In a world where hand jives and hair grease reign supreme, we bid a fond farewell to a true icon of perkiness and pizzazz. Susan Buckner, the vivacious actress who stole our hearts as Patty Simcox in the legendary Grease, has left the stage at the age of 72. Cue the tears, cue the nostalgia, and cue the endless loop of “Summer Nights” playing in the background.
Confirming the sad news, Susan’s family’s PR guru, Melissa Berthier, solemnly declared to People magazine that Susan gracefully exited stage left on May 2, surrounded by her nearest and dearest. No cause of her departure from the mortal realm was disclosed, leaving fans to speculate whether it was a tragic case of too much hairspray or a spontaneous flash mob gone wrong.
Describing her mother’s departure, Samantha Mansfield, Susan’s daughter, poured out her heart to People, painting a picture of a woman who brought sunshine wherever she went. “She was like a human disco ball, spreading sparkle and joy with every twirl,” Samantha mused, probably while wearing leg warmers and sipping on a neon-colored cocktail.
Before she became the cheerleading aficionado we all know and love, Susan strutted her stuff as Miss Washington and even duked it out in the Miss America arena. But it was her role as Patty Simcox, the perky cheerleader with enough spirit to power a small country, that cemented her place in pop culture history. Who could forget her enthusiastic chants for Rydell High? “Do the splits, give a yell! Show a little spirit for Old Rydell! Way to go, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!” If that doesn’t make you want to jump up and do the hand jive, you might want to check your pulse.
After leaving Rydell behind, Susan joined The Golddiggers, proving that she wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. From The Dean Martin Show to Sonny and Cher, she lit up the small screen with her infectious smile and killer dance moves. And who could overlook her appearances on The Love Boat and The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries? Certainly not us, the devoted fans still reeling from the news of her departure.
But Susan wasn’t just a star on screen; she also knew how to bust a move behind the camera. After hanging up her acting shoes, she swapped the bright lights of Hollywood for the sunny shores of Florida, where she directed children’s theater and taught dance to the next generation of toe-tappers. Talk about a career pivot worthy of a standing ovation!
So here’s to you, Susan Buckner, the queen of pep and the embodiment of sunshine. Though you may have taken your final bow, your spirit will live on forever in the hearts of fans everywhere. Now go forth and spread your sparkle in the great beyond. Rydell High will never be the same without you.
