Patty Duke Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts
Explore Patty Duke net worth, relationships, age/birthdate and birthday in this detailed profile of the Oscar-winning actress and mental-health advocate.
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Patty Duke Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday
Patty Duke is an Academy Award-winning actress recognized for her breakthrough role in The Miracle Worker and her enduring advocacy for mental health.
Introduction
Anna Marie “Patty” Duke was born on December 14, 1946, and her birthday, December 14, remains a celebrated date among fans and the entertainment industry. Over the course of her remarkable career and personal journey, the actress accumulated an estimated net worth of around US$10 million. Her personal life was complex and public-facing, with several high-profile relationships and marriages. In exploring Patty Duke net worth, Patty Duke relationships, Patty Duke age/birthdate and Patty Duke birthday, this article traces the contours of her life, wealth and legacy.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anna Marie “Patty” Duke |
| Age/Birthdate | December 14, 1946 |
| Birthday | December 14 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, Author, Mental Health Advocate |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately US$10 million |
| Relationship Status | Widowed (husband Michael Pearce) |
| Known For | Oscar for The Miracle Worker, starring in The Patty Duke Show, mental-health advocacy |
From Child Prodigy to Hollywood Icon
Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, New York, Patty Duke’s early years were marked by both talent and turbulence. Her father was a cab driver, her mother a cashier, and from a young age she was nurtured — though controversially — as a child actor.
Her breakout came when she portrayed Helen Keller in the Broadway production of The Miracle Worker, and then in the 1962 film version, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. At the time she became the youngest person ever to win a competitive Oscar.
From there she led the beloved TV series The Patty Duke Show, playing both Patty and her British “cousin” Cathy in a feat of dual performance.
Defining moments in Patty Duke’s journey include:
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Winning the Academy Award for The Miracle Worker at a young age.
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Starring in The Patty Duke Show and becoming a teenage television icon.
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Serving as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1985 to 1988.
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Publicly disclosing her diagnosis of bipolar disorder and becoming an advocate for mental-health awareness.
The Core Pillars of Patty Duke’s Wealth
Patty Duke net worth was built across several pillars:
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Film & Television Acting – Her roles in major motion pictures and a long-running television series formed the foundation of her income and fame.
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Stage & Live Performance – Her early Broadway work and later appearances contributed to her earnings.
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Books & Advocacy – Duke authored memoirs and made speaking engagements tied to her mental-health advocacy, supplementing her income streams.
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Residuals & Licensing – Ongoing licensing of her earlier works, syndication of TV episodes, and royalties added a steady stream beyond her active years.
Each of these components contributed to her estimated US$10 million net worth.
Relationships & Family Life
While her professional life soared, Patty Duke relationships and personal life were deeply complex and closely covered by the media. She was married four times and had three children.
Key insights into Patty Duke’s relationships and personal life:
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Her first marriage was to director Harry Falk in 1965; the marriage ended in divorce in 1969 amid her early struggles.
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In 1970 she had a brief marriage (13 days) to music promoter Michael Tell, during which time she became pregnant with her son Sean.
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She married actor John Astin on August 5, 1972; the couple had a son Mackenzie, and Astin adopted her son Sean. They divorced in 1985.
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Her final marriage was to Michael Pearce in 1986; they remained together until her death. During their time together she focused on family life and advocacy work.
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Though her professional name remained “Patty Duke,” her legal names included “Patty Duke Astin” and later “Anna Duke-Pearce.”
Beyond the Spotlight – Lifestyle, Assets & Interests
Beyond career success, Patty Duke leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:
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A rural residence in Idaho, where she moved with Michael Pearce and embraced a quieter family life.
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Passion for mental-health advocacy, writing books such as Call Me Anna and Brilliant Madness: Living with Manic Depressive Illness, and speaking openly about her condition.
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Musical pursuits — she recorded songs and had a short musical career in her teens, including a Top 10 hit “Don’t Just Stand There.”
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Family-centred activities: supporting her sons (including actor Sean Astin) and grandchildren, and blending her personal story with philanthropy.
Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis
Patty Duke net worth is primarily evaluated around US$10 million, according to multiple sources. The breakdown below attempts to allocate value across different categories (though precise figures are not publicly detailed):
| Category | Estimated Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Business Ventures (acting & TV) | ~US$6 million | CelebrityNetWorth estimate |
| Brand Deals & Partnerships | ~US$1 million | Aggregated licensing income |
| Investments & Assets | ~US$3 million | Estimate based on residuals and property |
It’s important to stress that these numbers are estimates, and residual/licensing streams vary over time. Her early fame and syndication of her TV work provided ongoing value, and her advocacy added both reputational and income components.
Public Image, Legacy & Influence
Patty Duke remains regarded as a trailblazing figure: a child star who successfully transitioned to adult roles, an Oscar winner, and a union leader. Her public image combined talent, vulnerability and resilience. Her openness about bipolar disorder helped destigmatize mental-health issues, and her service as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1985-1988 underscored her leadership.
Her legacy endures through her children, notably actor Sean Astin, and through her advocacy work. In an era when mental-health discussions were taboo, she became one of the first prominent actors to step forward. Her birthday remains honoured by fans, and the phrase “Patty Duke net worth” continues to generate interest, reflecting her lasting resonance in pop-culture and entertainment economics.
Conclusion
From her December 14, 1946 age/birthdate to her final years, Patty Duke’s story is one of talent, transformation and tenacity. Her estimated net worth of US$10 million reflects a career that spanned child stardom, television success, advocacy and authorship. Her relationships and family life — though marked by complexity — formed a central part of her journey toward stability and purpose. Her birthday remains a moment to reflect on her impact, her voice, and her enduring legacy. In balancing fame with authenticity, she left behind not just numbers or roles, but a narrative of perseverance that continues to inspire.
