Patty Duke

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Biography

Recent Role:
Sylvia Spencer on Hawaii Five-0
Gender:
Female
Born:
12-14-1946
Birthplace:
Elmhurst, New York, USA
Birth Name:
Anna Marie Duke
AKA:
Patty Duke Astin, Anna Marie Duke, Anna Duke-Pearce
Patty Duke is the Queen of TV movies. She has appeared in over seventy made for TV movies in her lifetime. She was born on December 14, 1946 in Elmhurst, New York, as Anna Marie Duke. Her acting career began when she was introduced to her brother's managers, John and Ethel Ross. Soon after, Anna Marie became Patty, the actress. Patty started off in commercials, a few movies and some bit parts. Her first big, memorable role came when she was chosen to portray the blind and deaf Helen Keller, in the Broadway version of The Miracle Worker. The play lasted almost 2 years, from October 19,… More 1959 - July 1, 1961 (Patty left on May, 1961). In 1962, Miracle Worker, became a movie and Patty won an Academy Award for best supporting actress. She was 16 years old making her the youngest person ever to win an Oscar. She then starred in her own sitcom entitled The Patty Duke Show in 1963. It lasted for 3 seasons and Patty was nominated for an Emmy. In 1965, Patty starred in the movie Billie. The film was a success and was the first movie ever sold to a television network. That same year Patty married Harry Falk. Their marriage lasted four years. She then starred in the Valley of The Dollsin 1967, which was a financial success but not a critical success. In 1969, Anna got a part in an independent film called Me, Natalie in 1969. The film was a box-office flop but she won her second Golden Globe Award for her performance in the film. During this time Patty had an affair with John Astin and became pregnant with his child. In 1976, Patty Duke won her second Emmy award for the highly successful mini-series, Captains and the Kings in 1976. Other successful TV-films followed. She received two Emmy nominations in 1978 for A Family Upside Down. and Having Babies III. She then won her third Emmy in the 1979 TV movie version of The Miracle Worker, this time portraying Annie Sullivan. In 1982 Patty was diagnosed with manic-depressive illness. In 1984 she became President of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). In 1986 Anna married Michael Pierce, a drill sergeant whom she met while preparing for a role in the TV movie A Time to Triumph, in 1986. In 1987 Anna wrote her autobiography Call Me Anna. In 1989, Anna and Mike adopted a baby, who they called Kevin. Her autobiography became a TV movie in 1990. Anna played herself from her 30s until current time. In 1992 she wrote her second book A Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic Depression Illness. Anna Marie Duke has had a long successful career, winning three Emmys. She is a mother, a political activist for issues such as the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment), AIDS, and nuclear disarmament. All despite having Manic-Depression. She has proven her strength as an actress and as a person.

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    10 Perfect
    From receiving an Oscar for her performance as Helen Keller in the Miracle Worker at 12 to her continuing triumphs at 59, Patty Duke is one of the all time great actresses, and an embodiment of what Hollywood should be about. hide show

    What can be said about this woman that isn't a rave? She's incredibly talented, sincere, warm, and real. She has accomplished many great things, professionally and personally in her life, and continues accomplishing them every day. When you hear the name Patty Duke, most think of exceptional acting ability, and an actress that makes you believe the character. Over the years, she's had her highs and lows, of course. Some of her performances were better than others, like any actress. However, even those that failed to reach the same luster as Helen Keller shine brightly still.

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    pcofhod Added Sep 27, 2006 All my reviews
 

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