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.”
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