Actor John Travolta shared a sweet Instagram tribute following the death of Susan Buckner, his co-star who played cheerleader Patty Simcox in Grease, the beloved 1978 movie musical.
Buckner's publicist confirmed the actor passed away on May 2 at the age of 72. Buckner was featured in a cast that included Travolta, the late singer Olivia Newton-John, and Stockard Channing. In the role of Patty, Buckner embodied school spirit as a cheerleader at Rydell High School.
Travolta took to Instagram to share a side-by-side image of Buckner and the character she played in the now-classic film, writing:
"Susan you made Grease that much more special! We will miss you!"
You can see Travolta's post below.
@johntravolta/Instagram
Fans of the musical have also taken to social media to pay tribute to Buckner.
Following her success in Grease, Buckner continued her acting career with guest appearances on numerous television shows such as The Love Boat, B.J and the Bear, and The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries.
The late actor also co-starred in the ABC series When the Whistle Blows and had roles in Wes Craven’s 1981 horror film Deadly Blessing with Sharon Stone, as well as the 1989 comedy sequel Police Academy 6: City Under Siege.
In her later years, Buckner dedicated her time to teaching and directing, overseeing several children’s theater productions at Pinecrest Elementary School in Pinecrest, Florida. She was also a dance instructor in the city of Coral Gables.
Of her time on the Grease set, Buckner once shared that she and her co-stars would often be lectured by higher-ups for being "very bad" because they'd arrive "two [or] three hours late" on set.
She is survived by her two children and multiple family members. Buckner's daughter Samantha Mansfield remembered her mother as someone who was a "light." She added that her mother "was magic, and I was very lucky to call her my best friend."
