Just got a phone alert that Patty Duke has passed away. RIP.
They are reporting sepsis from a ruptured intestine as cause of death. R.I.P. Sad news indeed.
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.

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.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/2/10
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...
Yes - this news grabbed my heart.
You captured her beautifully, Carlos.
Patty Duke on Shindig! in 1965 performing her hit song, "Don't Just Stand There".

Sad news indeed, she was brilliant - and a terrific Phyllis in Follies.
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!!
Visually performing "It's Impossible" as Neely O'Hara from the 1967 cult classic, "Valley of the Dolls". Vocals by Gail Heidmann.
The climactic "water scene" from "The Miracle Worker" in her Oscar winning role as Helen Keller opposite Anne Bancroft.
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.
I take theatre classes at a community theatre she performed love letters at.
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)
Thanks for the reminder PalJoey. I had forgotten she did "Wicked".

Broadway Legend Joined: 9/19/05
Very sad news RIP, She did work for us at Social Security as well.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/27/14
she was very cool
a great madam morrible during the sf run and very nice at stage door!
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
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.
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.
Carlos A.-- The Miracle Worker clip you linked kinda makes fun of her at the end with sound effects.
R.I.P. Anna/Patty
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/11
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.
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