Patty Duke

Biography

Anna Marie "Patty" Duke (December 14, 1946 – March 29, 2016) was an American actress and mental health advocate. Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and three Primetime Emmy Awards, as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Duke gained early fame for her portrayal of Helen Keller in the film The Miracle Worker (1962), a role she had originated on Broadway, earning her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She starred in The Patty Duke Show (1963–1966), playing identical cousins Cathy and Patty Lane, and later took on more mature roles in films like Valley of the Dolls (1967) and Me, Natalie (1969), the latter winning her a Golden Globe Award. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1982, Duke became an advocate for mental health awareness. She also worked as a singer and author.