John Travolta leads tributes to late Grease co-star
John Travolta is among the stars paying tribute to Grease star Susan Buckner following her death, aged 72.
The actor played Patty Simcox in the hit musical film and landed film roles in the likes of The First Nudie Musical and Deadly Blessing.
Travolta, who starred as lead Danny Zuko in Grease, penned an emotional tribute to his former co-star, sharing an image of her in the film as well as a recent picture of the movie and TV actor.
He wrote on his Instagram Stories: "Susan, you made Grease that much more special! We will miss you!"
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The official X account for Grease also paid tribute to the star, adding: "Remembering Susan Buckner, who lit up the screen in Grease as vivacious cheerleader and true friend, Patty Simcox."
The Grease the Musical X account wrote: "Forever grateful for Susan Buckner's unforgettable portrayal of Patty Simcox. Rest in peace to a Grease legend."
Buckner's family confirmed the star had died on May 2 "peacefully surrounded by loved ones" (per People). A cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Buckner's daughter Samantha Mansfield described her mother as "magic" and her best friend.
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“She was magic. She was my best friend. And I will miss her every day. I was lucky I had such a lightning rod of a mother and now I have her as an angel,” she said in a statement.
Buckner began her career in the pageant circuit, winning Miss Washington in 1971 before representing the state at the Miss America competition in 1972.
She went on to become one of The Golddiggers on The Dean Martin Show and made appearances on The Brady Bunch Variety Hour and Sonny and Cher.
The actor became a household name when she appeared in Grease as Patty alongside the likes of Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Didi Conn, and Jeff Conaway.
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She appeared in several TV shows including The Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew Mysteries, and The Love Boat.
Buckner later stepped away from showbusiness to raise her two children. Her publicist said she worked as a fitness instructor for almost 10 years and directed several theatre productions at Pinecrest Elementary School, Florida.
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