Remembering Patty Duke: A Warm Heart and a World of Stories
You know, when you think about Patty Duke, you don’t just remember a Hollywood legend—you remember someone who truly cared. William Jankowski, her close confidant for almost two decades, shares some heartwarming memories with Closer Weekly. “Patty wasn’t just about hugging her friends,” William says. “She’d give you a kiss on the lips, too. She wanted to know everything about you—how you were doing, how wonderful you looked. Patty made you feel like you were the most important person in the world.”
Over the years, Patty shared her affection and incredible showbiz stories with William. “I loved hearing all the Hollywood gossip,” he admits. These moments inspired the new book he co-wrote with Patty, In the Presence of Greatness: My Sixty-Year Journey As an Actress. “She was so down-to-earth and had this amazing sense of humor,” William recalls. Their friendship began in 1998 when he sent her a heartfelt letter. “We talked about so many personal things,” William says, showing just how deep their bond ran.
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From Stardom to Friendship: Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft
Anna Marie Duke, or “Patty” as her managers rechristened her, became a household name at just 16 for her unforgettable role opposite Anne Bancroft in the 1962 film The Miracle Worker. Their connection was one of Patty’s most cherished friendships. “She looked up to Anne with admiration and respect,” William remembers. “Anne was the first adult Patty felt she could truly admire.”
In her 20s, Patty faced immense challenges, including an undiagnosed bipolar disorder. During a manic episode, she married music promoter Michael Tell. Desperate and crying, she reached out to her former co-star for help. “Anne got her on a plane back to LA and into a psychiatric hospital,” William explains. The marriage was annulled, and Patty remained forever grateful to Anne for her unwavering support. “Knowing Anne was one of the greatest experiences of my life,” Patty once told William.
Patty and Anne in The Miracle Worker.
A Complicated Past: Patty Duke and Lucille Ball
Patty’s life wasn’t without its challenges, including a legendary feud with Lucille Ball. It all started when Lucy, a protective mother, objected to Patty’s romance with her teenage son, Desi Arnaz Jr. This led to the end of their relationship, and resentment simmered for years. But before Lucy passed away, something remarkable happened. “They were both at the same party,” William recalls. “Lucy, without saying a word, grabbed Patty’s hand, squeezed it, and smiled at her.” Patty later confided in William, “Whatever animosity there was, was gone, and I knew that Lucy loved me.”
Overcoming Struggles and Finding Love
In the 1980s, Patty received treatment for her bipolar disorder and became a passionate mental health advocate. She married Michael Pearce in 1986, a man she called the love of her life. Together, they adopted a son, Kevin. “She felt very guilty about her older children, actors Sean Astin and Mackenzie Astin, having to endure her many mood swings and even suicide attempts,” William reveals. “When she and Michael adopted Kevin, she felt she could give herself more emotionally.”
