Actress Patty Duke has passed away at the age of 69. She died of sepsis from a ruptured intestine early Tuesday morning at a hospital in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, according to the Associated Press.
Her son, actor Sean Astin, also confirmed the news on his Facebook page today:
I love you mom.OUR FAMILY STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF PATTY DUKEThis morning, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother,…
Posted by Sean Astin on Tuesday, March 29, 2016
As a teenager, Duke won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1963 for her role as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker. She also had her own sitcom, titled The Patty Duke Show, which aired from 1963 to 1966. On the show, she portrayed two identical cousins for over 100 episodes. Her other well-known film roles include Valley of the Dolls, My Sweet Charlie, and Me, Natalie. Duke won three Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes throughout acting her career. Her most recent appearances were on an episode of Disney Channel’s Liv and Maddie in 2015 and an episode of Glee in 2013.
Duke was not only an actress. She was the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1985 to 1988. In addition, she was a singer, scoring a Top 10 Billboard hit with “Don’t Just Stand There” in 1965, and an author, writing two books titled Call Me Anna and A Brilliant Madness. In Call Me Anna, she revealed she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1982. Since then, she became an advocate for mental illness issues.
Duke is survived by her husband, Michael Pearce, and three children.
Her last tweet was two weeks ago:
30 years ago today, Mike and I married. We having a very happy and quiet day. Love and hugs to all
— Patty Duke (@pattyduke_id) March 15, 2016
Many celebrities paid tribute to Duke on social media:
Very saddened on the passing of Patty Duke. She was a wonderful friend on Twitter. Condolences to her family.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 29, 2016
Devastated to hear of the passing of the amazing Patty Duke. Legendary actor Eloquent humanitarian💔 @pattyduke_id pic.twitter.com/KxShH6UFuT
— Holly Robinson Peete (@hollyrpeete) March 29, 2016
Brave, outspoken & humanitarian who played Helen Keller in “Miracle Worker,” Oscar winner Patty Duke passed. I will miss her. RIP.
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) March 29, 2016
So sad to hear of @pattyduke_id‘s passing. She was a wonderful and talented person. I loved getting to work with her. XO
— Chris Colfer (@chriscolfer) March 29, 2016
My heart goes out to @SeanAstin and the entire family. #PattyDuke
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) March 29, 2016
Sad to hear about #PattyDuke. My thoughts and prayers are with Sean and Mac.
— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) March 29, 2016
Rest with the Angels, Patty Duke. Thoughts and prayers are with all that love her.
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) March 29, 2016
Oh no! Just read about #PattyDuke passing. I’m thinking about you @SeanAstin – love and condolences.
— Patricia Heaton (@PatriciaHeaton) March 29, 2016
Check out her Oscar winning moment below:
