Patty Duke Net Worth
Patty Duke net worth was an American actress renowned for her success across film, TV, and stage. Her professional achievements and advocacy efforts for mental health awareness earned her numerous prestigious honors and accolades.
Duke married four times during her lifetime and gave birth to three children from each marriage. Her first was with director Harry Falk who was over ten years older than she was, followed by actor John Astin with whom she had two sons Sean and Mackenzie.
Early Life and Education
Duke began her acting career by making appearances in commercials and appearing briefly on the soap opera The Brighter Day. However, her big break came when she made history as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker on Broadway, which later was made into a movie version. Duke earned an Academy Award – making history by becoming the youngest ever recipient of such honor.
She later went on to star in her own network television series The Patty Duke Show from 1963-1966. Following this role she portrayed Neely O’Hara in Valley of the Dolls from 1967.
Duke was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1982 and became an outspoken mental health advocate, serving as President of Screen Actors Guild from 1985-1988.
Professional Career
Duke started acting at an early age and appeared in various soap operas, print advertisements, and television commercials. She eventually gained recognition after winning the role of Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker on Broadway; which then earned her an Academy Award nomination.
In 1963, she made her television debut as a regular on The Patty Duke Show which ran for three seasons on NBC. Two years later she made an appearance in Valley of the Dolls as twin Cathy and Patty Lane characters.
Duke married four times during her lifetime and gave birth to Sean Astin who is now an actor himself. Additionally, she published the highly controversial autobiography called Call Me Anna detailing her battles with bipolar disorder as an advocate for mental health awareness.
Achievement and Honors
Patty Duke was a celebrated actress who made a lasting impactful in the entertainment industry. Throughout her career she won multiple accolades and awards such as an Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards and three Primetime Emmy Awards.
Duke began acting in the 1950s, appearing on numerous soap operas and commercials. Her breakthrough came in 1959, when she made headlines as Helen Keller in “The Miracle Worker,” an adaptation for which was made into a film – an award nomination was received for this performance.
In 1971, Duke gave birth to her son Sean Astin. Soon thereafter she married rock promoter Michael Tell during an episode of manic depression; their 13-day union didn’t last. Duke eventually found true love again with drill sergeant Michael Pearce and adopted another son Kevin.
Personal Life
Patty Duke died at age 69 on March 29th in Coeur d’Alene Idaho of sepsis caused by a ruptured intestine, as a three-time Emmy winner and fierce advocate for causes including equal rights, HIV/AIDS awareness and nuclear disarmament. She also published books and sang her own music.
She first made an impactful statement as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker on Broadway, earning Duke recognition. Following that performance she went on to star in her own network TV sitcom called The Patty Duke Show from 1963-1966 before moving onto more mature roles such as Neely O’Hara from Valley of the Dolls (1967) and Natalie Miller from Me, Natalie (1969).
Net Worth
Duke was an accomplished author with several memoirs that chronicled her life, including an open account of her struggles with bipolar disorder. Additionally, she was well-regarded in public speaking circles.
Duke began her acting career as a child actor in the 1950s, appearing in several soap operas and commercials before breaking through when she played Annie Sullivan in “The Miracle Worker.” Its adaptation into a 1962 movie earned her an Academy Award nomination.
She then earned her own series, The Patty Duke Show, which ran for three seasons until its cancellation in 1966. Subsequently, Duke has scaled back her workload but still makes occasional TV appearances such as guest spots on Glee or Hawaii Five-0 reboot. Furthermore, Duke showcased her directorial talents with stagings of “The Miracle Worker” in Spokane, Washington.
