It’s a sad day for Grease fans everywhere as we say goodbye to Susan Buckner, the actress who brought Rydell High cheerleader Patty Simcox to life.
The iconic 1978 musical, which gave us the unforgettable duo of greaser Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and the sweet Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John), has lost another beloved star.
Despite being a classic for over four decades, Grease continues to win hearts worldwide with its irresistible mix of nostalgia, romance, and rock ‘n’ roll vibes.
We’ve learned that Susan Buckner has passed away, leaving fans and former co-stars to reminisce about the film’s impact and where its stars are today.
Over recent years, the film’s family has mourned the loss of talents such as Olivia Newton-John and Jeff Conway.
The news of Buckner’s passing has prompted a nostalgic look back at the cast of the beloved 1978 comedy.
Since his breakout role in Grease, John Travolta’s career has soared with roles in blockbuster hits like Pulp Fiction, Face/Off, and Hairspray. Now at 70, he’s taking a step back, though he recently dazzled us in the action-packed Cash Out.
Four-time Grammy winner Olivia Newton-John, known for hits like ‘Physical’, saw her career skyrocket post-Grease. She often expressed her gratitude for the role, telling Billboard, “The songs are timeless. They’re fun and have great energy. It’s nostalgic, and then young kids rediscover it every so often. People buying the album was a way for them to remember those feelings of watching the movie and that time period. I am very grateful to have been a part of this movie that is still so loved.”
Newton-John passed away at 73 from cancer in 2022, with Travolta saying she ‘made all of our lives so much better’.
Stockard Channing, who played the tough Betty Rizzo, earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in Six Degrees of Separation after her stint in Grease.
Now 80, Channing has graced various TV dramas like The Good Wife with her presence.
Jeff Conway, who brought Kenickie to life, also starred in Taxi and Babylon 5. Conway passed away at 60 in 2011 due to a ‘major internal infection’. His manager, Kathryn Boole, expressed, “It’s sad that people remember his struggle with drugs… He has touched so many people.”
Didi Conn, known for her role as the bubbly Frenchy, also appeared in Grease 2. At 72, she advocates for Autism Speaks, inspired by her son’s diagnosis.
Barry Pearl, who played ‘Doody’, has continued acting and even returned to the Grease family in Grease Live! He’s now an acting teacher in the special needs communities, sharing, “I’m proud of my role in Grease and its ongoing legacy. Though I hoped for continued fame, I’m grateful for the experiences it brought me.”
Dinah Manoff, who debuted as Marty, has since directed episodes of Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. Stepping away from acting, her last credit was in 2008.
Michael Tucci, who played Sonny, has continued to grace TV and film and teaches Fine Arts and Theatre Arts to high schoolers.
Kelly Ward, known as T-Bird Putzie, now focuses on directing children’s TV shows and teaching musical theatre at the University of Southern California.
Jamie Donnelly, who played Jan, has continued her acting career in films and stage productions.
Dennis Cleveland Stewart, known as ‘Craterface’, tragically passed away at 46 from complications of AIDS in 1994.
Annette Charles, who played ‘Cha-Cha’ DiGregorio, left acting to teach at university. She passed away at 63 in 2011.
Susan Buckner, who was Miss Washington before her role in Grease, passed away surrounded by loved ones. Her family remembers her for her kindness and the light she brought into every room.
Her publicist confirmed her peaceful passing, and her daughter noted, “She was magic, and I was very lucky to call her my best friend.”
Donations in her honor can be made to the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, as her legacy continues to inspire.