Patty Duke RIP

[Anshel2]

Just got a phone alert that Patty Duke has passed away.  RIP.

[SNAFU]

They are reporting sepsis from a ruptured intestine as cause of death. R.I.P. Sad news indeed.

[Mr Roxy]

My God, we are losing one after another seemingly on a daily basis.Her shining role in the Miracle Worker defined her career.

What a loss . She was 69. R.I.P.

[CarlosAlberto]

 

 

This news pierced me right through the heart. A talented actress and a champion/advocate for those battling with the stigma of mental illness, a national treasure and a pop culture icon. 

So many great performances from her. She will be missed. RIP Anna Marie. 

 

 

[KathyNYC2]

Always sad to hear of someone's passing but this one made me cry. Only 69 - way too young. I have so many memories...I saw her on stage live as well as film and TV.  It seemed like she found real happiness at the end after a troubled life. My thoughts are with her family and many friends as this time.

I think I have to go find my copy of one of those corny Hallmark holiday movies she was in - A Season for Miracles. She played an angel...

[NYadgal]

Yes - this news grabbed my heart.

You captured her beautifully, Carlos.

[CarlosAlberto]

 

 

Patty Duke on Shindig! in 1965 performing her hit song, "Don't Just Stand There".

 



 

[imeldasturn]

Sad news indeed, she was brilliant - and a terrific Phyllis in Follies.

[CarlosAlberto]

 

Meet Cathy, who's lived most everywhere, 
From Zanzibar to Barclay Square. 
But Patty's only seen the sight. 
A girl can see from Brooklyn Heights -- 
What a crazy pair! 

But they're cousins, 
Identical cousins all the way. 
One pair of matching bookends, 
Different as night and day. 

Where Cathy adores a minuet, 
The Ballet Russes, and crepe suzette, 
Our Patty loves to rock and roll, 
A hot dog makes her lose control -- 
What a wild duet! 

Still, they're cousins, 
Identical cousins and you'll find, 
They laugh alike, they walk alike, 
At times they even talk alike -- 

You can lose your mind, 
When cousins are two of a kind!!

[CarlosAlberto]

 

 

Visually performing "It's Impossible" as Neely O'Hara from the 1967 cult classic, "Valley of the Dolls". Vocals by Gail Heidmann. 

[CarlosAlberto]

 

 

The climactic "water scene" from "The Miracle Worker" in her Oscar winning role as Helen Keller opposite Anne Bancroft.

[PalJoey]

 
Amen, Carlos.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Makes me want to watch Valley of the Dolls again this weekend- a movie that can always brighten any day, no matter how sour. 

 

She died far too young. Very sad indeed. 

[Call_me_jorge]

I take theatre classes at a community theatre she performed love letters at.

[CarlosAlberto]

 

This one's for you PalJoey!

Stage musical "Follies" at the Wadsworth Theatre in Brentwood starring (L to R) Bob Gunton as Ben; Harry Groener as Buddy, Patty Duke as Phyllis; and Vikki Carr as Sally. (2002)

 

 

[PalJoey]

 

I wish I had seen her as Madame Morrible.

 

[CarlosAlberto]

Thanks for the reminder PalJoey. I had forgotten she did "Wicked". 

 

 

[wexy]

Very sad news RIP, She did work for us at Social Security as well.

[devonian.t]

awful, awful, awful news

 

 

[broadwaysfguy]

she was very cool

a great madam morrible during the sf run and very nice at stage door!

[Kristie-K2]

I really enjoyed her work...my only regret is that I never saw her on stage

One Oscar and Three Emmys...Rest in Peace Dear Lady

[MichelleCraig]

She was really amazing. "Valley of the Dolls" is available in HD on Flixster. I bought it a while back and will watch it tonight. Sad. I wished I had seen her in Follies...friends that did were impressed.

[JBroadway]

Very sad news. I got to see her in Wicked 3 times (one of which was the first time I ever saw the show), and she was excellent. I spoke with her at length at the stage door a couple of times and she was the absolute sweetest. A truly exceptionally kind person. Such a loss. 

[daisybeetle]

Carlos A.-- The Miracle Worker clip you linked kinda makes fun of her at the end with sound effects.

R.I.P. Anna/Patty

[Wilmingtom]

I got to know Anna when she was doing Oklahoma! and she was a lovely soul.  Everyone in the company was crazy about her and she became the defacto den mother.  Smart, funny, strong and loving.  She will be sorely missed.