When Patty Duke died in March 2016, she left a lasting legacy. According to IMDb, she received three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, an Academy Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
She broke the previous record for the youngest Academy Award winner when she was given 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 famous people to openly discuss 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 topics as well as others. Through the Los Angeles Times, Duke stated in 1990, “I was terrified as I wrote the book. “You are concerned that if you disclose that you have a mental illness, people will think you are strange and unfit for employment”.
Duke’s son Sean Astin, known 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 work promoting mental health awareness.
According to the Los Angeles Times, he launched a crowdfunding campaign to establish the Patty Duke Mental Health Initiative. Still, he’s not the only member of the family carrying on Duke’s legacy in the entertainment business.
Patty Duke was a trailblazer in Hollywood who spent many years advocating for mental health issues. Given her enormous success on the stage, on the small screen, and in the movies, it’s not surprising that some of her kids also went into the business.
Two of Duke Astin’s children, Sean Astin and Mackenzie Astin, became actors. Following his selection for the lead in the 1985 action film The Goonies, Sean experienced tremendous success as a young actor. He later starred in several movies and TV shows, including the critically acclaimed Stranger Things and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Mackenzie gained early notoriety thanks to a significant role in The Facts of Life and guest spots on many other programs, such as Lost, House, Psych, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and NCIS.
The acting bug also bit Alexandria Astin (pictured left), a professional actress in Hollywood who co-starred with her father in The Lord of the Rings.
The similarity between Alexandria and her well-known grandma, who goes by the name “Ali” professionally, is well known. From their eyes to their grins, these two are exact replicas!
