RIP, Patty Duke and Garry Shandling

[PennySycamore]

Actress Patty Duke died earlier today of sepsis from a ruptured intestine.  She was 69.  Patty won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1962 for her role as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker.  This was a competitive Oscar and she was the youngest Oscar winner until Tatum O'Neal won for Paper Moon.

Patty suffered from bipolar disorder and was very vocal in talking about her mental illness and was a big advocate for mental health.  She leaves behind three children: Sean and McKenzie Astin and Kevin Pearce, three grandchildren and her fourth husband, Michael Pearce.

Patty Duke

Comic legend Garry Shandling died last week of a massive heart attack.  He was 66.  If you're not familiar with Garry's work, then you owe to yourself to get familiar with it.  Watch some things on youtube or see if you can find It's Garry Shandling's Show or The Larry Sanders Show on Netflix.  Be sure to watch Conan's great tribute to Garry that ran last week.  Garry was not only a brilliant comedian, he was a mensch.

Garry Shandling

 

[roddma]

Wow I didn't know about Patti Duke John Astin just turned 86.