I use to watch the Patty Duke Show,those were the days.Farewell Patty Duke,farewell .
1
A brilliant performer; a warm and winning human being, I have always been her fan. She overcame great odds to flourish as an actress and with her compassion and understanding for others, as a great humanitarian. I am so deeply saddened that my fellow baby boomer is gone at such a still young age. But I am at the same time glad that her life seemed to come full circle to the wonderful and loving relationships that only true friends and caring family can bring. I know I speak for everyone who loved her in so many ways when I say, thank you ‘Anna’ so very much for sharing the gifted artist and the loving person you were with all of us.
2
In 1962, when I was 11 years old, my Aunt Rita took myself and cousin Vicki to a Sunday afternoon double bill movie afternoon. The two films were TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and THE MIRACLE WORKER. As anyone can imagine, the impact was powerful. Patty Duke was brilliant as Helen Keller. I then understood was REAL acting was about and it was then, that afternoon, that I decided I wanted to be an actor. Everything Patty Duke was in I watched. My Sweet Charlie was especially great.
She was an inspiration, THE inspiration of my acting career. The first time I saw acting as an art.
I thank her.
Jon Polito
She was an inspiration, THE inspiration of my acting career. The first time I saw acting as an art.
I thank her.
Jon Polito
1
How interesting that both films were on the double bill. I've long connected the two movies differently in that both featured juvenile actresses (Patty Duke in "The Miracle Worker" and Mary Badham in "To Kill A Mockingbird") who would be Oscar nominated the same year. Of course Miss Duke won, though there's no denying that Miss Badham turned in a superb and memorable performance as well.
Why did she die so relatively young? What happened to her? A report stated complications of something to do with her stomach? Why are all these actors, actresses, comedians & musicians dying before their 70th birthdays?
Patty was just a couple of years older then me. I enjoyed every role she played. I think her role in the Miracle Worker was so real, so sad but made you cry for the happiness this child received when she could finally communicate with someone. It was so emotional to me that I have always reflected on that child's life and how fortunate I was to have been born whole. I never lost that feeling. As I got holder I loved her television show. I am sorry she was not happy in the role but she made so many young girls thrilled to watch her show each week. I thank you Patty for your endurance to have played a role that you may not have been happy in but made do many others dream of being you. My condolences to her family for your loss. She was special and we knew it.
3
Patty will continue to inspire and bring happiness with her legacy of film and words. While reading her obituary, I was smiling and remembering her fondly with the accompanied links. In 2009, Patty joined the San Francisco cast of Wicked in the role of Madame Morrible. I just missed her performance run but you can still see a clip of her on youtube. She always "gave what you paid for and maybe even more." And Patty, you will also be remembered for "being a good person and doing the best with what you had." A life well lived. Thank you for being here and for the memories.
5
Dear Shaun, I watched your mom growing up and found out early u were her son I send my condolences to you I'm sure u loved her so very much . she will be missed by so many people . way more than I could show u . I'm sure the world will be telling you for years to come . I can only hope you can find some comfort in how much she adored u . just know that u have a beautiful guardian Angel that will always with you . rest in peace Anna please send to her son Shaun Aston
1
I'm sorry but I just have to ask: HOW does one "annul" a marriage after THIRTEEN YEARS?
1
"To extricate herself from the Rosses’ Svengali-like clutches, she married Harry Falk, an assistant director on “The Patty Duke Show,” when she was still a teenager; the marriage ended in divorce. A second marriage, to Michael Tell, was annulled after 13 days."
13 DAYS. It was annulled after 13 days...NOT 13 years??
Wow!
13 DAYS. It was annulled after 13 days...NOT 13 years??
Wow!
1
Thirteen days - not thirteen years
1
Ask the Massachusetts Kennedys. They do it all the time and after longer times.
2
I've watched 'The Miracle Worker' many times. Her performance is extraordinary.
I watched 'The Patty Duke Show' as a young adolescent and followed her 'life' in the monthly movie magazines before the advent of 'People'.
I remember her on The Tonight Show and the other talk shows, particularly when she started talking about her bi polar disorder.
I'm sure the NYT archives have an actual still from when 'The Miracle Worker' was reviewed and would have been more respectful than a blurry clip from YouTube. She deserves better.
I watched 'The Patty Duke Show' as a young adolescent and followed her 'life' in the monthly movie magazines before the advent of 'People'.
I remember her on The Tonight Show and the other talk shows, particularly when she started talking about her bi polar disorder.
I'm sure the NYT archives have an actual still from when 'The Miracle Worker' was reviewed and would have been more respectful than a blurry clip from YouTube. She deserves better.
1
You did find some peace here on earth...that must have been very comforting...continued peace forever more...
3
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. What a beautiful place to live and be at peace...at last.
Coeur d'Alene translated means "heart of an Awl." Hardly poetic but meaning strength. How appropriate for Ms. Duke.
Her son Sean Astin (father actor John Astin) wrote this on his Facebook page:
Sean Astin
on Tuesday
I love you mom.
OUR FAMILY STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF PATTY DUKE
This morning, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, matriarch and the exquisite artist, humanitarian, and champion for mental health, Anna PATTY DUKE Pearce, closed her eyes, quieted her pain and ascended to a beautiful place. We celebrate the infinite love and compassion she shared through her work and throughout her life.
Her work endures...
The Patty Duke Mental Health Project: https://www.crowdrise.com/patty-duke-mental-he…/…/seanastin1
_________________________________________________________________
Anna (Patty) obviously passed on strength, love, and empathy to her children.
You WILL be missed!
Coeur d'Alene translated means "heart of an Awl." Hardly poetic but meaning strength. How appropriate for Ms. Duke.
Her son Sean Astin (father actor John Astin) wrote this on his Facebook page:
Sean Astin
on Tuesday
I love you mom.
OUR FAMILY STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF PATTY DUKE
This morning, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, matriarch and the exquisite artist, humanitarian, and champion for mental health, Anna PATTY DUKE Pearce, closed her eyes, quieted her pain and ascended to a beautiful place. We celebrate the infinite love and compassion she shared through her work and throughout her life.
Her work endures...
The Patty Duke Mental Health Project: https://www.crowdrise.com/patty-duke-mental-he…/…/seanastin1
_________________________________________________________________
Anna (Patty) obviously passed on strength, love, and empathy to her children.
You WILL be missed!
5
So sad. We'll miss you, Patty.
2
Just an odd observation. I heard of Patty Dukes' passing and went to my facebook to read more...and someone had posted RIP Patty Duke 1946-2016 with a background picture of Daisy Duke leaning on the General Lee. Guess some poster's teen fantasies crossed with reality. I bet Anna/Patty would have laughed.
1
Re-read the column.
Anna (Patty) Duke hated having to act as a low IQ twit in the Patty Duke Show.
Comparing her to the girl who made "Daisy Dukes" famous is hardly grist for laughter. I am appalled that you even think this is funny?
Anna (Patty) Duke hated having to act as a low IQ twit in the Patty Duke Show.
Comparing her to the girl who made "Daisy Dukes" famous is hardly grist for laughter. I am appalled that you even think this is funny?
3
While every self-respecting boomer can recite the lyrics to the Patty Duke Show theme , her short-lived career as pop star may not have made as indelible an impression. But when she sang her 1965 hit song "Dont Just Stand There" on TV's shindig, it was a stand out for me. Check out the album: http://wp.me/p2qifI-3pB
1
In the early 1980s, when I was a struggling young actor and living in Los Angeles, I wrote Patty a letter asking her--somewhat brashly--if she would agree to take a leading role in a play I wanted to produce. I also enclosed an 8x10 photograph of myself. I didn't hear from her for a year. One day I discovered a letter from her in my mailbox, in which she profoundly apologized for her rudeness and explained that my letter had gotten lost when she was in the process of moving houses.
Some time later, I had an office accident and had to be rushed to a hospital in Beverly Hills. I got in the elevator and discovered none other than Patty Duke. I introduced myself, saying nothing about the letter I had sent her, or her gracious reply. When she asked why I looked so familiar, I then mentioned the proposal I had sent her, and she took my arm and said, "Oh my God--I'm SO sorry!! Please forgive me!"
She was a great actress and a wonderful human being.
Some time later, I had an office accident and had to be rushed to a hospital in Beverly Hills. I got in the elevator and discovered none other than Patty Duke. I introduced myself, saying nothing about the letter I had sent her, or her gracious reply. When she asked why I looked so familiar, I then mentioned the proposal I had sent her, and she took my arm and said, "Oh my God--I'm SO sorry!! Please forgive me!"
She was a great actress and a wonderful human being.
9
As a playwright/producer you shouldn't leave us hanging....especially for this trauma doc.
What is an "office accident?"
What is an "office accident?"
1
I sliced my middle finger cross-wise when attempting to extract a piece of paper that had gotten stuck in a copying machine.
1
I'm certain that I was the only 10 year old that wondered what was in that hot dog.
RIP Patty - loved the Patty Duke show - never knew all the troubles she had off camera...
Such sad news. I remember dancing with her in the summer of 1973 during a cast party at the famous Falmouth Playhouse on Cape Cod, when she and third husband John Astin were performing the lead roles in the play "A Shot In The Dark".
2
Dear Anna,
You may us laugh. You made us cry. But most of all you you made us think and encourage us to see our world in a much different light. You made our world better.
Rest in peace.
Doug
You may us laugh. You made us cry. But most of all you you made us think and encourage us to see our world in a much different light. You made our world better.
Rest in peace.
Doug
3
Such a wonderful talent and person. I only hope she finally found peace in a difficult life. She's gone too soon!
Although the Patty Duke show technically ran 3 seasons, it has been one of the classic 60s TV series (along with shows like Bewitched, The Munsters, The Adams Family) that never gets old. If there is a Patty Duke generation, it would be those of us who grew up during the Vietnam War - We are just betwixt the boomers and Gen X. We went to bed nightly with visions of brutality and mayhem (Vietnam atrocities, children's decapitated heads placed on spears by US soldiers) and needed the sweetness that was Patty Duke. Regardless of her mental health issues and horrendous childhood, she radiated a warmth and wit that brought balance to so many of our lives. Her incredible performance in the Miracle Worker will never be topped -- there was genius on display. As a child we kept her picture scotch taped to our wall along with the Beatles and the Monkeys and we were all in love with Patty Duke. @johannaclear
3
RIP Anna/Patty- grew up watching the Patty Duke Show along with scores of other 1960s TV shows and I loved all of these, even the escapee type fare! Anna has a remarkable and varied life, I am sorry that she passed away at age 69 years old.
5
She was great and when I was a small child I never missed the Patty Duke show.
1
ANCIENT CHINESE WISDOM:
"You will lose your mind when cousins are two of a kind."
Just thought I'd put that out there.
"You will lose your mind when cousins are two of a kind."
Just thought I'd put that out there.
1
A little over a year ago Lesley Gore passed away. Now, Patty Duke, both 69.
They were my teenage icons representing a world that I could only visit through their superior (but vastly under-rated) talents but at the same time I felt like they were approachable and far from arrogant. I have no idea who teens look up to today but I will always be grateful I had these two marvelous women to admire-- and still do.
They were my teenage icons representing a world that I could only visit through their superior (but vastly under-rated) talents but at the same time I felt like they were approachable and far from arrogant. I have no idea who teens look up to today but I will always be grateful I had these two marvelous women to admire-- and still do.
24
Plain and simple ... I always loved Patty Duke!
7
I commend Margalit Fox and the NY Times for the beautifully-written and expertly-researched obituary on my cousin Anna Pearce (known by millions as Patty Duke). Though deeply saddened by her passing, it was warming to read such a thorough and accurate summary of her life and career. I remember traveling as a child from Long Island to Manhattan with my parents on Saturday evenings to catch the final act of The Miracle Worker on Broadway. We were there to bring her back to our house after the show so she could enjoy a relaxing Saturday night and full day Sunday with loving family -- a far cry from the horror she endured living with the Rosses. She cherished those weekends and she has my father to thank for providing some peace and love to a life that was anything but peaceful and loving. Rest in peace Anna, and thank you Margalit for composing an excellent piece.
59
A part of my youth has died, again. Patty Duke was a wonderful actress, who overcame much hardship, in her life. She is to be admired and remembered. RIP Anna, you were part of the fabric of my life!
15
This morning I was reminded that you don't always realize how much someone has touched you until they're gone. Sitting in my car waiting for the service entrance at the dealership to open, I heard on the radio the news of the passing of Patty Duke and found myself crying. Her incredible strength in life came through in her work - whether onscreen, on the page or through her activism, where she really shone. Adieu, Anna.
22
Same as me. Deeply touched by her passing. I come from her part of Queens. I related to her so much as a kid. She seemed like my big sister. I loved her, and didn't realize how much 'til today.
7
I remember watching "The Patty Duke Show." I was a little kid and I loved it. I didn't see Patty Duke in "The Miracle Worker" until her show went off the air. I was stunned by her talent in that film. She was also the best part of "The Valley of the Dolls." In my opinion, she was the only reason to watch that film. She was truly a talented actress....and she could sing too. I didn't know until reading this what a horrible childhood she had. RIP Ms. Duke.
12
Not many people are aware of it, but Patty Duke received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1963 at the age of sixteen. The first program I remember liking was the Patty Duke Show, where she portrayed identical twin cousins, Patty and Cathy Lane. Here's what a great actress she was: While I thought Patty was okay, I was head-over-heels in love with Cathy.
From my blog, April 9, 2013
This is getting to be an awkward time for me, at least as far as memories are concerned. The teenage icons of my early childhood - not terribly far removed from me in terms of age - are beginning to fade into eternity. When I was a little boy they seemed eternally youthful and indestructible. They weren't, of course. They were (and are) as vulnerable as any of us in their grip on that brittle thread that binds us to this earth. Time keeps flowing like a river into the sea....Has anybody here seen my old friend Lennon?
For every one who goes before me I fear it less and less.
Tom Degan
From my blog, April 9, 2013
This is getting to be an awkward time for me, at least as far as memories are concerned. The teenage icons of my early childhood - not terribly far removed from me in terms of age - are beginning to fade into eternity. When I was a little boy they seemed eternally youthful and indestructible. They weren't, of course. They were (and are) as vulnerable as any of us in their grip on that brittle thread that binds us to this earth. Time keeps flowing like a river into the sea....Has anybody here seen my old friend Lennon?
For every one who goes before me I fear it less and less.
Tom Degan
4
Sorry, but I can't think of Patty Duke without conjuring memories of this SCTV spoof, still one of the funniest things I've ever seen
http://youtu.be/eC1QopNzpr8
http://youtu.be/eC1QopNzpr8
1
Patty Duke was someone young teens looked up to - I was one of them. At a time when TV and movie girls were narrowly drawn, she had oomph and smarts. Her movie, Billie, (1965), was panned by William Wolfe in Cue Magazine (what soon became New York Magazine). I wrote him an outraged letter, defending Patty Duke and decrying adults who put down teenagers who dared to step out of the box. He wrote back a conciliatory letter and asked me to recommend my ten favorite films from the past year. I had only seen two - A Hard Day's Night (four times) and Billie - so I never wrote him back. RIP Patty Duke!
6
RIP Patty. Your life of survival is an example to all of us....especially those of us who were victims of emotional abuse at a young age. The abuse you withstood from your family and those surrounding you at such a young age is unconscionable. Thru all your sweet spirit and love showed thru in everything you did and we are forever grateful.
7
She was a presence in my childhood, students wanted to be her and we had no idea of her suffering. She gave so much joy and pleasure. The miracle worker remains etched in my mind for her superb acting. Bless you Patty, your memory does live on and you touched us for being so real and human.
6
I can't watch the scene in the "Miracle Worker" when Helen finally puts two and two together and Annie exclaims, "She knows!" without tears welling up in my eyes. Such was the power of Ms. Bancroft's and Ms. Duke's acting. Alas, they are both gone now. But like Mr. Shandling, she departed us too soon. My condolences to family and friends.
14
Were the Rosses ever prosecuted or sued?
3
I wonder the same thing.
1
I'm glad she found her true self in her later years. Her son said she's had many medical issues which she survived, but unfortunately not this one. The age of 69 is too young to die but she had a long and successful career.
In spite of all the laws to protect child actors, she was not only robbed of her childhood but also robbed of her earnings by her agents. I still hear those younger than she complaining of having their hard earned money stolen by parents and agents. When will the laws really protect the children?
In spite of all the laws to protect child actors, she was not only robbed of her childhood but also robbed of her earnings by her agents. I still hear those younger than she complaining of having their hard earned money stolen by parents and agents. When will the laws really protect the children?
7
I was privileged to attend an annual conference "From Darkness to Sunshine" in Sarasota FL . In addition to presenting update in new mental illness research, it also had a keynote speaker who had experienced the darkness of bipolar illness or schizophrenia. That year Patti Duke gave a brilliant talk about the effects of living with her undiagnosed condition during the same years she struggled with the pressures of being a young adult celebrity. It was those pressures that , unfortunately, triggered many of her sad episodes resulting in a life out if control. She has inspired many with the personal revelations of her illness but none more than by folks, like me, who have lived with this devastating life changing illness. Thank you, Patty.
6
Ms. Duke was wonderful in all her roles and had great range. Not mentioned here is her Emmy-nominated performance as Martha Washington in the 1984 TV miniseries "George Washington." She was fantastic opposite Barry Bostwick as George. You can see it on YouTube.
5
Rest in peace, Patty. Thank you.
3
What a sad shock to read this news. She was my favourite....I recall rushing home from elementary school to watch re-runs of The Patty Duke Show. I followed her career closely and enjoyed all of her work. Ms Duke---you were unique and brave---thank you for all you gave.
2
I vividly remember seeing "Me, Natalie" in a theater when I was a young adolescent. It came out in 1969 and was an anti-Patty Duke show role. Anna played an "ugly duckling" from Brooklyn who finds herself in the Village. She was vivid as always. I have great sympathy for her family who must feel even more keenly than the rest of us that we have lost her much too soon.
6
A wonderful human being. Rest in Peace!
4
Anna, the world is a poorer place without you. Rest in peace. My condolences to her family.
6
I respect and shall remember Patty Duke as a Renaissance woman: a remarkably gifted actress, a courageous memoirist, a strong advocate for mental health and a principled president of the Screen Actors Guild.
Ms. Duke used her many outsized talents for the greater good. It is heartening and admirable that she transcended her difficult beginnings to achieve happiness and to help those who followed her. In so doing, she exemplified a life well-lived.
Sincere condolences to Ms. Duke's family, friends and admirers.
Ms. Duke used her many outsized talents for the greater good. It is heartening and admirable that she transcended her difficult beginnings to achieve happiness and to help those who followed her. In so doing, she exemplified a life well-lived.
Sincere condolences to Ms. Duke's family, friends and admirers.
41
darlin patty, i shall treasure our time at the river, and all them wild zaney times.
5
It’s not mentioned here but Patty Duke was also a successful recording artist. Her disc of “Don’t Just Stand There” reached #8 on the Billboard Hot-100 in the summer of 1965. The chart topper at the time was Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe”.
Patty followed through with three more Hot-100 entries, including the #22 charting, “Say Something Funny” in late 1965. The flip-side, “Funny Little Butterflies” also charted and was featured in the 1965 film, “Billie”, in which Patty played the lead. The film was her first feature film after “The Miracle Worker” and Patty’s role is of “a 16-year-old tomboy and high school athlete, who finds herself caught between being beating boys at sports and having a boyfriend, while her conservative father opposes women's rights in his campaign for mayor.”
The album named after her hit, “Don’t Just Stand There”, was also a success, reaching #90 on the album chart.
Her records were produced by two of the best in the business in the 60s, Don Costa and Gerry Granahan, and are still highly regarded by lovers of the 60s’ girl pop/girl group sound.
R.I.P. Patty and thanks for the music!
Patty followed through with three more Hot-100 entries, including the #22 charting, “Say Something Funny” in late 1965. The flip-side, “Funny Little Butterflies” also charted and was featured in the 1965 film, “Billie”, in which Patty played the lead. The film was her first feature film after “The Miracle Worker” and Patty’s role is of “a 16-year-old tomboy and high school athlete, who finds herself caught between being beating boys at sports and having a boyfriend, while her conservative father opposes women's rights in his campaign for mayor.”
The album named after her hit, “Don’t Just Stand There”, was also a success, reaching #90 on the album chart.
Her records were produced by two of the best in the business in the 60s, Don Costa and Gerry Granahan, and are still highly regarded by lovers of the 60s’ girl pop/girl group sound.
R.I.P. Patty and thanks for the music!
36
Who can forget watching her play Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker?" It was a simply stunning performance. She was one of the finest actors ever to grace television or the silver screen. No less amazing was her long fight with mental illness. She gave a name to "Bipolar" disorder and when she was better, she fought for others stricken with mental illness. There aren't enough superlatives in the English language to describe both her astonishing talent and her courage in facing her mental illness. She was truly one of the great ones.
28
She was brave (and relieved) to come forward with her DX. Good for her-she will be missed.
Does anyone know what she passed from?
Does anyone know what she passed from?
I thought I read that it was a ruptured intestine--in other words, not something like cancer or other disease.
"You see this can of shaving cream? If you tie this can to a doorknob and hold a match under it, in one minute do you know what happens?"
"The doorknob gets a clean shave."
And then it turns out that Patty's real name was Anna and her managers were cheating her and her father became a talking telephone. No wonder the 60s generation was disillusioned.
"The doorknob gets a clean shave."
And then it turns out that Patty's real name was Anna and her managers were cheating her and her father became a talking telephone. No wonder the 60s generation was disillusioned.
3
AS a middle-aged man growing up in an unremarkable middle-class neighborhood, I was partial to westerns and cerebral tv shows, like "Bonanza" and "Star Trek",,,isn't it funny what a soft spot I had in my heart for "The Patty Duke Show"...her sweet television persona belied a turbulent real-life upbringing. I was particularly surprised, given her struggles with abuse and mental illness, that no mention was made of her tumultuous relationship to John Astin, with whom she shared a tormented marriage...
It is often said that we spend our adulthoods trying to recover from our childhoods...Patty Duke was definitely somebody who fit that bill!....RIP, Patty...I'll never forget the joy you gave me growing up as a child watching your show.
It is often said that we spend our adulthoods trying to recover from our childhoods...Patty Duke was definitely somebody who fit that bill!....RIP, Patty...I'll never forget the joy you gave me growing up as a child watching your show.
14
Once you're gone, whatever is said makes no difference, but approaching the time when reason tells me the it won't be long before the bell tolls I just wish everyone got to make it through enough decades to settle things, with at least the last one being pain free.
I have pretty much resolved most of the discord felt through my earlier life and think that is due entirely to simply being around long enough to have, and taken advantage of, the time that didn't seem to exist earlier.
She struck me as a decent person and a talented actor who certainly brought me more than a few smiles.
it appears she found the time, resolved the issues and passed this vale at peace with herself.
I have pretty much resolved most of the discord felt through my earlier life and think that is due entirely to simply being around long enough to have, and taken advantage of, the time that didn't seem to exist earlier.
She struck me as a decent person and a talented actor who certainly brought me more than a few smiles.
it appears she found the time, resolved the issues and passed this vale at peace with herself.
11
You're a good and understanding man. I wish for you peace and comfort in the end, sir.
First introduced to Patty Duke through the Patty Duke show, as a 10 year old, her performance in the film version of the Miracle Worker is the yardstick by which to measure all child actor performances. I've yet to see a better one, and I still cry watching that movie after all of these years.
13
"But Patty likes to rock and roll, a hot dog makes her lose control...."
Miss you already, Patty Duke.
Miss you already, Patty Duke.
11
Patty Duke had a great talent,like many others who suffer from bipolar disease.
Thank goodness she found her calling early in life. May her many masterful pieces ofwork speak for themselves. She gave meaning to the suffering of all those whose handicaps in life don't define their existence.
Thank goodness she found her calling early in life. May her many masterful pieces ofwork speak for themselves. She gave meaning to the suffering of all those whose handicaps in life don't define their existence.
8
So MANY of the people we grew up with,David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Gary Shandling, are passing away.
10
I watched the Patty Duke Show every week growing up....I thought she was an incredible actress and way before her time....so real . After reading her biography many years ago...I always thought the part of Neely O"Hara in the movie The Valley of the Dolls was art imitating life with regard to her struggles.
RIP Anna (Patty) you were quite an impact.,., especially with the Boomers
.
RIP Anna (Patty) you were quite an impact.,., especially with the Boomers
.
9
Pleased to see that Patty Duke was part of the childhood of so many commentators. She was part of mine. When I heard her TV show was using teenage extras in the cafeteria and crowd scenes I dreamed of finding a way to get on and break-in to show business. The closest I got was meeting Mary (whose last name I've forgotten), an African American actress who I believe was first person of color to integrate the show if only by appearing in the background. (That was a big deal then.) Yes seeing the obit today really caught me up short. Before seeing her name in print was a reminder of youthful ambition. But from now on pending mortality I guess. RIP Patty.
11
As a kid I was probably still watching re-runs of the Patty Duke when I saw her in "You'll like my mother" in 1972. It was a creepy movie with both her and Richard Thomas (John Boy Walton) playing strongly against their best known characters. She blew me away. Much later, I saw "Valley of the Dolls" and "Helen Keller" and realized her depth relative to the vapid Patty Duke Show, which I found dated and cloying even as a youngster in the late 60's/early 70's. Luckily, she loved long enough to overcome her demons.
4
Thanks, my dear old friend for sharing your gifts with us..
4
I'm reminded of Dylan's lines: "You never
turned around to see the frowns on the
jugglers and clowns when they all did
tricks for you". I remember how I loved
her silly sitcom and now I just feel bad
that it was brought to us through pain
and exploitation. I'm glad she achieved,
through her courage and talents,
a sort of peace and satisfaction in her
later years.
turned around to see the frowns on the
jugglers and clowns when they all did
tricks for you". I remember how I loved
her silly sitcom and now I just feel bad
that it was brought to us through pain
and exploitation. I'm glad she achieved,
through her courage and talents,
a sort of peace and satisfaction in her
later years.
15
As a child, I was required to watch the film 'Miracle Worker', by my family and shortly thereafter, I was introduced to a blind friend.
He was studying for his Masters at Columbia University and became a seminal part of my early life
Miss Duke was a great human being, and her acting as Hellen Keller and her actual life story now reminds me of a great lesson that changed my life forever. That lesson was that we are all Human Beings no matter how temporarily able bodied we might be and no matter how frail we might ultimately be in body and soul.
Patty Duke ultimately was in and of herself... a 'Miracle Worker', whose flawless acting skills transcended communities, time and suffering.
Please rest in peace with the great actors and actresses of human history, and know that you contributed much light and wisdom to one little child... and many many, others.
He was studying for his Masters at Columbia University and became a seminal part of my early life
Miss Duke was a great human being, and her acting as Hellen Keller and her actual life story now reminds me of a great lesson that changed my life forever. That lesson was that we are all Human Beings no matter how temporarily able bodied we might be and no matter how frail we might ultimately be in body and soul.
Patty Duke ultimately was in and of herself... a 'Miracle Worker', whose flawless acting skills transcended communities, time and suffering.
Please rest in peace with the great actors and actresses of human history, and know that you contributed much light and wisdom to one little child... and many many, others.
14
I discovered Patty Duke in reruns on Nick at Nite in the late 1980s when I was in high school, and of all of the nostalgia sitcoms they ran, the Patty Duke Show was the liveliest, funniest and most relatable to me. I was absolutely in love with her and the show was truly my happy place, though I wouldn't admit it at the time.
I then saw the TV movie she made about her tough life and read the book. I was sad and felt bad about her struggles but was inspired by her resilience. I was very sad that she didn't think highly of the Patty Duke Show because I really thought it was a great show and brought me a lot of joy.
In her later years I followed Patty on Twitter and loved the fact that she was able to start seeing the big picture of her contributions. I told her how important her show was to me and how I now share it with my daughter and she retweeted and thanked me, made me so happy.
Then just last year Patty made a guest appearance on a Disney Channel sitcom my daughter watches called Liv and Maddie, and we watched it together.
She was an amazing person and my daughter and I are both sad today. Heaven took "Anna" too soon, we will miss you.
I then saw the TV movie she made about her tough life and read the book. I was sad and felt bad about her struggles but was inspired by her resilience. I was very sad that she didn't think highly of the Patty Duke Show because I really thought it was a great show and brought me a lot of joy.
In her later years I followed Patty on Twitter and loved the fact that she was able to start seeing the big picture of her contributions. I told her how important her show was to me and how I now share it with my daughter and she retweeted and thanked me, made me so happy.
Then just last year Patty made a guest appearance on a Disney Channel sitcom my daughter watches called Liv and Maddie, and we watched it together.
She was an amazing person and my daughter and I are both sad today. Heaven took "Anna" too soon, we will miss you.
13
'From Zanzibar to Barkly Square', millions of us will miss Patty Duke.
11
RIP Anna. God called you because Anne Bancroft was getting lonely. Right now, I bet the two of you are are reliving scenes from "The Miracle Worker".
5
A great actor. Loved her in everything: The Miracle Worker, the sublime Patty Duke Show, Call Me Anna, Valley of the Dolls....
She was underrated.
Will miss her very much.
Condolences to her family.
She was underrated.
Will miss her very much.
Condolences to her family.
8
PATTY DUKE, THE YOUNGEST ACTOR TO WIN AN ACADEMY AWARD . . .
...for her portrayal of Helen Keller in the film, "The Miracle Worker," reprising her stage performance ... was followed with mediocre TV shows and appearances.
A longtime sufferer from bipolar illness ... she went on to spend much of her time in an attempt to make people aware of the seriousness of mental illness and attempt to remove the stigma ... and educate those with bipolar and other psychopathologies to seek newly available and viable treatments.
I saw and met her with Dick Cavett (who also has had to deal with disabling clinical depression on the old "Sally Jessy Rafael Show." She used her serious medical problem to help others.
In the end, it will be her helping those with mental illness that will trump her acting career in courage and importance.
R. I. P.
...for her portrayal of Helen Keller in the film, "The Miracle Worker," reprising her stage performance ... was followed with mediocre TV shows and appearances.
A longtime sufferer from bipolar illness ... she went on to spend much of her time in an attempt to make people aware of the seriousness of mental illness and attempt to remove the stigma ... and educate those with bipolar and other psychopathologies to seek newly available and viable treatments.
I saw and met her with Dick Cavett (who also has had to deal with disabling clinical depression on the old "Sally Jessy Rafael Show." She used her serious medical problem to help others.
In the end, it will be her helping those with mental illness that will trump her acting career in courage and importance.
R. I. P.
25
I am very saddened to hear the news of Anna's (aka Patty Duke) death. As a member of her generation I feel like I've lost an old friend. I was aware of her many struggles for some time, and her bravery and courage to write about such intimate and horrific details of her life, only made me admire her more.
Rest in peace, Anna. Maybe you can catch up with Anne Bancroft once again.
Thank you for all you gave us, and condolences to your loved ones. There is a hole in my heart today. Rest well in peace.
Rest in peace, Anna. Maybe you can catch up with Anne Bancroft once again.
Thank you for all you gave us, and condolences to your loved ones. There is a hole in my heart today. Rest well in peace.
13
As a kid I really enjoyed the light humor of her TV series. She had quite a life and reading about her challenges we come away impressed with her determination.
5
One thing I noticed about the Patty Duke Show in watching a few episodes recently is how much forethought must have gone into the filming. Since there was one actress portraying two people in numerous scenes, often involving a double who's shot from the back during an exchange, every angle must have been mapped out precisely before shooting. Since there were numerous intercuts in a scene, it must have been a truly excruciating process. Its a tribute to everyone involved that they were able to pull this off so seamlessly, and on a weekly basis.
20
An eloquent, intensely honest person who met her demons face to face and vanquished them. A brilliant, intuitive actress who could do anything and gave her all to every project, no matter how large or small. A down-to-earth celebrity who always had time for her fans.
She may no longer be with us, but her spirit will never die. Thanks for everything, Patty (Anna).
She may no longer be with us, but her spirit will never die. Thanks for everything, Patty (Anna).
20
I loved school but I LOVED staying home sick watching The Carol Burnett Show, The Newlywed Game, and The Patty Duke Show. My love of Anne Bancroft led me to The Miracle Worker; Patty Duke was amazing as Helen Keller. Her work with mental illness was important and before its time. My sympathies to her family.
11
I had the good fortune to interview Patty Duke many years and another career ago. To this day, I see her beautiful, intense face, her genuineness, and her earnest smile -- and I smile. She was something special, on screen and off. And yes, I confess, I did love "The Patty Duke Show" (I still see myself in Patty of the identical cousins).
14
I was so saddened to hear of patty duke's passing. As a young girl who realized early on I was attracted to women, to me, Patty Duke was all I ever wanted in a date. I didn't know that at the time, but I read every teen magazine I could get my hands on. Her portrayal of Patty Perfect on TV belied her sadness in real life.
Please rest easy and know you were loved.
Please rest easy and know you were loved.
6
You might be interested to know that Ms. Duke portrayed a lesbian in the 1981 feature film "By Design," which was abut a lesbian couple who want to have a child. It wasn't a great movie but was quite pioneering for its time, coming out a few years before "The Hunger" and John Sayles's "Lianna."
2
What was especially crazy was that, for no apparently good reason, "The Patty Duke Show" was set in Brooklyn Heights, which had as much resemblance to that neighborhood as Archie's Riverdale did to the Bronx.
5
Archie lived in Queens
God bless Anna Pearce. I'll never forget her phenomenal performance as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker. A star on earth and now one in the firmament! Rest in Peace.
22
I had the pleasure of writing "A Brilliant Madness" with Anna (I never called her Patty) and getting to know this intelligent, sensitive woman who thought, before it became common to reveal personal "secrets," that telling hers would help others with bipolar illness. She was thrilled with the countless letters we received after the book was published, thanking us for making a difference in their lives and relationships. Anna was candid about her difficult growing-up years, but was so grateful for the mutual love of her husband, Mike Pearce, of her sons, Sean and Mack, and the son she and Mike adopted just a year before we started to work on the book. My condolences to Anna's family. You meant everything to her.
119
I understand she hated, "The Patty Duke Show", but I Ioved it. Pure escapism. Nothing wrong with that once in a while.
10
Children are so vulnerable. For supposed 'grown-ups' to take advantage of a child at such a young age is criminal. I experienced it. And I'm still working my way through it at 64.
Anna, you can rest now. And know that you helped the lives of countless people. My condolences to your family.
Anna, you can rest now. And know that you helped the lives of countless people. My condolences to your family.
8
I had the privilege of speaking with her on the phone in the 1970s when she had called my boss. I was utterly stunned that this extraordinary actress, an Academy Award winner, would speak to me as if I were a human being, relevant, and interesting. To this day, she, Martin Sheen and Walter Cronkite were the most famous people I had ever met or spoken with and who were all decent, accessible, kind people.
Her performance in The Miracle Worker is unmatched. Ever. By anyone. Then I saw her most recently on an episode (rerun) of Judging Amy as a foster mother who has developed Alzheimer's. She brought to that role the same depth, reality and complexity as she did in "Worker."
Such a talent. And such an incredibly nice and decent woman, one who had genuine interest in the rest of the world, other people and their lives... not the usual self-engrossed talentless folks in Hollywood today.
May she know peace and heartfelt condolences to her friends and family. What a loss.
Her performance in The Miracle Worker is unmatched. Ever. By anyone. Then I saw her most recently on an episode (rerun) of Judging Amy as a foster mother who has developed Alzheimer's. She brought to that role the same depth, reality and complexity as she did in "Worker."
Such a talent. And such an incredibly nice and decent woman, one who had genuine interest in the rest of the world, other people and their lives... not the usual self-engrossed talentless folks in Hollywood today.
May she know peace and heartfelt condolences to her friends and family. What a loss.
15
I can virtually assure you, the fight scene between and Anne Bancroft was more choreographed than ad-libbed. It would have been too dangerous and Actors Equity requires daily rehearsals of fight scenes.
both suffered bruises, various injuries during the run. and, no, it was mostly free form
2
She was a great joy to watch. Sympathy and gratitude to her family for the many gifts she left us all.
5
I am usually a pretty tough guy,but that clip from "The Miracle Worker" had me blubbering like a infant,and its all the more poignant bring aware of her difficult childhood. The rage that she portrayed on the stage and screen was not acting,but real. A truly great professional, actor and human being. My condolences to her family and friends. R.I.P. Anna.
13
It's possible to be tough and deeply empathetic at the same time. In fact, to be totally one or the other would render you incapable of any genuine feeling. To express feeling is perhaps the most human quality there is.
5
RIP. Here is my Patty Duke Show anecdote: The song outlined 2 people, cousins. And at the point in the song where she and her cousin are doing a mimed mirror routine, the words say, "But they're cousins, identical cousins..." and I was 10 years old. The mirror girls looked unfamiliar, and I thought the words were, "But their cousins, identical cousins..." and I waited 2 years for "Their cousins" to appear in an episode.
I also thought I had to wear a dime which buys the most, if I ever wanted to attend Palisades Amusement Park. I'm trying to think where my parents were. Oh. Now I remember.
I also thought I had to wear a dime which buys the most, if I ever wanted to attend Palisades Amusement Park. I'm trying to think where my parents were. Oh. Now I remember.
1
I was young enough to absorb in the 70's Patty Duke's talent. During the 70's, the Patty Duke Show was played often in my household, and when Patty did a couple movies I followed her career as well. She was a very fine actress, pure raw talent. However, I was disappointed that she retired from the film industry for the entirety of the rest of her life. But I will say, with her passing she really made her mark in the world, not only with being an actress but in her life as well. She will now be included with the many other great legends of talent who too have transitioned before her, for her to use her talent to help other souls coming to her earth, ready to pick up from where she left off.
5
A exceptional actress.
And extra-ordinary person.
And extra-ordinary person.
14
I remember seeing Patty Duke interviewed on television maybe twenty or thirty years ago. I immediately had the impression that she was a very warm person, as her personal warmth seemed to almost literally come through the TV screen. I had never seen anything like that before, or since. If Anna in real life was one-tenth as warm as I perceived her to be during that interview, those who loved her and were loved by her were very fortunate indeed.
19
I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Duke a couple of years ago in Hawaii, where she was performing in a play as a theater benefit. She was gracious and funny, and came well prepared for her role, in contrast to another well-known actor who came out here for a similar gig and went out on stage carrying the script. She modestly gave credit to actors like Olivier and Burton for teaching her the craft, and talked openly about her bipolar condition as well. It felt great to tell her that her show was the first one that I consciously remember watching as a kid, and she was very humble about that.
21
My cousin also died from colon leakage. She suffered from Parkinson's and the doctor said there were "many" non-diluted pills in her system which literally ate her colon and filled it with holes.
My friend also discovered her colon was retaining undiluted vitamins when she was x-rayed for a different reason. She stopped taking cheap tablets bought at drug stores after she learned that they are filled with fillers and packed into a tablet at 2000 degrees pressure.
Please learn from their misfortunes and try to take liquids only whenever possible. Or capsules regarding vitamins if no liquid is available. It could save your life.
My friend also discovered her colon was retaining undiluted vitamins when she was x-rayed for a different reason. She stopped taking cheap tablets bought at drug stores after she learned that they are filled with fillers and packed into a tablet at 2000 degrees pressure.
Please learn from their misfortunes and try to take liquids only whenever possible. Or capsules regarding vitamins if no liquid is available. It could save your life.
14
I will remember her as a classy actress and a TV/Movie icon. In spite, of her many struggles she always gave an emotional authentic performance that was priceless. Hope the public will never forget she was one of the best American actress of the our times. Acting was truly her gift. It saddens me she died so young, same age as my mother. We must never forget her phenomenal contribution to American television and cinema. Also, her unforgettable role in, "Valley of the Dolls".
4
More than her acting, the gift she gave me was her book, A Brilliant Madness. She imparted hope, something that at that time was difficult for me to find.
2
- To have delivered a performance for the ages at age eight and inspire so many by coming to terms with a life of pain - may the saints and the poets welcome her with open arms, as we mourn her passing and honor her sacrifices- a miracle worker indeed.
30
May you rest in peace, Anna.
20
She was a big part of my growing up. I've always admired her determination and talent. Just watching the clip of The Miracle Worker brought me to tears. I'm sorry she's left us so soon.
15
At 12 days younger than Patty Duke, I was as smitten by the girl I saw on-screen as I had been a few years earlier by the "older woman" of my dreams, Mouseketeer Annette Funicello. While at the Iowa state championship basketball tournament in Des Moines in 1964, I met a girl from Kansas City who was the spitting image of Patty Duke, and I told her so. She smiled and thanked me and said she couldn't see the resemblance. We played elevator tag for more than an hour in a department store in downtown Des Moines, the first time I had ever seen one outside the movies. At one point she told me she overheard a counter clerk say, "Those kids just went by here a few minutes ago." And we laughed and headed for next bank of magic stairs. We were pen pals for nearly a year before our lives diverged completely. Though her name is long forgotten, her face, a beautiful 16-year-old girl, is still clear.
A wonderful, innocent, and oh-too-brief teenage romance, thanks to Patty Duke.
May you rest in peace, pretty lady.
A wonderful, innocent, and oh-too-brief teenage romance, thanks to Patty Duke.
May you rest in peace, pretty lady.
14
Rest in Peace Anna, Hope we meet in Heaven!
5
(“Where Cathy adores a minuet,/The Ballets Russes, and crêpes suzette,/Our Patty loves to rock and roll,/A hot dog makes her lose control;/What a wild duet!”)
----------------------
Along with Murray the K on the radio, and Tooty and Muldoon ("Car 54, where are yooouuu?") and the 1964 World's Fair, things were wonderful then for a pre-teen in the Jersey suburbs. Before Vietnam.
----------------------
Along with Murray the K on the radio, and Tooty and Muldoon ("Car 54, where are yooouuu?") and the 1964 World's Fair, things were wonderful then for a pre-teen in the Jersey suburbs. Before Vietnam.
20
sean, very sorry for your loss. you were a good young man, and you're a good man, plain and simple. still, she was your mom. deep condolences to you.
12
As powerful as the clip from the Miracle Worker remains, seeing it live in the theater was even more astonishing as was the 10 minute fight scene. The performances of Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft remain vivid in my memory after almost 60 years. And Patty Duke was only 12 years old at the time of the stage production!
The obituary makes only passing reference to her service as President of the Screen Actors Guild. That was another outstanding accomplishment of this lovely woman who has died to young.
The obituary makes only passing reference to her service as President of the Screen Actors Guild. That was another outstanding accomplishment of this lovely woman who has died to young.
26
NY Times obituaries are usually the most well done, this is no exception. I am sad all the more to hear of Patty Duke's passing, in light of how much I learned her about her personal struggles.
22
RIP and condolences to your family. Thank you for being Patty Duke the talented actress to Hollywood, and Anna a real person to your fans whom you reached out to and inspired through their own endeavors and bad times.
22
She died too soon. I admire her for using her own painful experiences with bi-polar disorder to raise awareness and acceptance of this terrible illness.
RIP, Anna Pearce.
RIP, Anna Pearce.
34
I am only a couple of years younger than Patty Duke. So, she was one of my earliest celebrity crushes, along with Sally Field. It was so fun to watch her grow up as I did. She also was one of the first actors that made me understand that the on screen character was NOT the real person. Thank you for beautiful memories.
11
Farewell to another Boomer icon. I loved the Patty Duke show, and remember clearly watching The Miracle Worker so long ago now. Her death turns yet another page for those of us from that era who must accept the unsettling truth that we are getting old. Thank you and fond memories to Patty Duke.
35
Correction - Boomers are old, which makes the candidates in this election even more disturbing. Where are all the 40 - 50 year olds, especially on the Democratic side? After Obama I thought I'd have to get used to voting for people younger than me.
1
Anna Pearce aka Patty Duke Astin has always been one of my personal heroes. to have been used to horribly during her childhood, followed by the mental hospitalizations and undiagnosed (for a long period) bi-polar illness, she showed an amazing toughness of spirit and love of life. I am so happy that it sounds like the last year of her life were filled with joy and love. I hope her managers went to jail, and I hope their personal possessions and wages were garnished to pay Anna back the money and, temporarily, the joy they stole from her.
30
An example of how women are so marginalized and compartmanilized it becomes impossible to live in the facade. Women must be freed. Another reason I support Hillary Clinton for president.
10
What an odd memorial. Patty and Hillary in the same sentence is offensive. Patty Duke was so much more.
4
Agreed! I also posted a comment that her remark was off-topic & completely inappropriate, but it wasn't published.
1
True enough, politics should not intrude here, but could some of you stop hating on Hillary even for a moment?
2
My mother brought me to see The Miracle Worker with Patty as Helen Keller when the show came to Chicago. We sat up close and I can still remember hearing the thuds on the wooden stage when was thrown to the floor in the fight scene. I was young, too, and that made a great impression on me. I followed her career somewhat over the years, always with interest and affection. I was happy to read this article and learn that she did outlive her demons and, in the process, was helpful to many others. Rest in Peace, dear brave soul----you did good--very good!!
11
Very sad. I saw her on stage in the Miracle Worker. It was a 5th grade class trip and my first Broadway play.
5
R.I.P. Anna Pearce. You were a fantastic actress and a superb woman. I adored The Patty Duke Show, cried over Helen Keller, and had a pretty serious 80's crush on your son Sean. You overcame a terrible upbringing and brought light to so many important causes. I will miss you.
7
Rest in peace, Anna Pearce. There are many people who cared about you even when you were out of sight.
9
Wow. What happened to the Rosses. Were they tried and jailed?
And makes you realize that there are a lot of kids out there in the clutches of Rosses who were not so gifted as Anna Pearce so who may not have survived.
And makes you realize that there are a lot of kids out there in the clutches of Rosses who were not so gifted as Anna Pearce so who may not have survived.
9
When I was a medical student I met a young recently diagnosed bipolar inpatient who was despondent about his new no-so-bright future. I had recently read Patty Duke's autobiography and when I told him that she shared his brain disease it gave him the first hope he had felt since receiving his diagnosis. Though I will always remember Neely O'Hara and the cousins, it is the hope that she has given others by sharing her amazing life story that most touches my heart.
17
Meet Cathy whose lived most everywhere
From Zanzibar to Barclay Square
But Pattys only seen the the sights
A girl can see from Brooklyn Heights
What a crazy pair.....
As a very young kid I had no idea the same person played this dual role.
Well done, Ms. Duke and the scrambled egg scene from the Miracle Worker is emblazoned in my memory forever.
From Zanzibar to Barclay Square
But Pattys only seen the the sights
A girl can see from Brooklyn Heights
What a crazy pair.....
As a very young kid I had no idea the same person played this dual role.
Well done, Ms. Duke and the scrambled egg scene from the Miracle Worker is emblazoned in my memory forever.
4
I loved her in all I saw. Had no idea what she was going through personally. A rock apparently. Sad to learn she is no longer here. RIP.
5
"Call Me Anna" is my favorite celebrity autobiography of all-time. Riveting.
9
It seems that the most brilliant talents often come inside persons suffering from depression.
She was a tremulously fragile actress whose very being was empathy and expression with her characters.
I adored her.
She was a tremulously fragile actress whose very being was empathy and expression with her characters.
I adored her.
13
Heartbreaking news..........She was a great actor, transfixing her audience over and over. Her performances never fade or age. She had grace and guts and was the real deal. I will so miss her presence on this planet earth. Rest in peace...........
10
What a loss to the world on so many levels! Besides her great talent, Patty Duke -- whom I'll try to think of as Anna Pearce -- was one of the first celebrities to openly discuss her experiences with bipolar disorder at a time when no one was talking about mental illness. We must not forget what a huge step that was -- she risked her career and saved many lives by sharing her story.
8
Tears. I so adored her in the roles she played.
9
RIP Patty Duke.
A wonderful actress.
She fought the good fight for people who suffered from mental illness.
Saw her in both versions of "The Miracle Worker."
And I admit it. I am 68 and I really liked watching "The Patty Duke Show."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQTqKcojrVY
I think I liked the "British Cathy" better. Then again I was kind of a nerd.
Condolences to her family.
A wonderful actress.
She fought the good fight for people who suffered from mental illness.
Saw her in both versions of "The Miracle Worker."
And I admit it. I am 68 and I really liked watching "The Patty Duke Show."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQTqKcojrVY
I think I liked the "British Cathy" better. Then again I was kind of a nerd.
Condolences to her family.
9
When I was growing up in the 60's her show was "must see TV" for me. That's because she was a teenager and Patty is ten years older than I am, so as a kid I thought those teenage years were so cool. Even remember I had to be home to watch all five days when she was a co-host on The Mike Douglas Show. She was brave to share in her book what being bi-polar was before people knew as much about it, like we do now.
6
Such sadness. I loved her from seeing her as Helen Keller. I watch the film over the years and am never amazed at how powerful the water pump scene is. It's both the actresses making moving choices, but the metaphor of coming alive from being blind, deaf, mute. Just as if when you think back on your own first memories and, all of a sudden, it all made sense. And then there was all the other stuff she survived and became, as she always was, the wonderful actress she was meant to be. And her advocacy on the part of mental illness and sexual abuse and god knows what else. Bless her soul.
3
I absolutely adored her when I was a child. I remember saving a copy of the TV Guide with her on the cover, radiant as confetti streamed down. She looked so happy. Little did I know.
There's a wonderful TV movie called "Always Remember That I Love You," in which she plays a woman whose oldest son is kidnapped and put up for adoption as a toddler. As a teenager (played by the excellent Stephen Dorff), he finds his birth family one Christmas but doesn't tell them who he is. It's worth watching this film just for her final scene in it. She was a brilliant actress.
There's a wonderful TV movie called "Always Remember That I Love You," in which she plays a woman whose oldest son is kidnapped and put up for adoption as a toddler. As a teenager (played by the excellent Stephen Dorff), he finds his birth family one Christmas but doesn't tell them who he is. It's worth watching this film just for her final scene in it. She was a brilliant actress.
7
One of the great movie scenes ever.
7
Picasso said, "Art is not the truth. Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth." I can't think of a performance that better illustrates his point than Patty Duke's inspired interpretation of Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker. If she had never had another role in her life, that alone would have been enough to secure her place in cinematic history. RIP and thank you!
6
"Valley of the Dolls" was one of the movies which most impressed my teenage years, and in it particularly Neely O'Hara. RIP Patty!
3
Sorry to see her go...She was a fine, yet complicated actress, and was no better than when she did her work in the "Miracle Worker!" However, didn't the equally talented, Patty McCormack, star as, Helen Keller, in the actual, original Broadway production of the "Miracle Worker"?!
2
Patty McCormack played Rhoda in The Bad Seed on Broadway and again in the the film. A fine performance, but not at all comparable to Patty Duke's Helen Keller
I checked on that; Patty McCormack starred in a 1957 TV production; Patty Duke was the 1959 Broadway star.
1
this is sad, what a lot of spirt in young girl, and she kept getting back up.
8
Was in second grade when Patty Duke's show was on. Her show really did light up my horrible childhood for a time. Also empathized with her mental issues. Haven't thought about Patty Duke for a while now, but it still hurts to say goodbye to someone who made a real difference. May you rest in peace Patty!
9
Just a few years ago, when Ms. Duke was appearing in the national tour of Wicked in San Francisco, I had the opportunity to speak to the cast and crew pre-show about the programs available to them through The Actors Fund (it was an Actors Fund Special Performance). While the company is not obligated to attend this meeting, Ms. Duke was the first one on stage in support (and when I asked if she'd done any Actors Fund performance said "yes, Miracle Worker!"). Instead of standing with her company she stood with me and spoke to everyone about the importance of this work. A highlight for me, certainly, and just lovely. She was a mensch. Condolences to the family.
9
I struggled with serious depression years ago. I have always been so impressed by Duke's openness and honesty about her own struggles and her work for mental health issues.
Also, she is to be commended for raising two steady, intelligent and thoughtful sons, actors Sean Astin and McKenzie Astin.
Very sad to hear the news.
Also, she is to be commended for raising two steady, intelligent and thoughtful sons, actors Sean Astin and McKenzie Astin.
Very sad to hear the news.
7
As she spoke out about being bi-polar, I think she would want us to use the word Sepsis and not hide it as complications. Sepsis kills and we need to know more about it. I had never heard of it until it almost killed me last year.
16
Today, I am saddened to hear about Patty Duke's death. Truly.
Her natural talent was raw and so apparent in each of her roles.
Her triumph over Bi Polar Disorder is such a message of hope to
those afflicted with this serious mental disorder. She was a champion
that carried the message and helped so many.
I am gladdened to hear that she found love and family in her marriage
and that she overcame a very difficult and lonely childhood is a testament
to this incredible woman. She will be missed by her admiring public and
her loved ones. She was special and courageous.
Her natural talent was raw and so apparent in each of her roles.
Her triumph over Bi Polar Disorder is such a message of hope to
those afflicted with this serious mental disorder. She was a champion
that carried the message and helped so many.
I am gladdened to hear that she found love and family in her marriage
and that she overcame a very difficult and lonely childhood is a testament
to this incredible woman. She will be missed by her admiring public and
her loved ones. She was special and courageous.
16
This is so sad. I enjoyed The Patty Duke Show and her movies, "Billie" and "Valley of the Dolls." Who can forget her lines, "Boobies!" and "Neely O'Hara!" - well they don't resonate on the page, you have to hear her say them. RIP Anna Marie.
I must admit when I saw Sally Field on the cover of the paper last weekend, I at first thought Gidget had died! I'm happy she is still with us.
I must admit when I saw Sally Field on the cover of the paper last weekend, I at first thought Gidget had died! I'm happy she is still with us.
3
She was a fine actress. But I'll remember her most -- and most gratefully -- for her courage.
9
Thanks for the memories Anna. My older siblings were all James Dean and Natalie Wood. For me there was you whose life and roles made you seem to be nothing less than a classmate just trying to figure it all out like everyone else.
22
That movie excerpt would bring tears to a rock.
60
My sister loved her show back in the day. Of course, I always dismissed it as a 'girl's show,' certainly beneath the dignity of an older brother. But reading this now, fifty years later, makes me realize, this was truly a great American.
30
The Patty Duke Show was mandatory watching for me when it originally aired on ABC. I remember being present when Ms. Duke lead early on an AIDS march in Los Angeles she was a powerful presence.
Another beloved on this day has transcended.
Another beloved on this day has transcended.
33
Two words: Neely O'Hara.
12
I rarely tear up at the news of a celebrity death, but this has me choked up. Her performance in "The Miracle Worker" was itself a miracle. It was only years later that we could see where that depth of emotion came from. Simply amazing. Loved her tv show and was always happy to see her, and I'm glad to see that there are a few more films of hers that I haven't seen yet. I'll look for them.
Mostly, I'm glad she found genuine love and happiness with her final marriage and family. Thank you, Patty Duke or Anna Pearce, either way.
Mostly, I'm glad she found genuine love and happiness with her final marriage and family. Thank you, Patty Duke or Anna Pearce, either way.
100
I grew up watching her play "The Cousins" never knowing how tortored her life really was. One would hope her story has helped make changes in Hollywood, but I can only imagine her shaking her head after seeing the self destructive behavior of former Disney stars.
May Anna rest in peace.
May Anna rest in peace.
24
Such an amazing person, feeling very sad and nostalgic at the same time. This month has seen too many of the good folks passing on, particularly in this grotesque age of the "Hardcashians" et al.
30
Very sad news. A few years ago I caught a long interview with her about bipolar disorder on our local public station. It was one of the most honest and moving discussions of this malady that I've seen. She thanked her husband for his steadfast loyalty in helping her live. Reading now about her early life, I can't help wonder if she might have had a very different existence without abusive parenting from four dysfunctional people. My sympathies to her husband and closest loved ones. She is a heroine of mine both on and off the stage.
83
Martha Washington will always be played by Patty Duke in my imagination.
19
Amen!
11
Very sorry to hear this. My condolences to her husband and her children. "The Patty Duke Show" was one of my favorite shows as a kid. Although I was very young when it started, and it took me a long time to figure out that Patty and Cathy were one and the same person! I can still hear her calling her stage father "Poppo".
RIP.
RIP.
18
I saw her and Ann Bancroft in the Miracle Worker and it was powerful and wonderful. I have been in awe of Patty Duke ever since and am saddened to learn of her death so young.
28
You saw it on Broadway? That must have been a wonderful experience for you. I loved the movie, they were both brilliant. But to see them on the stage together....wow!!
1
She was one of the brightest lights of the '60s. "The Miracle Worker" gave me my first glimpse of how strong films could convey social commentary. The Patty Duke Show was at must see on Monday nights at our house where Cathy game me an introduction to the "better life." Having a daughter who is bipolar and being diagnosed myself in my fifties, sharing her illness at that early date must have taking remarkable courage and character. An incredible spirit and talent; tragic to have died at such a young age. I truly hope she found peace in her last marriage.
26
"... Patty's only seen the sights a girl can see from Brooklyn Heights!"
16
Reading of her passing brought tears to my eyes. Her portrayal of Helen Keller was as powerful an acting performance as I have ever experienced. She has my deepest respect for all that she has lived through, survived and accomplished.
35
It's good to see her obit as the lead on the Arts section, where it belongs. When given the opportunity, she was a superb actress, even in sub-par material. Also, apparently, a very gracious person. Some years ago I toured the Keller home in Tuscumbia, Alabama, and the guide said Ms. Duke had visited several times and was a lovely lady. RIP Anna Marie Duke Pearce.
29
The Patty Duke Show was before my time but I used to watch it as a teenager on Nick at Nite. I loved that show and Ms Duke. It's sad that so many people who should have loved and protected her as a child took advantage of it. But I'm glad she later found happiness and her own voice. May she RIP and may her family find some solace in the fact she brought so many people happiness.
25
RIP and thanks to Patty Duke. She was a tireless soldier in the fight for recognition of mental health issues.
28
As a young actor I worked with Anna. Her fierce talent, joyous spirit, and kindness belied her difficult past. She offered advice freely and treated me as an equal even though her lustrous career would have justified a haughty demeanor. Those few weeks remain a bright spot in my career. I'll remember her always and am honored to have known her first hand. Today my heart is with Mike and her sons.
98
Such a huge loss for so many. The depth of Ms. Duke's talent, the richness of her performances, in particular that of Helen Keller, and her skilled abilities to successfully navigate through such painful and personal issues only made her acting all the more compelling and rewarding. She was brilliant and so underrated and unappreciated. Sincere condolences to her family, especially her very talented son, Sean, and to her many fans.
28
So sad to read of her passing so young, but even sadder to read of the traumas she endured at the hands of those who knew better. It would help to have laws protecting children from the entertainment industry even now. but at least now she can rest from the demons inflicted upon her.
18
Is it possible to watch that Miracle Worker clip without crying?
20
A little sunshine dissolved leaving empty my windowell. Patty Duke was a monumental talent moulded by depression era agents who probably viewed exploitation as a just end accomplished by any means. Bipolar magnifies the emotions, bringing richness and depth to the actor's portrayal. May the love Patty brought to so many go with her to a peaceful, grace-filled departing.
29
I was shocked to hear about it. Her family lived across the street on 31 st. I have followed her career with interest. I can't believe she is gone. She was a great actress. I'm glad that she finally found a happy life.
24
can't believe she died. Boy, was she famous and a great, actress
9
So sad to read this news. I feel like I've lost a family member I hadn't seen in years, but the memory of whom always brings a smile and a touch of joy to the heart. Thanks for all the fun you brought us, Patty. Rest in peace.
19
So sad to read this. I grew up watching her perform in film and on television. She was a very talented lady.
12
This is so sad. As a boy, I adored Patty Duke. I remember seeing her film performance in "The Miracle Worker," being totally amazing at her performance and thrilled when she won the Oscar. "The Patty Duke Show" was must-see TV at my house. It was difficult to read about the troubles she endured mid-life, but her eventual diagnosis of bi-polar disorder provided some clarity to her behavior and allowed her to, once again, achieve at her chosen profession - one which brought joy to her many admirers, like me.
17
This is so sad. Patty Duke was a wonderful actress, but unfortunately some of her best performances haven't been available for viewing in years. "The Miracle Worker" isn't even available in a decent home video edition. Maybe now someone will once again make "Me, Natalie," "My Sweet Charlie" and others available so that Ms. Duke work can be seen and appreciated and she can be remembered for the incredible actress that she was.
22
so very sad, indeed... may she always continue to *sparkle*, Patty... *sparkle*
8
I couldn't decide if I were Patty or Cathy, but I do know Patty Duke was the greatest American teenager. With her passing, a whole generation is in nostalgic morning for this American icon of youth, spirit, and opportunism.
10
This was my first draft. I meant "mourning" and "optimism."
5
We're probably in nostalgic morning too!
2
Anna is no longer gone.
3
A fine actress who should never should have written that book about being bipolar. which concluded with a chapter titled "Life After Manic Depression". Hers was a misleading account that was all too cheery and encouraged others to beat the unbeatable disease, just like her. Beating manic depression is like beating homosexuality. There's no such thing.
4
Oh I disagree. She brought awareness of bipolar disorder to many. Even though you may disagree with her book, as a person with bipolar, her "coming out" as bipolar really helped me.
25
“I’ve survived,” she wrote. “I’ve beaten my own bad system and on some days, on most days, that feels like a miracle.”
7
Patty Duke, or, should I say, Anna Marie Duke, was a great talent. She was excellent in "Valley of the Dolls." I'm sorry to hear of her death.
23
I read the Times every day and usually skim the obituaries - rarely am I so touched as I am today. What a sad thing to read, that this very complicated yet talented individual has died.
I wonder why you haven't mentioned anything about her children?
I wonder why you haven't mentioned anything about her children?
30
I couldn't decided if I were Patty or Cathy, but I do know that Patty Duke was the world's greatest teenager. With her passing a whole generation is in nostalgic mourning for this American icon of youth, spirit, and optimism.
54
I join so many others in expressing gratitude for her life and good works. And with so many, I also hope she found a measure of peace and love in the life she worked so hard to create for herself.
19
Her portrayal of young Helen Keller was explosive, tender and memorable beyond words. Later playing the role of Annie who taught Ms. Keller she was equally creative and talented. I enjoyed the Patty Duke show too.
Later when Ms. Duke publicly revealed her battle with depression and bipolar disorder her example enabled me to face my own challenges. I am eternally grateful to her for that. I refused medication until I learned that she accepted and used it.
Rest in peace Patty.
Later when Ms. Duke publicly revealed her battle with depression and bipolar disorder her example enabled me to face my own challenges. I am eternally grateful to her for that. I refused medication until I learned that she accepted and used it.
Rest in peace Patty.
54
Enjoyed so much of her work. The last 15 minutes of The Miracle Worker on film is for the ages - Patty Duke, Anne Bancroft, the whole cast. It seems to me to be the best sequence Arthur Penn ever directed on film. Just great -
31
Ms. Duke returned to the Broadway stage in December 2002 as a replacement Aunt Eller in Trevor Nunn's production of OKLAHOMA! She was marvelous and I treasure the memory.
30
Patty Duke was a top notch fellow traveler. An insanely talented actor, she faced a great deal of personal adversity, yet continued to advocate for others. The Patty Duke Show was hands-down my favorite show. I used to imagine that I was Patty and my older sister was Kathy! It is distressing to hear how Ms. Duke died. Apparently she had a ruptured intestine. This makes me wonder whether she was in pain and whether her pain was addressed adequately. As I age I have noticed a degree of dismissal previously unknown to me when I was younger. I wonder if this was true for Ms. Duke. Let's open the dialogue on how older women are perceived, valued, and treated in our culture.
52
My elderly mother died of an intestinal infarct for which she was not hospitalized or properly diagnosed for many days during which the oral pain medication did not control her pain. I think there may have been some dismissive opinion of her as being just a whiny old lady. She lived in a small city with a small and not well staffed hospital. I hope Ms. Duke, who lived in or near Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, did not die before her time because of lack of expert care. Someone suggested to me years ago that when thinking of where to retire, it's good to have access to a major medical center.
7
I fondly remember The Patty Duke Show -- it was a "can't miss". I think I still have a 45 of her hit song "Don't Just Stand There". Rest in Peace.
https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=patty+duke+hit+song&ei=UTF-8&a...
https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=patty+duke+hit+song&ei=UTF-8&a...
12
Neely! Neely O'Hara! RIP Patty. There is a entire generation of gay men who adore you for your portrayal of Neely in Valley of the Dolls.
83
Yes! And i remember her very fondly in The Patty Duke show; in hindsight no big deal, but it always put a smile on my face. Shame she had to go through so much, but I'm appreciative she gave us so much.
1
Thank you for your courage. Make sure you say hello to my Mom. We were both big admirers.
19
Patty was among the very first celebrities to speak out against the stigma of mental illness and to share her diagnosis. That took incredible courage and fortitude. I am eternally grateful for that jump-start. I, too, have severe bipolar illness and am constantly leery of sharing that with anyone, and hopeful they don't figure it out. We have a long way to go. Ms. Duke was a pioneer, a good example, and provided a ray of hope to other patients with bipolar disorder.
229
RIP..as a freshman at college in 1973 it was explained to me that there was only ONE actress, not two.
Meet Cathy, who's lived most everywhere,
From Zanzibar to Barclay Square.
But Patty's only seen the sights
A girl can see from Brooklyn Heights — What a crazy pair!
But they're cousins,
Identical cousins all the way.
One pair of matching bookends,
Different as night and day.
Where Cathy adores a minuet,
The Ballet Russes, and crepe suzette,
Our Patty loves to rock and roll,
A hot dog makes her lose control — What a wild duet!
Still, they're cousins,
Identical cousins and you'll find,
They laugh alike, they walk alike,
At times they even talk alike —
You can lose your mind,
When cousins are two of a kind.
Meet Cathy, who's lived most everywhere,
From Zanzibar to Barclay Square.
But Patty's only seen the sights
A girl can see from Brooklyn Heights — What a crazy pair!
But they're cousins,
Identical cousins all the way.
One pair of matching bookends,
Different as night and day.
Where Cathy adores a minuet,
The Ballet Russes, and crepe suzette,
Our Patty loves to rock and roll,
A hot dog makes her lose control — What a wild duet!
Still, they're cousins,
Identical cousins and you'll find,
They laugh alike, they walk alike,
At times they even talk alike —
You can lose your mind,
When cousins are two of a kind.
71
Thanks for sharing the lyrics - loved the song and the show.
10
You just cracked me up and brought tears to my eyes! When I was a very, very young teenager seeing the Patty Duke show for the first time I was convinced that there were TWO actresses. I fell in love with both!
1
RIP - you were a part of my childhood and then enjoyed watching you in our adult roles also
16
I will remember her as Anna.
4
Long Live the Duke! Who has ever been more compelling?
5
I had the privilege to meet Ms. Duke in 1970, when she came to a class in Special Education taught by Leo Buscaglia at the University of Southern California. We screened "The Miracle Worker" and then she spoke about what it was like to play that role and what she had learned. I remember thinking that she was nothing like the character she played on her television series. She spoke eloquently and with empathy for the blind and deaf and her admiration of what Ms. Keller had gone on to achieve in her life. I know she was in a few bad films, but I never saw her give a bad performance. I only wish that you had chosen to print a photograph that represented the real woman that she was, not the whacky teenager she had to pretend to be.
178
very sad..who didn't love Patty Duke? RIP
73
Watching her transition from her young adulthood years to full maturity could be difficult because we weren't aware of her underlying emotional distress or its causes just the occasional tabloid headline. Few of us knew what being bi-polar meant in reality but we are glad that she mananged to overcome many of her difficulties and go on to have a productive and creative life.
21
Please remember that for the past decade and more she lived a vibrant, fulfilling life here in Coeur d’Alene, where she assisted many causes and people; always down to earth and accessible.
353
Another chip from my childhood gone. Break a leg in heaven, Patty (Anna).
59
One of Ms. Duke's great performances was in the film, 'Valley of the Dolls'. She not only acted well but also sang superbly. Check it out.
23
Not one note of song in that movie is actually Patty Duke. It's entirely dubbed. She could sing but the producers didn't use her voice. Her original vocals can be heard on YouTube. She did record a couple of pop records, the most successful was Please Don't Just Stand There.
4
When Patty Duke as Helen Keller made the connection between the sound of water and its substance, a whole world opened up. Real life rarely gives us such epiphanies. But Miss Duke did find her way: it took 4 marriages, abuse, and a lot of pain, but the world opened up to her and she to it.
37
You were our generation's Lucille Ball. Even if school was a drag, your face and antics would crack us up after school. Thank you Patty!
19
So many years ago I saw her on Broadway in the Miracle Worker. I was just a kid myself, and how lucky I was to see that performance. She was a favorite of mine ever after..
27
Me too. I will never forget that play
6
This makes me sad. While I enjoyed her acting talents, what I also appreciated her for was her honesty in writing about bi-polar. As a young woman in my 20s I read her auto-biography and learned more about the severe mental illness also suffered by my father, which had torn my family apart.
Her writings on the topic provided a first person account of living with bi-polar and allowed me to develop greater compassion for my dad as well as others who deal with mental health problems.
I'm sorry for her family at this time.
Peace to her friends and loved ones.
Her writings on the topic provided a first person account of living with bi-polar and allowed me to develop greater compassion for my dad as well as others who deal with mental health problems.
I'm sorry for her family at this time.
Peace to her friends and loved ones.
222
You will certainly be missed, dear.
28
That was Samwise Gamgee's mom and the former wife of Gomez Addams. Condolences to the family, may she rest in peace.
13
One of the most underrated actors of our generation.
Patty Duke's portrayal of Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker" is - in my opinion - the single greatest performance by a child actor in the entire history of film and the recorded image - and still stands as one of the most compelling, moving and outstanding performances by an actor - of any age.
It's unfortunate that the complications of Ms. Duke's personal life became obstacles which prevented her from pursuing similar roles and opportunities as an adult.
Every time I view a screening of "The Miracle Worker" my heart breaks -- and today it is broken again over the loss of this wonderfully-talented woman and actor.
Thank you Ms. Duke. We are grateful for the wonderful performances you shared with us - and we will never forget you.
Patty Duke's portrayal of Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker" is - in my opinion - the single greatest performance by a child actor in the entire history of film and the recorded image - and still stands as one of the most compelling, moving and outstanding performances by an actor - of any age.
It's unfortunate that the complications of Ms. Duke's personal life became obstacles which prevented her from pursuing similar roles and opportunities as an adult.
Every time I view a screening of "The Miracle Worker" my heart breaks -- and today it is broken again over the loss of this wonderfully-talented woman and actor.
Thank you Ms. Duke. We are grateful for the wonderful performances you shared with us - and we will never forget you.
390
If you saw "Patty McCormack" play Helen Keller in the original Broadway production of the Miracle Worker, where Ms. McCormack was actually the first child to play the part, you would admit that Ms. Duke had her equal in that seminal role! I don't say that for myself, but Ms. Duke, to her additional credit, relayed those thoughts to the modest, Ms. McCormack, several years later...This is not to say that she wasn't wonderful in that role, but adds credence to the fact that she was a multi dimensional talented person. May She Rest in Peace!
2
Agreed. The Miracle Worker is an acting tour de force. Duke and Bancroft were never better. And Call Me Anna was a powerful book. She was a brave and talented woman. RIP, Anna.
1
My apologies! Ms. McCormack did star in the original production of The Miracle Worker, as Helen Keller. However it was the 1957 , Playhouse 90 production, not on Broadway, as Ms. Duke, did.
1
Always a class act. Will be missed.
71
Amen.
What a tragic life she led, like many child stars who were nothing more than a commodity to people who should have been their protectors. I am glad she found peace with her last husband.
She was an extraordinarily gifted actress to which anyone can attest, who has seem "The Miracle Worker." My condolences to her family and friends.
She was an extraordinarily gifted actress to which anyone can attest, who has seem "The Miracle Worker." My condolences to her family and friends.
108
Sad, sad, sad. We will all miss you. Rest in peace.
Love,
Jay
Love,
Jay
58
She played a memorable - and highly likeable - character in childhood, was the sane face of Hollywood during the early, panicky years of the AIDS epidemic, and was belting it out - expertly- in the San Francisco company of Wicked in 2009.
She was a good person, a great addition to the entertainment community, and will be missed.
She was a good person, a great addition to the entertainment community, and will be missed.
79
A courageous woman who publicly shared her disorder long before it was the norm. Thank you and RIP.
144
I was only allowed to watch one tv show a week. Patty Duke was my choice. The dark living room. The black and white tv. Me in my pajamas and bathrobe with my hair in curlers.
Then the theme song would begin and I would be transported to another world.
I can still hear the song in my head and now realize I never learned all the tongue twisty ways that they were "just cousins, identical cousins".
RIP Patty Duke. A life fully lived.
Then the theme song would begin and I would be transported to another world.
I can still hear the song in my head and now realize I never learned all the tongue twisty ways that they were "just cousins, identical cousins".
RIP Patty Duke. A life fully lived.
199
Did you forget that this is about Patty Duke and not you?
Having read her biography, I was fortified by her failures, her successes, and especially her treatment of her T.V. show brother Ross! Real catharsis. wa-wa...
Tres bien fait!
Tres bien fait!
11
She'll always be Patty and Cathy to me.
RIP.
RIP.
19
I'm listening to the "Eating Lesson" from the Miracle Worker while I write this. Six minutes like no other captured on film. Perfect. Thank you Patty Duke for your work with mental illness. And "Ross" your brother on the PD Show? I hope that was your idea, not theirs, as a thank you to the Rosses.
21
I wonder if you read the article. I can't imagine why she would have wanted to thank the Rosses.
6
She stated in one of her books that during this show she cringed any time she heard the name "Ross."
2
Did you read my comment? If it was Patty's idea to name her brother "Ross" is was meant as a compliment. If if was their idea it was because, yes, they were monster agents taking advantage of her talent and stroking their egos. I have not read her book so I do not know her relationship with the Rosses. Go watch The Eating Lesson on You Tube and you may just want to thank the Rosses.
Ms. Duke has been a favorite of mine, ever since a neighbor boy who was a couple years older and I were standing on the back porch of my childhood home in Dayton one summer afternoon, and he asked me if I had seen her TV series. I must have been eight or nine, and had never heard of it or her. I can still remember him recounting a plot about how Cathy made her own dress that was a hit with all of their friends, and then Patty decides to get them into the dressmaking business. He said I have to watch it, which I started to do on Channel 19, a UHF channel from Cincinnati which we could only get in really grainy reception on the TV in my parents' bedroom. (It was in late afternoon reruns at that time, as this was four or five years after it was cancelled by ABC.) Of course, I saw her in many other TV series and movies since then, and she was always great. May she rest in peace.
38
I was just checking the weather and my local station reported this.
Even though she technically was before my time, I was always fond of Ms. Duke.
May she rest in peace. Good night, dear.
Even though she technically was before my time, I was always fond of Ms. Duke.
May she rest in peace. Good night, dear.
26
Such a terrible loss of courage and talent to her family and the wider American community! After finally finding happiness, may she truly rest in peace.
89
Thank you for sharing your gift with me as I grew up watching you on TV. Rest well!
77
In 1962 the producers of the Patty Duke show contacted Remington Rand Univac to ask if we had a computer which could be used as a prop for a new TV show. The request filtered down from our PR Dept. ultimately to me. At the time all we made were room size but we had built a desk size system to be used a training device for the U.S. Navy. It had no software or operating system so I wrote a program in machine language which asked Patty questions to compute her IQ. She and the late Paul Lynde spent a day in our offices in Rockerfeller Center. She was the most delightful teen-ager I had ever met. I treasured her good by kiss at the end of the day and followed her career ever after.
It was...if you were a ruthless adult who, in essence, in essence "owned" their actor "proteges" much as did the fine folk of the South owned their African-American slaves.
All those ruined lives. And we, myself included as a faithful watcher of the Patty Duke show when a youngster in California in the '50s, envied them who would have given everything to be free of the flesh-and-film market.