodied the high school spirit and energetic choreography, including her enthusiastic presence in the iconic "Summer Nights" and "We Go Together" numbers.

From Horror Film to Home Life: Buckner’s Post-Grease Career

Following the monumental success of Grease, Buckner continued to work in Hollywood, but her focus quickly shifted away from the spotlight. Her final major film role was a dramatic departure from her bubbly cheerleader persona, showcasing a different facet of her acting talent.

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A Brief Foray into Horror: Deadly Blessing (1981)

In 1981, Susan Buckner appeared in the Wes Craven horror film Deadly Blessing, starring alongside Sharon Stone and Ernest Borgnine. Buckner played the role of Vicky Anderson in this thriller centered around a community of Hittite-like religious isolationists. This move into the horror genre demonstrated her willingness to explore different types of roles outside of the musical comedy genre she was known for.

She also made guest appearances on several popular television shows of the era, including The Love Boat, Starsky and Hutch, and B.J. and the Bear, further diversifying her resume before making a major life change.

The Second Act: Dance Instructor and Director

In 1981, after marrying actor and producer Michael Robert Josephs in 1979, Susan Buckner made the deliberate choice to step away from the entertainment industry to focus on raising her children, Adam and Samantha.

She relocated to Florida, where she began a quiet, fulfilling second career that utilized her lifelong passion for dance and performance. For nearly a decade, she worked as a dance instructor and directed children’s theater at a local elementary school. This allowed her to stay connected to the creative arts while prioritizing her family life, a decision she cherished. Her daughter, Samantha Mansfield, beautifully summarized her mother's impact, stating, "The light she brought into every room will be missed forever. She was magic, and I was lucky to call her my best friend."

Susan Buckner’s Lasting Legacy

Susan Buckner’s passing in May 2024 brought a wave of tributes from fans and former colleagues, underscoring the enduring impact of her most famous role. While many of her co-stars, including Olivia Newton-John, have also passed away, the film Grease continues to be a cultural touchstone that introduces new generations to her work.

Her legacy is not just defined by the enthusiastic cheerleader of Rydell High, but by the full arc of her life: a talented dancer who achieved national recognition as Miss Washington, a versatile actress who transitioned from variety shows to horror films, and a dedicated mother and teacher who poured her passion into the community. Susan Buckner will be remembered as a performer who truly embodied the positive, energetic spirit of Patty Simcox, leaving behind a film that will continue to make audiences feel "the most" for decades to come.