John Travolta leads tributes to Grease star Susan Buckner following her death at age 72
John Travolta has recalled how his late Grease co-star Susan Buckner made filming “much more special” following her death at the age of 72.
The US actress, who was best known for playing cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 film, died on May 2.
Travolta, who played the lead role of Danny Zuko, has remembered the fun times he shared with Buckner.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Travolta, 70, posted on Instagram a picture of Susan as an adult and as a teenager, writing: “Susan you made Grease that much more special! We will miss you!”
No cause of death has been revealed.
“Susan died peacefully on May 2 surrounded by loved ones,” publicist Melissa Berthier said in a statement.
Buckner’s daughter, Samantha Mansfield, paid tribute to her mother and “best friend”.
“The light she brought into every room will be missed forever,” she told People magazine.
“She was magic, and I was very lucky to call her my best friend.”
Buckner was crowned Miss Washington in 1971 before representing the state at Miss America the following year.
She went on to become a member of The Golddiggers, an all-female singing and dancing group that featured on The Dean Martin Show, which led to her becoming part of an all-girl group called Fantasy and one half of a musical duo known as Buckner and Pratt.
Grease was her defining acting role but she also appeared in films such as Police Academy 6: City Under Siege and Wes Craven’s Deadly Blessing, and TV shows such as The Love Boat. In the 1980s, she stepped back from her acting career to raise Samantha and her son, Adam Josephs.
