The death of legendary actress Patty Duke, at age 69, triggered an outpouring of condolences on social media from the Hollywood community.
Melissa Gilbert, who worked with Duke on “The Miracle Worker” and “Family of Strangers,” issued a statement on Tuesday referring to Duke with her given name, Annie Marie Duke: “Anna was my dear friend, teacher, and a second mother. Her passing leaves a huge hole in my heart. She helped raise me to be the woman I am today. She was so loved by so many people including me. She had a mind-boggling depth of talent, a fantastic sense of humor and survived being a child actor in the worst of circumstances. Anna won every award possible as a performer and as a humanitarian, and it was all well-deserved — she was an extraordinary human being.”
“She got so many people to see mental illness as what it really is, and led the effort to de-stigmatize it,” the statement goes on. “She truly understood mental illness at its core and worked her entire life to help those who suffer from it.”
Actress Lynda Carter paid tribute to Duke as “a wonderful actress”:
“Very saddened on the passing of Patty Duke,” said actor William Shatner. “She was a wonderful friend on Twitter. Condolences to her family.”
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Actress Octavia Spencer extended condolences to Duke’s children, writing, “Sad to hear about #PattyDuke. My thoughts and prayers are with Sean and Mac.”
“Devastated to hear of the passing of the amazing Patty Duke,” wrote actress Holly Robinson Peete, calling her a “legendary actor” and “eloquent humanitarian.”
“Patty Duke has died,” tweeted actress Rose McGowan. “Thank you for sharing your talent with us for all these years. #neelyoharaforever“
Actress Alyssa Milano wrote, “Rest with the angels, Patty Duke. Thoughts and prayers are with all that love her.”
Actress Marlee Matlin wrote on Twitter: “Brave, outspoken & humanitarian who played Helen Keller in ‘Miracle Worker,’ Oscar winner Patty Duke passed. I will miss her. RIP.”
Actor Jerry Lawler wrote, “Sad to hear that our friend Patty Duke has passed away today. She was a talented and wonderful actress. R.I.P.”
“So saddened to hear about the death of my TV grandma Patty Duke,” wrote actor Joey Bragg, who worked alongside Duke on Disney Channel’s “Liv and Maddie.” “It was an honor to get to work with you. You’ve left a mark on this world that will be here long after I’m gone too. All my love to you and your family.”
“It is a difficult time for the union, and Anna’s death is another devastating loss to our union family. She was a committed unionist and a champion for her fellow members,” said SAG-AFTRA acting president Gabrielle Carteris. “I had the honor of working with Anna and she had an amazing energy, resolve and positive spirit. She will be sorely missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.”
