Patty Duke's managers, John and Ethel Ross, raised her since age seven. However, they controlled much of her life until Duke turned 18. After four marriages, Duke became a mother to three boys, who opened up about the actress' battle with bipolar disorder. Among her sons, Sean has the love and support of all four dads.
Patty Duke made herself known as a child star with a chaste demeanor and perfect personality on television, but behind the screen, she had a completely different life in contrast to what was shown on-air.
Before she learned of and treated her mental illness, Duke experienced several turbulent relationships, a traumatic upbringing, drug and alcohol abuse, and uncontrollable waves of emotions.
Patty Duke during "The Patty Duke" show. | Source: Getty Images
Born Anna Marie Duke in 1946 in Elmhurst, New York, Duke was the product of troubled parents. Her father lived off alcohol and left his family when Duke was only six. Meanwhile, her mother was in a constant battle with depression.
While she did not have a stable home, Duke had an excellent career. At age seven, her brother's talent managers, John and Ethel Ross, discovered the talent in Duke. Since then, they raised her to become one of the best actresses of her time. They also changed her name to Patty Duke.
At 16, she made history as the youngest person to win an Academy Award at that time for her performance in the film adaptation of "The Miracle Worker."
Unfortunately, the Rosses raised Duke in a controlled environment, watching her every step and dictating her every move. At a young age, they influenced her alcohol and prescription drug use. According to The Times, they also took advantage of her and took $1 million of Duke's earnings into their own pockets.
Patty Duke during "The Patty Duke" show. | Source: Getty Images
They were also very strict in managing her in the entertainment industry, such that a stipulation in her contract noted that Duke's additional height of two inches would merit dismissal from her production.
Despite her managers' way of running the show, Duke had undeniable talent that shined through and through. Her first significant on-stage milestone happened in 1959 at 12 years old. Back then, Duke won the Theatre World Award for "Most Promising Newcomer" for her Broadway performance as Hellen Keller in "The Miracle Worker."
At 16, she made history as the youngest person to win an Academy Award at that time for her performance in the film adaptation of "The Miracle Worker."
Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke in a scene from the film "The Miracle Worker," circa 1962. | Source: Getty Images
Success continued to follow Duke as she made her entry to television. In 1963, she became the youngest star with a show named after her "The Patty Duke Show." When she turned 18, Duke's series ended, and a new life began for the actress.
Her romantic relationship with "Addams Family" star John Astin soon began. However, since he was married, Duke instead tied the knot with Michael Tell and remained husband and wife for 13 days.
At such an age, she finally escaped the Rosses' shackles and lived on her terms. She tried to break away from her troubles and married a much older man, 32-year-old Harry Falk Jr., an assistant director on her show.
Patty Duke during "The Patty Duke" show. | Source: Getty Images
She also deviated from her branding as a good girl and played the role of drug addict Neely O'Hara in "Valley of the Dolls." The movie later became a box office hit and a classic film.
While she basked in the success of her career, Duke's mental state worsened and manifested in her alcohol dependency, substance use, and erratic behavior. Within two years, her marriage fell apart and ended in divorce.
Before she turned 23, Duke had already made several suicide attempts. She moved on and dated Lucille Ball's son, Desi Arnaz Jr., who was only 17 then. With Ball's disapproval of their relationship, Duke and Arnaz parted ways after a few months.
Patty Duke and Harry Falk; circa 1970 in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Her romantic relationship with "Addams Family" star John Astin soon began. However, since he was married, Duke instead tied the knot with Michael Tell and remained husband and wife for 13 days. The actress later found herself pregnant without confirming the identity of the father.
In 1971, Duke gave birth to her first child, Sean. She married Astin the following year after he divorced his previous wife. She believed Astin was her son's father, but others gossiped otherwise.
Two years later, Duke and Astin had a child, Mackenzie. Duke's two children would later witness their mother's uncontrolled and unpredictable behavior.
It would take a few years before Duke was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, the creation of her show, "The Patty Duke," was based on her mental instability. The series writer and producer, Sidney Sheldon, created the storyline after noticing Duke's two distinct personalities.
By the time she was diagnosed correctly, it was too late for Duke's marriage with Astin. Following their separation, she married her fourth husband, Michael Pearce, and became a stepmother to his children, Raellene and Charlene. The couple also adopted a son named Kevin.
Sean compared the way Duke scarily walked through the hallways of their home to the character Beast from "Beauty and the Beast. She entered Sean's room and threw water at him before destroying his model plane.
Life smiled at Duke as she became a mom and started having a family and home. Although the beginning of motherhood could have been better, it worked out for the best.
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Before understanding her diagnosis, Duke's children constantly guessed their mother's mood. "I had no patience," Duke admitted in an interview, as reported by Baltimore Sun. She added:
"The [kids] [...] never knew when what was all hunky-dory was going to fly out the window, and you were going to be screamed at and berated and either ostracized or made to do some humiliating punishment."
Sean, older than his brother Mackenzie, was the target of their mother's destructive manic depression. One of his memories included building a model airplane while cleaning his room not to upset his mother. However, Duke was mad that her son tried to be perfect.
Sean compared the way Duke scarily walked through the hallways of their home to the character Beast from "Beauty and the Beast. She entered Sean's room and threw water at him before destroying his model plane in what the young boy described as "freakouts."
Although there were rough times, Sean and Mackenzie also experienced beautiful days with their mother. Sean knew his mother still had their best interest at heart and wanted to raise confident and independent children.
Years later, Sean spoke about having to parent his parent due to the illness. However, everything changed when Duke sought help. Suddenly, Sean felt his importance in the actress' life.
Things in their home especially became better after Duke was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. “I knew at a very young age that something was not right, or even more intensely, there was something wrong with me," the actress said.
By that time, Sean was 11 years old. Duke didn't hide her condition and became a mental health advocate. Her younger son, Mackenzie, was especially proud of his mother's bravery. He said:
"It was around 1984, '85, when she wrote an autobiography which was very frank about her experiences with what was called manic depression, and now called bipolar."
Duke's illness was controlled through medication and therapy, which she detailed in her autobiography alongside the difficulties of having bipolar disorder. Her book, "Call Me Anna: The Autobiography of Patty Duke" became a New York Times bestseller and was turned into a movie. The actress' book has touched and saved many people's lives.
Mackenzie is grateful for having the best parents and believes he "hit the jackpot" with them. More than the guidance they gave in his upbringing and career, they were both appreciative and loving parents.
Sean is equally proud of his mother and has become a mental health advocate. "What I love the most about my mother is that she's a survivor. She wants to live. She's here. Because she wants to be," Sean said. "That's a good thing."
Years later, Sean spoke about having to parent his parent due to the illness. However, everything changed when Duke sought help. Suddenly, Sean felt his importance in the actress' life. "I was elated for her," he said.
Duke died on March 29, 2016, in a hospital in Idaho, from complications of a ruptured intestine. She left a legacy through her on-screen work and children.
Besides dealing with his mother's mental health, Sean also struggled with finding the truth about his biological father.
When Sean Astin turned 14, his mother revealed that Astin was not his dad and said Arnaz was his biological father. Sean formed a close bond with Arnaz, believing he was the actor's son. However, when Sean was in his 20s, Tell's relative suggested a different story.
In his quest to learn the truth, Sean had a DNA test that proved that Tell was indeed his biological father. By that time, Sean had already established close relationships with Astin and Arnaz. Sean considered Astin his father after growing up under his love and guidance.
However, he maintained close ties with Arnaz and formed a new one with Tell. He is also close to his stepfather, Pearce. "I can call any of them on the phone anytime I want to," Sean revealed. "John, Desi, Mike, or Papa Mike – my four dads."
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Duke died on March 29, 2016, in a hospital in Idaho, from complications of a ruptured intestine. She left a legacy through her on-screen work and children.
Sean followed in his mother's footsteps as an actor, starring in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "Goonies," and "Rudy," among many others. He also continues honoring his mother through charities.
Besides work, Sean is a family man with his wife and kids, who sometimes appear on his social media account. Sean raised his children to be kind and loving amidst a cruel world. He also uses his voice to encourage others to be grateful to professionals at the frontline for everyone's safety.
Sean's brother, Mackenzie, is also in show business as an actor. He is known for his work in "The Magicians," "Iron Will," and "Scandal." He also shared the screen with Sean in "NCIS" Season 9.
Mackenzie has been married to Jennifer Bautz since April 2011. However, he prefers to live privately and rarely shares his personal life with the public.
In 2017, Ali revealed the last message Duke, known to her as Nana, sent her after her review.
Duke's other son, Kevin, chose a career away from the spotlight. His parents adopted him when he was only two days old and raised them as their own. Among his siblings, Kevin experienced a childhood where their mom was most stable.
Duke was married to Pearce when they took Kevin and lived in marital bliss. The actress' other sons were also happy to have their mom finally satisfied with a husband who protected and understood her.
Besides her sons, Duke had beautiful grandchildren, Elizabeth, Bella, and Ali. Among them, Bella and Ali prefer to keep their lives under wraps. Nevertheless, they all enjoyed time with their grandmother during her last years.
Duke's granddaughter, Ali, looked most like her famous grandmother and followed in the actress' footsteps. As a child, Ali appeared in "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" as Eleanor. Ali is also recognized for her work in "Bad Kids of Crestview Academy" and "Apocalypse Society."
Their undeniable physical resemblance and acting skills made the grandmother and granddaughter duo carbon copies.
In 2017, Ali revealed the last message Duke, known to her as Nana, sent her after her review. "Ali dear, Pops and I are so proud of you," Duke said. "Congrats on your rave review. Wish we could have seen you. We're not surprised that you did so well. We think of you all the time. We love and miss you a ton."
Her children, grandchildren, and fans will never forget Duke as a strong woman who advocated for mental health.
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