The Heart And Soul Of Patty Duke: A Life Of Passion, Struggles, And Triumphs

There was no one quite like Patty Duke. The late star was more than just an actress; she was a force of nature who left an indelible mark on everyone she met. According to her confidant of nearly 20 years, William Jankowski, Patty had a way of making people feel truly special. "She would always want to know how you were doing and would tell you how wonderful you looked," William exclusively told Closer Weekly. "She was so warm and genuine. Patty had this incredible ability to make you feel like the most important person in the world." And if you were lucky enough to be one of her favorite people, you might even get a big kiss on the lips along with that heartfelt hug.

A Friendship That Lasted Decades

Over the years, Patty shared countless stories and moments with William, filling their conversations with both laughter and tears. "I loved hearing all the Hollywood gossip," William admits. Those private recollections eventually found their way into the new book they co-wrote, In the Presence of Greatness: My Sixty-Year Journey As an Actress. "She was so down-to-earth and had an amazing sense of humor," William recalls. Their friendship began in 1998 when William reached out to Patty with a heartfelt letter. From that moment on, their bond only grew stronger as they discussed everything from personal struggles to triumphs in the world of entertainment.

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Born Anna Marie Duke, Patty was rechristened "Patty" by her managers, and she quickly became a household name at the tender age of 16. Her breakout role opposite Anne Bancroft in the 1962 film The Miracle Worker launched her into stardom. The bond Patty formed with Anne became one of the most significant relationships in her life. "She idolized Anne," William remembers. "Anne was the first adult that Patty felt she could look up to with admiration and respect." Their connection was more than just professional; it was deeply personal and profoundly influential.

A Turbulent Journey Through Love and Loss

In her 20s, Patty faced numerous challenges, including an undiagnosed bipolar disorder. During a manic episode, she hastily married music promoter Michael Tell. Desperate and in need of help, she reached out to her former co-star. "Anne got her on a plane back to LA and into a psychiatric hospital," William recounts. The marriage was eventually annulled, and Patty remained deeply grateful to Anne for her unwavering support. "Knowing her was one of the greatest experiences of my life," Patty once told William. However, Patty also confided in William about her legendary feud with Lucille Ball. Lucy, a protective mother, disapproved of Patty's romance with her teenage son, Desi Arnaz Jr., and played a role in ending the relationship. This led to years of simmering resentment.

Patty and Anne in The Miracle Worker.

But before Lucy passed away, the two women found a way to reconcile. "They were both at the same party," William recalls. "Lucy, without saying a word, grabbed her hand, squeezed it, and smiled at her." Patty confided in her friend, "Whatever animosity there was, was gone, and I knew that Lucy loved me." In the 1980s, Patty sought treatment for her bipolar disorder and became a passionate advocate for mental health. She married Michael Pearce in 1986, a man she called the love of her life, and together they adopted a son. "She felt very guilty that her older children, actors Sean Astin and Mackenzie Astin, had to endure her many mood swings—even suicide attempts," William shares. "When she and Michael adopted Kevin, she felt she could give herself more emotionally."