Grease star Susan Buckner died on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Her family publicist stated that she died peacefully among her family, but did not disclose the cause of death. She was 72 years old.

In Grease, Buckner played Rydell High’s energetic cheerleader Patty Simcox.

She was born on January 28, 1952 in Seattle, and was Miss Washington in 1971, then competed in the Miss America pageant in ’72. After that, she joined The Golddiggers song and dance group and performed on The Dean Martin Show, Sonny and Cher, and The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.

Buckner was in Starsky and Hutch, The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, Return Engagement, B.J. and the Bear, The Love Boat, she had a recurring role on When the Whistle Blows, was in Deadly Blessing, and her final role was in Police Academy 6: City Under Siege.

After she retired from acting, Buckner focused on her family, taught theater, and was a dance instructor.