Call Me Anna: The Autobiography of Patty Duke

Call Me Anna: The Autobiography of Patty Duke

by Patty Duke

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5490 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	338 pages

FREE

Call Me Anna: The Autobiography of Patty Duke is a captivating memoir that delves into the extraordinary life and career of one of Hollywood's most iconic stars. Patty Duke, known for her award-winning performances in films like The Miracle Worker and Valley of the Dolls, shares her raw and honest account of her journey through fame, addiction, and mental health challenges.

A Child Star's Rise

Patty Duke's career began at a young age. Born Anna Marie Duke in New York City, she made her acting debut at the age of seven in the Broadway play The Miracle Worker. Her portrayal of Helen Keller, a deaf and blind girl, earned her a Tony Award and critical acclaim. The success of the play led to her starring in the film adaptation, which won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress at just 16 years old.

Duke's early success came with its own set of challenges. Thrust into the spotlight at such a tender age, she faced immense pressure and scrutiny. She found herself struggling with the expectations and demands of the entertainment industry, which often took a toll on her personal life.

Addiction and Mental Health Struggles

In her autobiography, Duke candidly discusses her struggles with addiction and bipolar disorder. She recounts how she became addicted to prescription drugs in her teens and how her condition led to periods of mania and depression. Duke's mental health issues and addiction contributed to a tumultuous personal life, including several marriages and divorces.

Duke's openness about her mental health challenges is both courageous and inspiring. She reflects on the stigma surrounding mental illness and the importance of seeking help. Through her journey of recovery, she found support in therapy and medication, and she became an advocate for mental health awareness.

A Triumphant Return

Despite the challenges she faced, Patty Duke was determined to reclaim her life and career. In the 1980s, she made a triumphant return to acting. She starred in a number of successful television shows, including It Takes Two and Touched by an Angel. Duke's later work earned her further critical acclaim and solidified her status as a Hollywood icon.

In addition to her acting career, Duke also became a dedicated advocate for children with disabilities. She served as the International President of the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those with vision and hearing impairments.

A Legacy of Strength and Resilience

Call Me Anna is more than just a celebrity memoir. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Patty Duke's journey is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, recovery and redemption are possible. Her autobiography is a captivating read for fans of her work, students of mental health, and anyone who seeks inspiration from the story of an unforgettable woman.

Additional Information:

• Publication Date: 1988
• Publisher: Bantam Books
• ASIN: 0553052217
• Genre: Autobiography, Memoir, Hollywood History
• Awards: None

Call Me Anna: The Autobiography of Patty Duke

by Patty Duke

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5490 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	338 pages

FREE