Susan Buckner Explained

Birth Date:28 January 1952
Birth Place:Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Death Place:Miami, Florida, U.S.
Children:2
Miss Washington 1971
Years Active:1973–1981

Susan Buckner (January 28, 1952 – May 2, 2024) was an American actress, dancer and beauty pageant winner.

Life and career

Susan Buckner was born in Seattle, Washington, on January 28, 1952.[1] [2] [3] Prior to her acting career she was crowned Miss Washington in 1971[4] and in September went on to become a top ten finalist in the Miss America 1972 pageant (she tied for first in the swimsuit preliminary), which was eventually won by Miss Ohio Laurel Lea Schaefer. Nevertheless, her role in the Miss America pageant would be parlayed into a career in the entertainment industry. Her acting career is sprinkled with supporting roles in television, stage, and film.

Buckner portrayed high school cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 summer blockbuster Grease, starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. She was one of The Golddiggers, an all-female singing and dancing group featured on The Dean Martin Show. She made appearances on The Mac Davis Show and Sonny & Cher. She also appeared as one of The Krofftettes who performed synchronised swimming routines on The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.

Buckner's career in show business would end after she decided to instead focus more on raising her two children.[5] [6]

Personal life and death

From 1979 to 1997, Buckner was married to Michael R. Josephs, with whom she had two children.[7]

Buckner died in Miami, Florida, on May 2, 2024, at the age of 72.[1] [2] [3]

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
1976The First Nudie MusicalDancer
1978GreasePatricia "Patty" Simcox
1981Deadly BlessingVicky Anderson

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1973The Dean Martin ShowGolddigger1 episode: "Celebrity Roast: Bette Davis"
1976Police WomanJudy 1 episode: "Angela"
1976–77The Brady Bunch HourKrofftette 9 episodes
1977SwitchJessica 1 episode: "Eden's Gate"
1977The Amazing Howard HughesJean Harlow TV movie
1977–78The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew MysteriesGeorge Fayne3 episodes: "Nancy Drew's Love Match", "Will the Real Santa Claus...?", "Mystery on the Avalanche Express"
1978Starsky & HutchSharon Carstairs1 episode: "The Heavyweight"
1978Return EngagementJaniceTV movie
1979B.J. and the BearRenee1 episode: "Odyssey of the Shady Truth"
1979The Love BoatKim Patterson1 episode: "The Spider Serenade/Next Door Wife/The Harder They Fall"
1980When the Whistle BlowsLucy Davis9 episodes

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Evans . Greg . Susan Buckner Dies: ‘Grease’ Actor Who Played Olivia Newton-John’s Cheerleading Pal Was 71. 7 May 2024 . Deadline . 7 May 2024.
  2. Web site: Susan Buckner, Who Played Patty Simcox in ‘Grease,’ Dies at 71. Jack. Dunn. Variety. 7 May 2024. 7 May 2024.
  3. News: Barnes . Mike . Susan Buckner, Cheerleader Patty Simcox in ‘Grease,’ Dies at 71. 7 May 2024 . The Hollywood Reporter . 7 May 2024.
  4. News: Susan Buckner, ‘Grease’ actor who played cheerleader Patty Simcox, dies at 72. Alexander. Del Rosario. Los Angeles. May 8, 2024. May 9, 2024.
  5. News: Grease Actress Susan Buckner, Who Played Sandy's Cheerleading Friend Patty Simcox, Dead at 72. Eric. Anderson. People. May 7, 2024. May 9, 2024.
  6. News: ‘Grease’ actress dies at 72: ‘She was magic’. Darcie. Loreno. Addy. Bink. KDVR. May 8, 2024. May 9, 2024.
  7. News: Grease star Susan Buckner dead aged 72: 'She was magic'. Ella. Rayment-Ward. Nine.com.au. May 7, 2024. May 9, 2024.