Patty Duke Dead: Award Winning ‘Patty Duke Show’ Actress Dies at 69

Patty Duke Dead: Award Winning ‘Patty Duke Show’ Actress Dies at 69

Patty Duke has died. The Academy award-winning actress is dead at 69. The star of the Patty Duke Show passed away on Tuesday, March 29.

A statement was released by Patty’s agent confirming her passing. The cause of death has been determined to be sepsis from a ruptured intestine. Patty died early Tuesday morning in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho according to Patty’s son, actor Sean Astin who issued a statement through his publicist.

“She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a friend, a mental health advocate and a cultural icon. She will be greatly missed,” Mitchell Stubbs said. Patty was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1982.

Born Anna Marie Duke on December 14, 1946, Patty first starred as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker on the Broadway stage as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker. At age 16 the actress recreated the role for the big screen and won an Academy Award.

In 1972 Patty took on the role of Annie Sullivan, portrayed by Anne Bancroft in the original film, opposite Melissa Gilbert as Helen Keller in a made for television movie of the same name. In addition to an illustrious career on stage and screen, Patty was the author of two books – Call me Anna and Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic Depressive Illness.

Patty Duke is part of television history for her portrayal of Patty Lane in The Patty Duke Show which aired from 1963 until 1966. Patty was ranked at number 40 on TV Guide’s list of the 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time in 1996. In August 2004 Patty received a star on the Hollywood Walk of fame.

The actress and advocate is survived by her three children Sean Astin, Mackensie Astin and Kevin Pearce as well as fourth husband Michael Pearce. Patty was previously married to Harry Falk from 1965 until 1970 and actor John Astin from 1972 until 1985. In between Pearce and Astin she married Michael Tell, but the marriage lasted only 13 days.

Patty Duke’s last movie, Power of Air, is currently in post-production and is tentatively scheduled for release in 2017. The drama also stars Michael Gross.

CDL is deeply saddened to hear of Patty Duke’s Death and offer our sincerest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.