When Patty Duke died in March 2016, she left behind a lasting legacy. She received two Golden Globe Awards, an Academy Award, three Primetime Emmy Awards, a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and three Primetime Emmy Awards, according to IMDb.
She set a new record for being the youngest Academy Award winner ever when she accepted her award for the show’s movie adaptation. She was also the youngest person to have their name appear above the marquee for The Miracle Worker on Broadway.
Nearly as well-known as Duke’s incredible acting talents and accomplishments are her struggles with mental illness. She was one of the first well-known people to openly talk about mental health issues after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1982, according to the Los Angeles Times.
In her 1987 autobiography Call Me Anna, which was published, she discussed these problems as well as others. I was terrified when I wrote the book, Duke admitted in 1990 (via the Los Angeles Times). “You worry that if you admit to having a mental illness, people will think you’re weird and unfit for work. “.
Duke Astin’s son, Sean Astin, who is recognized for his roles in The Goonies, The Lord of the Rings, and Stranger Things, has made it his goal to carry on his mother’s advocacy for mental illness.
He launched a crowdfunding campaign to establish the Patty Duke Mental Health Initiative, according to the Los Angeles Times, but he’s not the only member of the family carrying on Duke’s legacy in the entertainment business.
Patty Duke is renowned for being a trailblazer in Hollywood who spent many years promoting mental health issues. Given her enormous success on the stage, small screen, and in the movies, it’s not surprising that some of her kids went into the business as well.
Two of Duke Astin’s children, Sean Astin (pictured on the right) and Mackenzie Astin, became actors. After landing the lead role in the 1985 action film The Goonies, Sean enjoyed tremendous success as a young actor. The critically acclaimed Stranger Things and The Lord of the Rings trilogy were two of the movies and TV shows in which he later appeared.
Mackenzie’s early success was aided by her participation in The Facts of Life and appearances on numerous other programs, such as Lost, House, Psych, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and NCIS.
The acting bug also bit Alexandria Astin (pictured on the left), a professional actress in Hollywood who appeared alongside her father in The Lord of the Rings.
Alexandria, also known professionally as “Ali,” is well known for how much her famous grandma resembles her. From their eyes to their smiles, these two look exactly alike!
