Patty Duke

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Patty Duke 1975

Patty Duke (December 14, 1946 – March 29, 2016) was an American actress of stage, film, and television. She first became known as a teen star, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at age 16 for her role as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker (1962), a role which she had originated on Broadway. Duke's career spanned over six decades and she was also known for her advocacy work in mental health, following her diagnosis with bipolar disorder.

Early Life

Born Anna Marie Duke in Elmhurst, Queens, New York, Duke was the youngest of three children. She began her acting career at the age of eight with her first major role coming in the form of Helen Keller in the Broadway production of The Miracle Worker, a role she would later reprise in the film adaptation, earning her critical acclaim and an Academy Award.

Career

Following her success with The Miracle Worker, Duke starred in her own sitcom, The Patty Duke Show (1963–1966), where she played dual roles of identical cousins. The show was a hit and made her a household name. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Duke continued to work in television, earning praise for her performances in various made-for-TV movies and series. She won three Emmy Awards over the course of her career, including one for her portrayal of a pregnant teenager in My Sweet Charlie and another for playing Anne Sullivan in a TV adaptation of The Miracle Worker, making her the only actress to receive Emmys for playing both student and teacher in the same story.

In addition to her acting career, Duke also had a brief music career in the mid-1960s, releasing two albums and several singles, with her song "Don't Just Stand There" reaching the top ten in the United States.

Mental Health Advocacy

Duke was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1982, after years of experiencing severe mood swings and depression. Following her diagnosis, she became an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and treatment, writing an autobiography, A Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic-Depressive Illness (1992), which detailed her experiences with the disorder and her efforts to destigmatize mental illness.

Personal Life

Duke was married four times and had three children, including actor Sean Astin. Her struggles with mental health, as well as her efforts to raise awareness about mental illness, were a significant part of her legacy.

Death

Patty Duke passed away on March 29, 2016, at the age of 69, from sepsis due to a ruptured intestine. Her death was mourned by fans and colleagues alike, who remembered her not only for her contributions to the entertainment industry but also for her work in mental health advocacy.

Legacy

Patty Duke's legacy is marked by her groundbreaking work as an actress, particularly in her roles that broke new ground for women in film and television. Her advocacy for mental health has also left a lasting impact, helping to change the conversation around bipolar disorder and mental illness in general.