‘Grease’ actress who played Sandy’s cheerleading friend dies

(Gray News) - Susan Buckner, the actress who played Sandy’s cheerleading friend Patty Simcox in the 1978 “Grease” movie, has died, her family members confirmed to the media. She was 72.

Buckner died on May 2 surrounded by family and friends, her publicist told Entertainment Weekly. No cause of death was given.

She also represented Washington state in the Miss America pageant after having been selected as Miss Washington in 1971.

Buckner was also a member of The Golddiggers, a singing and dancing group featured on “The Dean Martin Show.” She also appeared on several other variety shows of that era, including “Sonny and Cher.” She also acted through the 1980s, appearing in several TV shows such as “The Love Boat” and “BJ and the Bear,” as well as movies such as “Deadly Blessing.”

Her last role listed in IMDb was an uncredited role in 1989′s “Police Academy 6: City Under Siege.”

She left acting to focus on her family, teaching theater at a Florida elementary school and working as a dance instructor in Coral Gables, media reports said.

Buckner is survived by her partner, a son, a daughter and four grandchildren, People said.

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