‘Magic’ Grease actress Susan Buckner dies aged 72

Susan Buckner, best known for her role as cheery Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the classic 1978 film musical. Grease, Has passed away. She was 72.

Buckner “died peacefully” on May 2 and was “surrounded by loved ones,” according to a statement sent to CNN on Tuesday by her family’s publicist, Melissa Berthier. No cause of death was given.

“Susan will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others,” Berthier said in a statement.

“Her effervescent spirit will continue to inspire generations of performers and fans.”

The Washington native played Simcox, the energetic and cheerful cheerleader who serves as the embodiment of school spirit in Greasethe fictional Rydell High, along with Olivia Newton-John Sandy’s iconic character.

Before GreaseBuckner was pageant queen in 1971 when she was crowned Miss Washington, later representing Washington state in the Miss America pageant.

In the early 1970s, she continued to appear in episodes of The Dean Martin Show, Policewoman and Switching. Buckner later showcased her musical talents while appearing as a dancer and synchronized swimmer on The Brady Bunch Variety Hour in 1976

During the late 1970s and into the 1980s, Buckner appeared in a number of television series, including Starsky and Hutch, The boat of loveand The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteriesand starred in the ABC series When the whistle blows along with Dolph Sweet.

She also appeared on the big screen in the Wes Craven-directed 1981 horror film A deadly blessing vs. Sharon Stone. Her most recent credit, according to her IMDb page, was playing a news reporter in the 1989 film. Police Academy 6: City Under Siege.

In her later years, according to a biography provided by Buckner’s publicist, she retreated from Hollywood to focus on being a mother to her two children, Adam Josephs and Samantha Mansfield. Buckner also became a theater instructor for young children and taught dance in Coral Gables for nearly a decade.

She is survived by her partner Al, her sister Linda, her two children and four grandchildren.

“She was magic. She was my best friend. And I will miss her every day,” Mansfield said in a statement shared with CNN.

“I was lucky to have such a lightening rod of a mother and now I have her as an angel.”