John Travolta has taken to social media to pen a heartfelt tribute to Grease star Susan Buckner following her death.
Buckner, who played cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic, died on May 2, her family confirmed this week.
The family’s publicist confirmed the news to US outlet PEOPLE, saying Buckner “died peacefully on May 2 surrounded by loved ones”.
No cause of death has been made public and tributes from across the globe have flooded in for the actor.
Late on Wednesday evening, Travolta followed suit, sharing a side-by-side image of Buckner in recent years alongside her musical alter-ego.
The Pulp Fiction and Saturday Night Fever star wrote alongside the image: “Susan you made Grease that much more special!
John Travolta pays tribute to Grease co-star Susan Buckner on Instagram
INSTAGRAM/JOHN TRAVOLTA
“We will miss you!” Travolta signed off to his 5.3 million Instagram followers.
The 70-year-old played the co-leading role of Danny Zuko in the musical classic opposite Olivia Newton-John, who played Sandy Olsson.
Buckner’s Patty was involved in several musical numbers alongside the two, portraying the role of school cheerleader and pal to Sandy.
However, post-Grease, Buckner decided to take a step back from the acting world to focus her attention on raising a family.
Grease’s John Travolta and Olivia Newton John led the hit musical
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Before calling time on her on-screen career path, her CV also boasted appearances in The Love Boat, When the Whistle Blows, Starsky and Hutch, and The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.
She may not have appeared in an acting role since 1989 but her legacy lived on as social media was awash with tributes and fond memories following news of her death.
The Grease the Musical X, formerly Twitter, account said of the news: “Forever grateful for Susan Buckner’s unforgettable portrayal of Patty Simcox. Rest in peace to a Grease legend.”
While a second film fan said: “Sending love to the family and friends of Susan Buckner, who played Patty Simcox in ‘Grease’.
John Travolta became a household name thanks to Grease
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“She sadly passed away at the age of 72. In her later years, she devoted her time to directing children’s theater and taught dance at a gym in FL. She was the most, to say the least.”
“This one hurts,” another weighed in. “Susan Buckner mostly known as Patty Simcox, rest in peace beautiful angel.”
And the tributes kept on coming: “I feel this one. RIP Patty Simcox/Susan Buckner. She was the MOST. #Grease.” (sic)
