Patty Duke

Date of Birth: December 14, 1946

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: March 29, 2016

Biography

Patty Duke, born Anna Marie Duke, was a celebrated American actress known for her versatile performances in film, television, and theater. She was born on December 14, 1946, in Elmhurst, Queens, New York City. Duke’s career began at a young age, and she quickly rose to fame with her portrayal of Helen Keller in the Broadway play “The Miracle Worker” when she was just 12 years old. She later reprised the role in the 1962 film adaptation, earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at the age of 16, making her the youngest actress to win an Oscar at that time. Duke continued to enjoy success throughout her career, starring in the popular television series “The Patty Duke Show,” where she showcased her talent by playing dual roles as identical cousins. Her career spanned over five decades, with roles in films like “Valley of the Dolls” and various television movies and series. Duke was open about her struggles with bipolar disorder, becoming an advocate for mental health awareness and helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. In addition to her acting career, she served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1985 to 1988. Patty Duke passed away on March 29, 2016, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable performances and advocacy work.

5 Interesting Facts about Patty Duke

1. Patty Duke won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at the age of 16 for her role in “The Miracle Worker.”

2. She played dual roles as identical cousins Patty and Cathy Lane on “The Patty Duke Show.”

3. Duke was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1982 and became an advocate for mental health awareness.

4. She served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1985 to 1988.

5. Duke’s autobiography, “Call Me Anna,” was later adapted into a television movie in which she starred as herself.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Patty Duke

1. “It’s toughest to forgive ourselves. So it’s probably best to start with other people. It’s almost like peeling an onion. Layer by layer, forgiving others, you really do get to the point where you can forgive yourself.”

2. “I tell people to monitor their self-pity. Self-pity is very unattractive.”

3. “I sometimes think I was born to live up to my name. How could I possibly be anyone other than Patty Duke?”

4. “I have a picture-perfect memory, but I know a million people like that. It’s just that my memory isn’t as visual as it is aural.”

5. “I never did quite understand why we’re supposed to worry so much about who we’re going to spend the next 40 years with when we’re 18 or 19.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Patty Duke’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Patty Duke had three children: Sean Astin, Mackenzie Astin, and Kevin Pearce. Sean and Mackenzie followed in their mother’s footsteps and pursued acting careers.